It was a real pleasure to celebrate the PX Group’s 50th anniversary on Friday 4 September, surrounded by nearly 700 guests: staff, partners, customers, friends, retired employees, as well as numerous individuals who, in one way or another, have helped shape our Group’s history.
To mark this half-century of existence, we have chosen a venue that is emblematic of our region: the Salle de musique in La Chaux-de-Fonds (TPR). An exceptional setting for an anniversary celebration centered on passing on knowledge, innovation, passion and, above all, sharing. Celebrating 50 years is not just about looking back. It is about paying tribute to those who have built this journey, reflecting on how far we have come and, above all, looking ahead together to the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
The ceremony began with speeches by Mr Pierre Olivier Chave, Mr Sylvain Chave, Mr Philippe Chave and Mr Jean-Nathanaël Karakash, who looked back on the key milestones in the PX Group’s development, the ambitious projects that have been completed and those yet to come, as well as the paths that have crossed and the adventures that have not always been easy. From the PX Group’s early days to its development over the decades, the various testimonies served as a reminder of how trust, boldness, commitment and the ability to reinvent itself have characterised the Group throughout its history.
Then came a particularly eagerly awaited and symbolic moment in the celebrations: an exceptional film concert based on Charlie Chaplin’s “The Gold Rush”.
For nearly an hour and a half, the guests were immersed in the poetic, humorous and deeply human world of Charlie Chaplin, thanks to a screening of “The Gold Rush” accompanied live by the Orchestre des Jardins Musicaux, conducted by Mr Valentin Reymond. This choice was by no means coincidental. Through this masterpiece of silent cinema, Chaplin tells the story of a quest – for gold and success – but also of an adventure characterised by perseverance, difficulties, risk-taking, encounters and hope. These are themes which, in their own way, resonate with any entrepreneurial or industrial venture.
To bring this official part of the event to a close, speeches by Mr Jean-Daniel Jeanneret, Municipal Councillor for the City of La Chaux-de-Fonds, and Ms Florence Nater, Member of the Cantonal Council of Neuchâtel, highlighted PX Group’s deep roots in the local area, as well as its role and contribution to the regional economy.
The evening then continued with a cocktail reception, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. It was a special occasion to continue the discussions, catch up with one another and share some memories of these 50 years of history.
A lovely surprise also awaited all the guests, who were delighted to receive a copy of the book reporting the PX Group’s 50-year history.
This book traces the key moments that have shaped the group, the stages of its development, the choices and risks taken by its founder, as well as the crucial role played by the men and women who have contributed to its success. Drawing on numerous interviews and personal accounts, it gives a voice in particular to those who, for the past fifty years, have brought the PX Group to life on a daily basis and made the realisation of all its projects possible.
The narrative seeks to capture what makes the company unique, by tracing its key milestones: innovation and R&D, the central role of the customer in value creation, and the PX Foundation. Serving as a collective memory, a testament to the company’s culture and a forward-looking perspective, this book celebrates half a century of innovation and expertise in metal processing.
We are particularly pleased that this book has been produced entirely in Switzerland, from its writing and graphic design to its printing and binding.
A big thank you to Elisabeth Simonet, the author, who oversaw the editorial concept and writing, as well as to everyone who contributed to its production.
Since 1976, PX Group has grown thanks to the trust placed in us by those who have supported us. Fifty years is a significant milestone. It is an opportunity to look back with pride on the journey we have taken, to reflect on all that has been achieved over the decades, but also to look to the future with ambition and confidence.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone present for sharing this very special moment with us. Thank you also to those who, behind the scenes, have worked tirelessly for many months to organise this celebration, ensuring it lived up to this exceptional anniversary.
50 years of history.
An industrial and human adventure.
Values, expertise and connections.
And still so many projects to expect and chapters to write together.
