Elite, Swiss mattress, bed and boxspring manufacturer since 1895

HISTORY

A simple living and true story

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1895: the twentieth century that we have just left behind had not yet begun when Jules-Henri Caillet, master saddler-upholsterer in Aubonne, produced his mattresses, renowned throughout the entire region.

As wise entrepreneur, he sought to adapt progress, the watchword of the elders, to his business. For him, as for the generations to follow, progress would be part of making great mattresses combining artisanal craftsmanship and indispensable mechanisation, continuous quality, selection of the noblest natural materials, and the love of exceptional work.

Thus the Elite beds and mattresses, today as in the past, combine artisan know-how with the quality of rigorously selected natural support materials.

Developing in the era of the Lumière Brothers, this model of mattress production would remain faithful to its origins without ever ceasing to evolve throughout the generations. With the master saddler-upholsterer and his heirs, we have gone from a time when life expectancy was just 44 to our time where this has doubled thanks to the progress of hygiene in general and in particular bedding.

The advantage of a hundred-year-old company is that, in keeping with tradition, each generation tends to outperform the one that preceded it with research and applications, primarily for the benefit of the customer.

At Elite, tradition and technique combine to weave a simple living and true story.

A simple living and true story

1895

Creation of the Elite house

By Jules-Henri Caillet, master saddler-upholsterer on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

Elite History: Creation of the Elite house in 1895
Elite History: The Beginnings Of The Spring Mattress in 1946
1946

The Beginnings Of The Spring Mattress

Acquisition of an original patent for the assembly of spring mattresses, a great novelty following the war.

1965

New Factory

Elite is established in a new building in Aubonne town which is still the headquarters of the company today and the only production site of the brand.

Elite History: New Factory in 1965
Elite History: Elite Bed Model Patented  in 1969
1969

Elite Bed Model Patented

Right from the beginning, Elite beds and mattresses were greatly appreciated for their comfort and quality, especially by the Swiss hotel industry.

1975

Modern Versailles

In orange viscose, the Modern Versailles model reflects the spirit of the times while fulfilling the expectations of interior designers and architects of the seventies.

Elite History: Begin  Modern Versailles in 1975
Elite History: Transmission in 2006
2006

Transmission

Jules-Henri Caillet's granddaughter, Edith Caillet, hands the reins to François Pugliese, current CEO of Elite SA.

2007

Expertise And Know-How

The company modernises but ensures continuity of their expertise in bed manufacturing, with the use of exclusively natural materials and the know-how of tailor-made work and upholsterers.

Elite History: Expertise And Know-How in 2007
Elite History: Ecolabel certification in 2011
2011

Ecolabel certification

All the mattresses pass the TÜV tests and are awarded the European Ecolabel.

2011 - 2017

Expansion

Elite deploys a strategy of opening branded stores in 2011 in Paris, Milan, Rome, Moscow and Zurich. The movement accelerates in Switzerland in 2017 with Lausanne, Verbier, Sion and Basel/Riehen.

Elite History: Expanson between 2011 and 2017
Elite History: Smart Lease in 2012
2012

Smart Lease

After months of development, Elite launches the Smart Lease bed rental system for hotels.

2013

Innovation award

Elite is awarded 1st prize for innovation by the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute for its "Smart Lease" concept.

Elite History: Innovation award in 2013
Elite History: Creation Maestro in 2013
2013

Maestro

The hand-padded Maestro mattress and upholstered Windsor boxspring are the perfect base for a high level of comfort and a tailor-made finish.

2014

Development

With the acquisition of a local renowned cabinetmaker, the range and skills of Elite continue to grow.

Histoire d'Elite: Development in 2014
Elite History: Woodenboxspring in 2016
2016

Woodenboxspring

In partnership with the Bern University of Applied Sciences, Elite launches a bed combining frame and bed base entirely made of wood.

2017

Elite Design Award

Elite launches an international design competition open to all creators and designers.

Elite History: Elite Design Award in 2017
Elite History: ILifetime Warranty in 2018
2018

Lifetime Warranty

Elite introduces the lifetime warranty for its spring mattresses and boxspring beds.

 
The House of Elite
For 125 years, Elite has held the recipe for perfect sleep
 
Values
Respect, our corporate value
 
The Workshop
High quality materials and 100% artisanal Swiss manufacturing