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FLISCH Group, A Family Story
"My grandfather was a visionary: an intuitive creator and deeply humanistic."
Christelle Francis-Flisch.
The group, still family-owned, proudly adheres to the spirit of Félix Flisch: entrepreneurship, respect for nature, and the pursuit of excellence.
Félix Flisch, an inexhaustible walker at the heart of the Swiss Alps. (photo DR)
In the silence of the Swiss mountains, a visionary was born who would shape the future of a family. Félix Flisch, walker and inventor, laid the first stones of what would become the Flisch Group, a company synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
Once upon a time... Félix Flisch.
Born in 1914 in the canton of Grisons, Félix Flisch drew from his alpine roots the strength, rigor, and pragmatism needed to transform an idea into success.
Encouraged by his mother, he left home at a young age to learn about precision mechanics in the Neuchâtel region. During this apprenticeship period and his times of military mobilization, the idea of a revolutionary pruning shear began to take shape, inspired by the precision of watchmaking and the lightness of aluminum.
Encouraged by his mother, he left home at a young age to learn about precision mechanics in the Neuchâtel region. During this apprenticeship period and his times of military mobilization, the idea of a revolutionary pruning shear began to take shape, inspired by the precision of watchmaking and the lightness of aluminum.
Juliette, André, Félix, and Anne-Marie Flisch, who would later lead the company after her father.
1914
From watchmaking precision to tool excellence
After the war, determined and supported by his wife, Félix founded FELCO (Félix et Compagnie). With very few resources but an iron will, he set up his factory in Les Geneveys-sur-Coffrane, where he had served as a reservist. The commune had all the assets to realize his dream: an old dial factory, close to the railway, equipped with an adjoining family house, and offering a breathtaking view of the Southern Alps.
1945
Understanding the Importance of Sustainability
The launch of the FELCO 2 pruner in 1948 marked a turning point for Félix Flisch's young company, which was already thinking about interchangeability. Ahead of its time, the ingenuity and durability of this tool, with its replaceable blade, revolutionized the cutting tool industry.
Success quickly followed. Very soon, the brand began exporting to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and South Africa.
Success quickly followed. Very soon, the brand began exporting to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and South Africa.
1948
Excellence as a Legacy
The torch of Félix has been proudly carried through the generations.
In 1972, Anne-Marie, his eldest daughter, joined the family business, followed by her husband Eric, who took over the management of the factory. In the following years, the grandchildren of the third generation joined the group: Laurent and Pierre-Yves, and today, Christelle Francis-Flisch and Nabil Francis.
In 1972, Anne-Marie, his eldest daughter, joined the family business, followed by her husband Eric, who took over the management of the factory. In the following years, the grandchildren of the third generation joined the group: Laurent and Pierre-Yves, and today, Christelle Francis-Flisch and Nabil Francis.
1972
Commitment to Work
Félix was not just an entrepreneur; he was a man of the mountains, finding in mountaineering a reflection of his entrepreneurial values: humility, creativity, and tenacity. He sought harmony and believed that work should primarily be a source of fulfillment, treating each employee with respect and laying the foundation for a company culture that was innovative for its time and endures to this day.
In 1973, he penned his letter of commitment outlining his vision for the company.
In 1973, he penned his letter of commitment outlining his vision for the company.
1973
“We had to achieve positive results by motivating employees respectfully, without raising our voices and without resorting to piece-rate pay.
Note that this was a fairly new concept of business, and we were not aware of any industry where it was in effect.”
Note that this was a fairly new concept of business, and we were not aware of any industry where it was in effect.”
The FELCO commitment letter, written in 1973, is a promise of excellence, humanity, and mutual respect.
1989
Establishment of the First Subsidiary in Belgium
1992
Establishment of the North American Subsidiary
1999
Establishment of the South Africa Subsidiary
Pretat and the Constant Pursuit of Precision
In a constant quest for quality and strict adherence to environmental standards, Felco acquired Pretat in 1996. This company, specialized in forging, is located in the Swiss Jura. Forging is a state-of-the-art technique that allows the creation of high-quality, custom parts while minimizing material waste.
1996
Creation of the FLISCH Group
Félix passed away in 2001, leaving his grandson Laurent at the helm of the factory.
The brand had already achieved international recognition. Laurent, an engineer by training and sharing his grandfather’s innovative spirit, initiated the mechanization of production tools.
In 2004, the Flisch holding company was created, bringing together Felco and Pretat.
The brand had already achieved international recognition. Laurent, an engineer by training and sharing his grandfather’s innovative spirit, initiated the mechanization of production tools.
In 2004, the Flisch holding company was created, bringing together Felco and Pretat.
2004
Recognition of Innovation
FELCO received the Swiss Grand Prix of Design from the Federal Office of Culture, followed by the Innovation Prize from The Shapers, and the Innovation Award at the SITEVI trade show.
Our Engagement2005
Recognition of Innovation
FELCO received the Swiss Grand Prix of Design from the Federal Office of Culture, followed by the Innovation Prize from The Shapers, and the Innovation Award at the SITEVI trade show.
2018
ALPEN, for the Nature Crafters
Now led by Christelle Francis-Flisch, the group continues its quest for innovation and growth. Through its new agile and bold brand ALPEN, the group has achieved renewed success with the Wildhorn 32, a cordless electric pruner.
2022
The spirit of Félix Flisch continues to guide the FLISCH Group. His legacy has been proudly carried through generations. Today, Christelle Francis-Flisch (President of the group) and Nabil Francis (CEO of Felco and ALPEN) perpetuate the founder’s heritage.
Under the leadership of this latest generation, the FLISCH Group continues to innovate and grow, remaining true to the fundamental values of Félix Flisch.
The legacy of Félix Flisch continues to inspire, motivate, and guide the FLISCH Group towards excellence.
