Not every company can literally trace their origins back to still standing structures, particularly if its history goes back 150 years. To mark that anniversary, which will occur in 2016, Nestlé announced it will build a new visitor center in Vevey, Switzerland.
To make the occasion even more momentous, the brand will use the buildings formerly belonging to founder Henri Nestlé to construct the center.
“This new center marks our historical roots in Vevey and Switzerland,” says Paul Bulcke, Nestlé’s ceo. “From a small manufacturer of an innovative product, Nestlé has become, in 150 years, the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company. We are proud of our roots.”
The visitor center will include a recreation and discovery area for families, consumers and anyone interested in Nestlé. Made of glass, the center will also have a restaurant inside.
Nestlé plans to use the visitor center as an entrance to its other historical brand buildings. “Les Bosquets,” as the site is called, is located in the industrial zone behind the Vevey train station. The existing buildings — the former factory, Henri Nestlé’s administrative building “La Villa,” and the structure of the former bakery — will be renovated, with the visitor center connecting them.
“Visitors will meet and discover our company in the main building where they also learn about Nestlé’s past, present and future,” says Nestlé Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe.
The new visitor center will open in 2016.