micromechanics

Azurea Unipessoal Lda: Swiss expertise meets Portuguese industrial innovation

Since 2012, Azurea Unipessoal Lda has established itself as a benchmark in the field of microtechnology and watchmaking. Under the leadership of Vincent Skrzypczak, the Portuguese entity has undergone remarkable expansion, distinguishing itself by its ability to meet complex technical challenges while maintaining exceptional quality.

With a modern working environment and state-of-the-art production tools, Azurea Unipessoal Lda specializes in the manufacture of assembled components for watch movements.

With over 50 computer numerical control (CNC) machines, including 30 Tornos automatic lathes, Azurea Unipessoal Lda demonstrates how innovation and tradition can coexist harmoniously.

A strategic location and unique know-how

Created to meet the growing demand from the Azurea Group’s Swiss companies, the Portuguese subsidiary was set up in Maia, near Porto, an industrial hub renowned for its skilled workforce. “Duplicating our Swiss know-how in Portugal was a major challenge, but we were able to train and support our teams to achieve our objectives,” explained Vincent Skrzypczak, CEO of Azurea Unipessoal Lda. With a modern working environment and state-of-the-art production tools, Azurea Unipessoal Lda specializes in the manufacture of assembled components for watch movements. Technical challenges are met through close collaboration with Tornos, a key partner in machine selection and skills transfer.

Innovation at the heart of Tornos machines

At Azurea Unipessoal Lda, Tornos machines are the first key phase in production. “With models such as the SwissNano and EvoDECO, they enable us to meet our demanding precision and repeatability requirements.

The SwissNano, in particular, stands out for its ease of use and accessibility,” explained Vladimir Leitão, an expert on the production team. “They are highly intuitive machines, ideal for producing components down to diameters of less than 0.16 in. (4 mm), with optimum visibility of axis movements.”

EvoDECO models, equipped with independent tool systems, enable simultaneous roughing and finishing, thus improving productivity. In addition, TISIS and TB-DECO software offer powerful tools for synchronizing operations and  simplifying complex programming. Azurea has even adapted certain functions, such as bottom extraction on SwissNano machines, to meet its specific needs, illustrating its innovative spirit and need for verticalization.

A fruitful collaboration with Tornos

The acquisition and integration of Tornos machines, such as the EvoDECO and DECO models, have played a crucial role in Azurea Unipessoal Lda’s growth. “These machines enable us to produce complex components with unrivalled stability and repeatability. This perfectly meets the precision requirements of the watchmaking industry, where every micron counts,” Skrzypczak explained. The partnership with Tornos is not limited to machines. The Azurea Group invests in the in-house training of its employees to ensure that its know-how continues to thrive. These courses are taught by in-house trade experts or by service providers such as Tornos. Employees therefore benefit from regular technical training and responsive support to optimize the company’s manufacturing processes. 

“We worked closely with experts from Tornos Ibérica, particularly during the COVID period, to perfect our skills on TISIS and TB-DECO, ” Leitão emphasized. This training has enabled the team to take machine operation even further.

An ambitious future

“ Our aim is to stay at the forefront of innovation while anticipating market needs.”

In the space of 10 years, Azurea Unipessoal Lda has multiplied its production by 18 – growth supported by strategic investments in technology and skills. With 43,056 sq ft (4,000 m2) square meters of factory space and expansion projects underway, the company is positioning itself to integrate new technologies, including single- and multispindle solutions from Tornos. “Our aim is to stay at the forefront of innovation while anticipating market needs,” Skrzypczak added.

Shared values and a common vision

Azurea’s culture is defined by commitment, ambition and flexibility, values also embodied by Tornos. Combining Swiss precision and Portuguese dynamism, Azurea Unipessoal Lda perfectly illustrates the potential of internationalization. With partners like Tornos, the company is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges and continue to innovate for the watchmaking industry and beyond.