Symbio Advanced Technologies Switzerland SA, a subsidiary of the French group active in fuel cell production, has unveiled plans to construct a dedicated hydrogen research center in the industrial zone of Corminboeuf. The project, which has been in the planning stages for nearly two years, represents a significant advancement in Symbio’s commitment to innovation in hydrogen technology.
The investment, estimated at around CHF 12 million, covers the cost of the land and building, along with the acquisition of specific materials and equipment. The new facility will span a commercial plot of 6,600 square meters. The communal assembly of Corminboeuf had previously approved the land sale in December 2022, facilitating this ambitious project.
Currently housed within Michelin Research and Technology SA in Givisiez (canton of Fribourg), Symbio plans to transition to its own premises by the first quarter of 2026. This move will enable the company to enhance its development capabilities and gain operational independence. The new building, measuring 40 meters wide and totaling 2,500 square meters of workspace, will include a main hall with workshops, laboratories, test benches, and administrative areas over two floors. It will also feature a heat recovery system from technical installations to heat the premises.
Symbio, established at the end of 2019 by Michelin and automotive equipment manufacturer Faurecia (now Forvia), and recently joined by automotive group Stellantis, has shown rapid growth. From a modest beginning, the company has expanded to 750 employees, with plans to further increase its workforce in Corminboeuf to 35.
The proximity to Michelin’s research center will allow Symbio to continue using specialized measuring equipment, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining its expertise in fuel cell technology within the canton of Fribourg. This strategic location benefits from a strong subcontractor network and ongoing support from the canton of Fribourg’s Development Agency (FDA).
This development comes as Symbio also expands internationally, with significant investments in a large production plant in France and an assembly plant in the United States, highlighting its growing influence in the sustainable automotive industry.
