YBR – History - YBR Geologists SA

History

[1997 – present] Labor omnia vincit improbus

1997- Foundation and return to roots

YBR Geologists 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 renowned 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 geologist intern.

2007 – Integration of Mikaël Hänni

The transmission is organized

In 2007, Mr. Brechbühler's reputation in the fields of 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, university-trained in engineering geology and rock mechanics researcher, then working on special works projects for a geotechnical consulting office in Geneva, alongside his role as scientific collaborator at the University of Fribourg.

This duo was built between the two specialists on a demanding and concrete experience transfer, as well as anticipating future evolutions of the profession. Mr. Brechbühler passed on to Mr. Hänni – beyond theoretical excellence – what cannot be learned in books or courses: the practical feedback of a lifetime as a geotechnician and engineering geologist serving construction sites. Mr. Hänni gradually added modern methodologies and outlined future developments. This alchemy, based on independence of mind, rigor, passion for applied sciences, and inventiveness, became the office's DNA.

2008-2012 – Expansion of areas of expertise

Environment and Natural Hazards

From 2008, Mikaël Hänni proposed expanding the office's areas of expertise by developing two new activity sectors close to his heart: Environment and Natural Hazards.

Between 2008 and 2010, the office's expertise in contaminated sites and environmental consulting was created by Mr. Hänni: successfully, as this sector has since become one of the office's pillars.

From 2010, he created the natural risk management expertise (modeling of rockfall and flood phenomena, design of protective structures, etc.), the office becoming a pioneer in these modeling topics for the Jura arc.

2011-2016 – Strengthening resources and expertise

In 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 Geologists SA. Mikaël Hänni formally joined the management.

Client trust in the Brechbühler/Hänni duo and the expansion of services increased the workload. 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 with complementary scientific, technical, and human skills, Messrs. Hänni and Robert-Charrue decided that the office takeover at the end of 2016 would be done by two partners. Mr. Robert-Charrue joined the management team in 2014.

2017 – Transmission completed and modernization

On 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, preparation for growth.

The past achievements, strengthened by present methodologies, attracted historical clients and new customers. The staff grew from 4 employees in 2017 to 15 employees in 2025, with the arrival 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 France

YBR 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.fr

2025 – Strengthened proximity in Eastern French-speaking Switzerland

Opening of the Nyon branch

In Switzerland, YBR Geologists 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 expertise

To date, our company employs more than 15 employees in Switzerland, organized into five departments:

• GEOTEC: geotechnics, engineering geology, site management in special works and earthworks
• 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, strategy

YBR Geologists SA belongs to the Anticlinal Holding SA group (wholly 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 DNA of our office, 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.