What is First Track – Swiss Ski Factory 4.0?
First Track is not just any ski manufacturer. Based in the picturesque Verbier, Switzerland, it’s a next-generation development and production hub for riding equipment. The project is all about revolutionizing ski manufacturing by harnessing the power of Industry 4.0 technologies. Imagine a ski factory that’s smart, agile, and ready to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced market. That’s First Track. It serves small, medium, and large ski brands, ushering in a new era of flexibility and agility for their supply chains. Pretty cool, right?
Main Benefits of First Track
First Track offers a unique chance to reshape the ski industry with a fresh, sustainable, and collaborative approach. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Fast & flexible product R&D — no more waiting around for innovation to catch up.
- Swiss Made quality products — because precision and craftsmanship matter.
- Agile real-time production — keeping up with demand, no sweat.
- Increased sustainability — aiming for a greener footprint in ski manufacturing.
Services Offered by First Track
The project covers a broad spectrum of services tailored to meet diverse brand needs. For starters, their Research & Development is lightning fast and limitless when it comes to innovation — turning ideas into reality without the usual delays. Then there’s Custom Series Production, where they provide a range of pre-developed products, so brands can focus on what they do best: branding. They supply the shape, you supply the design. Bespoke Series Production takes it a step further with real-time series manufacturing, enhancing supply chains by delivering products exactly when needed. And if you’re stuck or need guidance, their Consulting service is there to tackle the big questions and support brand development.
Client Selection and Collaborations
First Track works with a diverse range of clients, from small startups to established giants. Some notable collaborations include:
- First Track x Decathlon
- First Track x Rossignol
- Simply – Swiss Made Skis
- ULL – Swiss Made Skis
- Valmont – Swiss Made Skis
- Five Star
- First Track x Movement
- NK Manufacture – Swiss Made Skis
These partnerships highlight the trust and versatility First Track brings to the table.
Highlights: Awards, Partners & Press Features
First Track’s innovative approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. The project has been featured and recognized by a variety of prestigious organizations and media outlets, including:
- ISPO Brandnew
- Cimark
- Verbier
- HES-SO
- EPFL
- The Telegraph
- PME Magazine
- Bilan
These highlights underscore First Track’s growing influence and credibility in the ski manufacturing world.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — through advanced Industry 4.0 technologies.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — by promoting sustainable manufacturing practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action — reducing environmental impact with efficient production methods.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — collaborating with brands and institutions to drive change.
Meet the Team Behind First Track
The brains and hands behind this innovative project are a tight-knit team of experts. Yoann Chapel, the Co-founder and Lab Captain, leads the charge in development. Selim Abdi, Co-founder and Head of Disruption, shakes things up with fresh ideas. Production is in the capable hands of Sampo Vallotton, while Elisa Baumeler-Berclaz ensures quality and logistics run smoothly. Together, they’re pushing the boundaries of what a ski factory can be.
