History[1997 – present] Labor omnia vincit improbus1997- Foundation and return to rootsYBR Géologues SA originated in 1997 when Yves-Alain Brechbühler founded in Neuchâtel an engineering geology and geotechnics office. Geologist and hydrogeologist, former assistant/researcher in soil mechanics at ETH-Zürich, then executive in several recognized offices in German-speaking Switzerland and the Lake Geneva region, Mr. Brechbühler – native of La Chaux-de-Fonds – then made a true return to his roots.The activity started in March 1997 under the sole proprietorship Yves-Alain Brechbühler Consulting Engineer SIA. The founder worked alone for nearly ten years, collaborating on call with a freelance draftsman and, between 2005 and 2007, with a part-time geology intern.2007 – Integration of Mikaël HänniThe transmission is organizedIn 2007, Mr. Brechbühler's reputation in geotechnics and engineering geology was well established within the regional construction economic fabric. The founder decided to hire a full-time geologist/geotechnician to assist him in engineering geology, geotechnical design, and to pass on his knowledge as a senior project manager. He chose Mikaël Hänni, also a geologist from La Chaux-de-Fonds, specialized in engineering geology and rock mechanics researcher, working on special works projects for a geotechnical consulting office in Geneva, alongside his role as a scientific collaborator at the University of Fribourg.This duo built between the two specialists on demanding and concrete experience transfer, as well as anticipating future profession developments. Mr. Brechbühler passed on to Mr. Hänni – beyond theoretical excellence – what cannot be learned in books or courses: the practical feedback of a lifetime geotechnician and engineering geologist serving construction sites. Mr. Hänni gradually added modern methodologies and outlined future evolutions. This alchemy, based on independence of mind, rigor, passion for applied sciences, and inventiveness, became the office's DNA.2008-2012 – Expansion of expertise areasEnvironment and Natural HazardsFrom 2008, Mikaël Hänni proposed expanding the office's expertise by developing two new activity sectors close to his heart: Environment and Natural Hazards.Between 2008 and 2010, the office's expertise pole in contaminated sites and environmental consulting was created by Mr. Hänni: successfully, as this sector has since become one of the office's pillars.Since 2010, he created the natural risk management expertise pole (modeling rockfall and flood phenomena, sizing protection structures, etc.), the office becoming a pioneer in these modeling topics for the Jura arc.2011-2016 – Strengthening resources and expertiseIn anticipation of the office's transmission process to Mr. Hänni planned for the end of 2016, the company name was changed in 2011. The office became YBR Géologues SA. Mikaël Hänni formally joined the management.Client trust in the Brechbühler/Hänni duo and the expansion of services increased the workload. The freelance draftsman Line Berset was hired full-time.At Mr. Hänni's request, Charles Robert-Charrue joined the team in 2012 as a recognized specialist in underground works (tunnels) and structural geology, strengthening the office's expertise in these fields. The staff then reached 4 full-time employees. Between 2013 and 2016, these methods and expertise were consolidated.Sharing a common strategic vision for the office's future and their complementary scientific, technical, and human skills, Messrs. Hänni and Robert-Charrue decided that the office takeover at the end of 2016 would be by two partners. Mr. Robert-Charrue joined the management team in 2014.2017 – Transmission completed and modernizationOn January 1, 2017, the full buyout of the company by Messrs. Hänni and Robert-Charrue was finalized. The founder then enjoyed a well-deserved retirement.From 2017, the new leaders implemented a modernization plan: software and hardware investments, process structuring, growth preparation.The past achievements, reinforced by present methodologies, attracted historical clients and new customers. The staff grew from 4 employees in 2017 to 15 in 2025, with arrivals of geotechnical engineers (ETH or polytechnic), specialists in contaminated sites and environment, CHYN hydrogeologists, geothermal specialists, pedologists, as well as technical draftsmen, 3D modelers, and a complete administrative team (HR + accounting).The growing staff made structuring into departments necessary (see below). The geotechnical department has been led by Émilie Decrausaz (civil engineer EPFL specialized in geotechnics) since 2023, the CAD department by Stéphanie Donner since 2024. The other departments are led by Messrs. Hänni and Robert-Charrue.2021–2022 – Establishment in FranceYBR Geotechnics Environment (Paris)Driven by Mr. Hänni's international commitments (expertise, associations, and geotechnical working groups) and successful collaborations on large-scale sites, various economic actors in the Paris market showed interest in YBR methods.After market study, the company YBR Geotechnics Environment was created in 2021 in Paris, with the official inauguration of our offices in the 9th arrondissement in 2022.After a phase of establishment, prospecting, and reputation building, word of mouth operates: dozens of missions have since been successfully carried out for private clients and public authorities (City of Paris, hospitals, etc.).Although the Swiss and French companies are legally distinct, a strong synergy exists within the group: shared methods, specialists mobilized on both sides as needed, working groups, methodological transfers.More information at www.ybrfrance.fr2025 – Strengthened proximity in Eastern French-speaking SwitzerlandOpening of the Nyon branchIn Switzerland, YBR Géologues SA also sees its clientele expand. Through the trust relationship created, many partners and clients call on our services for missions in the Geneva region, La Côte, and adjacent Jura arc regions. To serve them with perfect responsiveness and proximity, management decided to open a new dedicated structure in the nerve center of this region: the Nyon branch has been serving our clientele since summer 2025.Two new employees – experienced geotechnicians with strong regional experience – started the same year in our new premises in Eysins (Nyon, VD).Today – An integrated, independent, and ethical expertiseTo date, our company employs more than 15 employees in Switzerland, organized into five departments:* GEOTEC: geotechnics, engineering geology, special works and earthworks project management* GEO-ENV: geology, hydrogeology, contaminated sites, geothermal energy, pedology, natural hazards and environmental protection* CAD: technical drawing, 2D and 3D CAD modeling, GIS* INSTRUMENTATION-TESTS: vibration measurements, displacement measurements, piezometric measurements* ADMIN: administration, accounting, HR, strategyYBR Géologues SA belongs to the Anticlinal Holding SA group (fully owned by Messrs. Hänni and Robert-Charrue), free of any external participation, guaranteeing independence and ethics.The current team is a living testimony of what makes the office's DNA, namely a conscious blend of decades of experience coupled with the avant-garde and dynamism of the new generation of scientists and engineers. The interactions between our interregional and international structures constitute a performance lever serving our clients and an exciting working environment for our employees
