A world premiere!
Proxipel inaugurates the first fully integrated mobile pellet production unit in Gimel and launches its industrial development.
Préverenges, June 18, 2026
Proxipel today inaugurated the first Proxiflex unit to go into operation at its client Lémanpellet’s facility in Gimel (VD). Developed in Switzerland, this innovative technology makes it possible to produce pellets directly near the forest resource and consumption sites, paving the way for a new generation of short energy supply chains.
Held at the Lémanpellet production site, the event brought together nearly 100 participants from the business, forestry, energy, institutional, and political sectors. Notable figures in attendance included Mr. Vassilis Venizelos, a member of the Vaud State Council; Mr. Raphaël Conz, Head of the Office for Economic and Innovation Promotion of the Canton of Vaud; Mr. Daniel Zürcher, Head of the Innovation Section at the FOEN; and Ms. Katrin Vetsch, President of Holzenergie Suisse.
Innovation in Support of the Energy Transition
Proxipel develops solutions for locally converting forestry byproducts, wood waste, and agricultural residues into renewable energy. Its Proxiflex technology represents a unique innovation in the field of mobile pelletization. Installed directly at biomass production sites, it reduces transportation, makes use of previously underutilized resources, and strengthens regional energy self-sufficiency.
As part of the Lémanpellet project, this first unit demonstrates the industrial feasibility of a model based on the circular economy, the utilization of local resources, and the reduction of the carbon footprint.
View of the right side of the Proxipel mobile unit
A concrete response to energy and environmental challenges
Against a backdrop marked by the need to reduceCO2 emissions and strengthen energy independence, Proxipel offers a practical solution for local governments, forest owners, and stakeholders in the timber industry.
In particular, this technology makes it possible to:
- reduce the distances over which biomass is transported
- reduce logistics-related emissions
- to make better use of underutilized forestry and agricultural byproducts
- contribute to the development of local renewable energy
- strengthen the autonomy of local regions
This approach is fully in line with the decarbonization and energy transition goals pursued by public authorities and economic stakeholders.
A major milestone in Proxipel’s development
The inauguration of this first facility marks a major milestone for Proxipel. With Proxiflex now operational at Lémanpellet, the company has validated its business and industrial model and is now moving into its industrialization phase.
Two new units have already been ordered and will be built in 2026. The company plans to sell six machines in 2026 and fifteen units in 2027, with a focus on expanding into the Swiss and French markets. Starting in 2028, Proxipel plans a gradual international expansion into Europe, North America, and South America.
An ecosystem united around a shared vision
The event gave participants the opportunity to see the Proxiflex unit in operation and to discuss issues related to the local utilization of biomass.
Customers, suppliers, industry partners, investors, representatives of local governments, and stakeholders in the wood industry turned out to support this initiative. Proxipel would like to thank all participants, as well as the cantonal and municipal authorities in attendance, for their interest and support.
Some of the participants gathered around Lémanpellet’s Proxiflex mobile unit.
“Proxipel demonstrates that the energy transition is no longer just an ambition: it is already underway thanks to innovations that strengthen our energy independence and make the most of our regions’ resources.” Mr. Vassilis Venizelos, Vaud State Councilor.
“Proxipel embodies the potential of innovation in Vaud: transforming local resources into sustainable economic value that benefits our regions.” Mr. Raphaël Conz, Head of the Department of Economic and Innovation Promotion for the Canton of Vaud.
Speakers for the day: Raphaël Conz, Head of SPEI; Daniel Zürcher of the FOEN; Katrin Vetsch, President of Holzenergie Suisse; Richard Pfister, CEO of Proxipel; State Councilor Vassili Venizelos; Emmanuel Guex, President of Proxipel; and Laurent Balsiger, President of Lémanpellet and Director of SEFA.
“This innovation perfectly illustrates the potential of local, circular, and efficient utilization of wood as a resource. It serves as a concrete means of strengthening regions’ energy self-sufficiency while helping to combat climate change.” Ms. Katrin Vetsch, President of Holzenergie Suisse.
About Proxipel
Based in Switzerland, Proxipel develops innovative solutions for the local production of wood pellets designed to sustainably utilize forest resources and wood byproducts. Its mission is to bring energy production closer to the source in order to reduce transportation, strengthen local supply chains, and contribute to a more resilient energy transition.
Beyond wood-based energy, Proxiflex technology offers broader application potential. Thanks to its flexibility, it can process various raw materials of agricultural, forestry, or organic origin into pellets for energy production, as well as for the manufacture of fertilizers, animal feed, bedding, and other value-added products.
About Lemanpellet
Founded in 2023 by SEFA, AGFORS (Association of the Serine Forestry Group), the Saubrette Forestry Group, and Proxipel, Lémanpellet’s mission is to produce and market pellets made from local biomass using a model based on short supply chains and the circular economy. The company contributes to the development of a regional wood-energy sector that creates value for forests, municipalities, and the local economy, while strengthening energy self-sufficiency.
Press Contacts
Proxipel SA
Richard Pfister
CEO
Tel +41(0)79 333 24 86
ZI Le Trési 2, CH – 1028 Préverenges
r.pfister@proxipel.com
Lémanpellet SA
Laurent Balsiger
President
Tel +41(0)21 821 5202
contact@lemanpellet.ch
Chemin Lucien Chevallaz 5, CH – 1170 Aubonne
Proxipel Key Figures
- First Proxiflex unit to be inaugurated in 2026
- Nearly 100 people attended the event
- 2 additional units have already been ordered
- 2026 Goal: 6 units sold
- Goal for 2027: 15 units sold
- International rollout planned for 2028
