1820
Originally from Alsace, entrepreneur Martin Burrus moved to Boncourt, in the canton of Jura, where he began producing tobacco products. His son François-Joseph Burrus took up the baton and named the company F.J. Burrus. The F.J. Burrus company remained in the family for nearly 200 years, or 6 generations.
1916
As the first company in Switzerland to develop family allowances, health insurance and retirement plans for its employees (from 1936), F.J. Burrus quickly became a pioneer of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Switzerland.
1928
Martin’s successor, Léon, Albert and Odile's son, and his wife Marguerite (nicknamed Guigui) built a house, the Domaine de Guilé, whose name is a combination of their respective first names, where their spirit, values and family heritage could be shared.
1979
Building his commercial successes, Charles, Léon's eldest son, who joined the company in 1958, rose to the presidency of the family business, which was then the largest private-sector employer in the Jura.
1996
Following the sale of the family company, Charles and Bernadette, his wife, created Fondation Guilé whose aim is to enable the heads of multinationals to appropriate the tools necessary to become ethically responsible actors.
1997
Charles and Bernadette Burrus created Fondation Novandi. Their aim is to prioritise and promote, first among young people in Switzerland and later among those responsible for initiatives and achievements, the respect for human dignityand the universal values attached to it.
2011
Following the death of Charles Burrus, the activities of Fondation Novandi and Fondation Guilé continue. Charles Burrus’ family remains fully involved in both foundations. Christian Budry was appointed President of Fondation Novandi. Régis Burrus, the eldest son of Charles and Bernadette, was appointed President of Fondation Guilé and Vice-President of Fondation Novandi. By continuing the work undertaken by his parents, Régis Burrus continues to transmit his family’s values to this day.
2020
Following the death of Christian Budry, Régis Burrus was appointed President of the foundation and Bernadette Burrus was appointed Vice-President.
2025
The Foundation Board continues to made up of the descendants of the founding members, thus ensuring the continuity of their initial wishes.
