History
Swiss luxury bed system manufacturers since 1895
A simple living and true story
For 130 years now, Elite has been making luxury bespoke mattresses, box spring bed bases, bed frames and beds in its factory in Aubonne, in the finest tradition of Swiss artisanry.
Bringing together expertise, innovation and a commitment to sustainability, today Elite is internationally acclaimed as the last word in ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Read more about the key dates in the history of Elite on this timeline – a testimony to our constant quest for excellence, comfort and responsibility.
1895
The Elite manufactory is founded in Aubonne
Master saddler and upholsterer Jules-Henri Caillet sets up Elite in the small town of Aubonne on the shores of Lake Geneva. Right from the outset, he aims to produce high-quality, hand-upholstered artisanal beds filled with natural materials, designed with sleepers’ comfort and health in mind.
1946
Springs are introduced in Elite mattresses for the first time
After the Second World War, Elite introduces springs in its mattresses. The patented technical breakthrough improves comfort and back support; innovation becomes a core pillar for the brand.
1953
A family business
Robert and Yvonne’s son Maurice Caillet officially takes over the company at the age of 21, making him the third in a dynasty of saddlers and upholsterers in Vaud. Just a few years later, his sister Edith Caillet joins the company alongside her brother and mother.
1965
The Aubonne manufactory is extended
To meet growing demand, Elite expands its factory on land bordering the new A1 motorway between Lausanne and Geneva.
1969
An exclusive patent is lodged for an innovative bed base
Using his expertise as a master saddler and upholsterer and building on his research into ergonomic support and durability, Jules-Henri Caillet designs a bed base with a unique spring system.
1975
Versailles Moderne
In step with its times, Elite launches the Versailles Moderne – a blend of avant-garde styling and comfort in orange viscose. The bed bears witness to the firm’s links with interior architects and designers.
1995
Centenary celebrations and a fresh commitment to sustainability
Elite celebrates its centenary and reasserts its commitment to the manufacture of made-to-measure beds. Artisanry and the use of noble materials remain key components of the brand.
2006
Handing over the reins and preserving family heritage
Jules-Henri Caillet’s granddaughter Edith Caillet hands over the management of Elite to François Pugliese. Under his leadership, Elite remains true to its artisanal roots whilst also looking to new horizons, combining Swiss tradition and innovation.
2007
Upholding artisanal knowhow
Elite reasserts the core characteristics of its brand: hand quilting, natural material fillings, refined finishings, expertise in bespoke work and upholstery. Each bed is a unique piece, ensuring durability and personalised comfort, made with passion by Aubonne craftspeople.
2011
Elite becomes the first bed manufacturer to obtain EU-Ecolabel certification
Elite becomes the first bed maker to obtain EU-Ecolabel accreditation. All mattresses are rated ‘Excellent’, passing the TÜV tests with flying colours. The distinction underscores the firm’s commitment to manufacturing environmentally-friendly bed systems without compromising on quality or comfort.
2013
Innovation award
Elite’s Smart Lease service receives First Prize for innovation from the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute.
2014
Harnessing local expertise
Elite buys out a joinery firm in Vaud to secure its independence and promote regional artisanal resources. The initiative further highlights the brand’s local, sustainable and quality-focused ethos.
2018
Lifetime warranty
Elite introduces a lifetime warranty for its spring mattresses and box spring bed bases. Such a degree of commitment is rare in the business, and embodies our absolute confidence in the quality of our products.
2018
"Les nuits d’Elite" talks
To raise awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep and the importance of bed systems in achieving one, Elite partners with sleep physicians to launch a series of talks aimed at the general public.
2019
New outlets
Elite implements a new strategy of opening boutiques to provide exclusive, high-quality support. Stores open in Paris, Milan, Rome, Moscow, Zurich and later in Lausanne, Verbier, Sion and Basel-Riehen.
2019
Digital support
Elite launches an online mattress selector: a digital tool allowing consumers to identify the ideal mattress for them, based on their body shape and comfort preferences.
2020
125 years of excellence
Elite celebrates its 125th anniversary. Despite the pandemic, the firm invests in its Aubonne facility to prepare for the post-pandemic recovery, support local craftsmanship and protect jobs. New boutiques also open in Geneva, Crans-Montana and Saint-Moritz, reinforcing Elite’s high-standing reputation.
2021
National expansion
Elite continues to expand across Switzerland, with new boutiques opening in Basel, Bern and Lugano. Each location becomes a venue where customers can find out just how important it is to see sleep as a treatment in its own right.
2022
International growth
Elite sets up in Shanghai, bringing Swiss expertise to the heart of Asia.
2022
Energy autonomy
The firm achieves an environmental milestone in Aubonne with the installation of 386 solar panels with the capacity to provide enough power for all production requirements.
2023
Neuchâtel welcomes Swiss sleeping expertise
Elite opens a new store in Neuchâtel, further strengthening its network in French-speaking Switzerland. The opening highlights the firm’s desire to stay close to its customers and make the bespoke comfort for which it is renowned as accessible as possible.
2024
All-green production
The Aubonne factory is equipped with a heat pump: all output now uses only renewable energy.
2024
Athletes and sleep
Elite becomes the official mattress supplier for the Tudor Pro Cycling team, supporting professional athletes as they recover by ensuring high-performance restorative sleep.
Still moving forward
From 1895 right through to the present day, Elite has been writing its story with the same passionate commitment: combining Swiss craftsmanship, technological innovation and care for the environment to create much more than a bed: the very best in rest, fulfilling the promise of a really good night’s sleep.