“We have space, the skills and the motivation”

“Come in! Welcome! A coffee? You can put your things here. A glass of water?” There’s absolutely no doubt that Patricia Somma is one of those people with boundless energy and a cheerful nature. An enthusiasm in stark contrast with the sterile environment of a chemical analysis laboratory. Having joined HYDRO in 2023 as a laboratory technician, Patricia Somma applied for the position of Laboratory Manager in autumn 2025 following the departure of Florence Charvoz-Fournier. “My appointment was a major vote of confidence and a happy event, albeit tinged with sadness because it followed the departure of Florence, a friend who left the company in search of new challenges and with whom I had thoroughly enjoyed working.”

Services for municipalities, hospitals, public transport, etc.

At the heart of the central workshops in Martigny, the laboratory boasts cutting-edge equipment enabling it to provide services to a wide range of customers. “We analyse two types of oil: lubricating oil, which we can find at HYDRO in all the mechanical parts of the facilities, and so-called “insulating” oils that are found in the transformers.” The real backbone of our electrified civilisation, transformers are essential in transporting electricity. Without them, there would be no Internet, no public lighting, no industry, etc. “By analysing their oil, we can detect potential malfunctions”, explains Patricia. A diagnostic which, when processed by an engineer, will allow us to take action and avoid a breakdown. “We are fully committed to the predictive maintenance process that HYDRO offers its clientèle.” And the laboratory doesn’t work solely for the owners of hydroelectric facilities, but also for public transport operators, municipalities, hospitals, shopping centres, the watchmaking industry and many others.

Responsiveness, skills, enthusiasm

A wide-ranging clientèle that appreciates the responsiveness of the laboratory. “We undertake to complete analyses within 10 days of receiving the samples, and if it is an urgent job, we can even do it within 48 hours!” says Patricia, casting a furtive glance at Victor Garrido, who nods in agreement. The young lab technician arrived in November 2025 as her replacement, and the new duo are gradually finding their rhythm.

“During the storms of 2024, we performed the equivalent of one month’s worth of analyses in just two weeks in order to check for any damage to the facilities”, a challenge that Patricia Somma recalls with great pride. Far from worrying that the laboratory will develop and even expand the range of services it offers, she would welcome such an opportunity. “We have space, the skills and the motivation, and HYDRO is always ready to invest in equipment whenever necessary.” The new Laboratory Manager enjoys this dynamic and the corporate culture within the company. “Every morning, I am pleased to come to work. There is a pleasant work environment where quality is a byword, my colleagues are friendly and every year, we enjoy a memorable staff day, like the excursion on the Aletsch Glacier in 2025.” At the end of the table, Victor raises an eyebrow: “I’m looking forward to experiencing one! Just the end-of-year dinner was already great.”