in the Puy-de-Dôme - Comité Expansion Economique du Puy de

Puy-de-Dôme
Setting up
long-term business
Search, select, start up
© Cover photo : ra2 studio - Fotolia.com - Translation: Metaform-Langues
www.expansion63.com
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 1
16/10/12 09:25
© ADDT63/planetepuydedome.com
Establish a lasting
the Puy-de-Dôme
Puy-de-Dôme
presence inin the
Businesses looking to establish a lasting presence in the Puy-de-Dôme will benefit
from the county’s strong working values, a skilled workforce, increasing investor appeal,
a wealth of human resources and a rich heritage in a secure and preserved environment.
The Puy-de-Dôme is home to one-third of Auvergne’s farms, with
agricultural output based on three core sectors: milk, meat and field
crops (Limagne). As in the rest of the region, four out of every ten
farms engage in complementary operations to increase their value.
Forestry, still an under-exploited resource, covers 30% of the county
of Puy-de-Dôme and represents considerable wealth in terms of the
volumes that are mobilised and processed by the various operators
working in the forestry sector. The Puy-de-Dôme boasts 40% of the
Auvergne region’s timber businesses, and in terms of volume is ranked
as France’s 5th county for the production of wood.
The provision of wood as an energy source is a growing business
that is being supported by the county council with a view to achieving
sustainable development. Companies involved in primary and
secondary wood processing are expanding.
Auvergne Promobois is an inter-professional association that responds
to businesses in the sector looking for technical support.
Michelin, which no longer needs an introduction, Volvic (Danone),
Limagrain and Constellium are representatives of the Puy-de-Dôme’s
sectors of excellence, built on research and innovation in agri-food,
material manufacture and mechanics.
Alongside other long-standing companies such as Aubert et Duval in
the Combrailles area, Sanofi, Merck, Théa and CSP, they have enabled
the development of structured centres of excellence in aeronautics,
nuclear energy and pharmaceutics.
In the metal industry, recent innovative facilities such as a processing
plant for titanium sponges, a vacuum induction furnace (Aubert et
Duval) and a high-powered press (Constellium), of which there are
only a few units worldwide, provide a guarantee of a high level of
activities for the next 10 or 15
years to come.
The Clermont Limagne Biopôle,
which is sponsored by the
wider Clermont-Ferrand local
authorities and has already
reached a significant size
(765 jobs and 35 companies),
is continuing its expansion
and is now offering 20,000 m²
of fitted premises.
All of this has helped implement
a coherent network of project
engineering skills, support
operations and sub contracting.
2
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 2
16/10/12 09:25
© Sanofi Vertolaye
Diversified and dependable
traditional sectors
Competitive clusters
of world renown
Laboratoires MSD-Chibret © Philippe Chagnon - ESSOP
© Réalisation : Comité d’Expansion Économique du Puy-de-Dôme
Lastly, a rich and diverse industrial network of SMEs/SMIs working
in traditional sectors serves as an additional asset to the county’s
economy. One of the most iconic examples is the knife manufacturing
industry in Thiers, which, following a difficult period, is now recovering
thanks to the quality of its products and the creativity of its companies.
© PLASTYROBEL
© FORGINAL
A proactive environment boasting academic,
technological and financial expertise
Initiatives taken by the Auvergne
Regional Council and the county
of Puy-de-Dôme have led to a
proactive policy in terms of ITC.
Auvergne was the first region in
France to launch a programme to
extend full broadband coverage to
all its territory. Another programme
to develop the availability of very high speed
broadband in Auvergne is ongoing. The approach
adopted is outlined in a public document entitled
Schéma Directeur Territorial de l’Aménagement
Numérique. The consultation process is
underway and the first installations are expected
for the end of 2013.
Funding for investments and support for job
creation are the particular focus of attention since
region-wide fundraising took place in 2011, with
the creation of a specific fund (FIAD – sustainable
investment fund for Auvergne) worth more than
€20.5 m.
Such initiatives support the creation, installation
and development of significant SMEs/SMIs
and more modest businesses working on
development projects.
The procedures put in place ensure these projects
are processed quickly.
© Sanofi Vertolaye
Laboratoires MSD-Chibret © Philippe Chagnon - ESSOP
© APRV
© ENSCCF / Joël DAMASE
RobuFAST, a mobile robotic platform
for high speed control tests in the natural
environment – Irstea
© Roland LENAIN / Irstea
The Puy-de-Dôme is also home to two universities (Université d’Auvergne and
Université Blaise Pascal), high-ranking third-level schools (IFMA, ISIMA, Ecole
Nationale Supérieure de Chimie Clermont-Fd, VetAgroSup, Polytech Clermont-Fd
and the Ecole Nationale du Génie Rural des Eaux et Forêts) and research centres
such as the INRA, INSERM and CNRS; together they represent more than 35,000
students and researchers.
Most of the laboratories in these universities rank highly in national evaluations,
and there are a few gems such as CLERVOL (Centre Clermontois de la Recherche
sur le Volcanisme) or the Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC) which enjoy
international renown. The same is true of the Centre International de Chirurgie
Endoscopique (CICE).
Businesses looking to establish a presence in the Puy-deDôme will therefore benefit from economic, social and
environmental conditions that have generated a company
survival rate of 66.5% in Auvergne, which compares very
favourably compared to the national average.
They will benefit from a welcome that is tailored to each
project: support in choosing a site and getting to know the
economic environment, funding application assistance,
networking support for staff recruitment, and a welcoming
environment for families.
Against a highly competitive backdrop, we will work alongside
you ensuring that your newly-established presence in our
county will be built on reliable and lasting relationships.
Jacques FOURNET
President of the Comité d’Expansion
Economique du Puy-de-Dôme
3
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 3
16/10/12 09:25
An exchange-based
An
© Synpa
economy
Business parks and firms
In 2012 exports from the Puy-de-Dôme represented nearly €4 billion
and more than half of all exports from Auvergne. The most important
export sectors are also the most innovative and organised, notably the
food industry, pharmaceuticals, rubber products, plastics, metallurgy
and metal products.
The EU represents half of all exports and nearly 60% of imports.
This infrastructure network is completed by the creation of business
parks with significant premises near consumer and employment hubs
and in direct contact with the flow of these exchanges.
Where the motorways meet
Served by three motorways (A71, A75 and A89), the Puy-de-Dôme has
reduced driving times and costs, notably thanks to toll-free sections
for most of the A75 to Spain (63,000 vehicles a day on average).
To offer the best conditions for shipping, transport and logistics firms, the
Parc Logistique Clermont Auvergne offers 150 ha managed by Clermont
Communauté with a wide range of real estate and services. Currently
40 firms employing 933 people have moved to the business park. Some
of the largest firms on the site include Omnitrans and Transports Plane.
To the North, in Combronde, the Parc de l’Aize, an important regional
hub, proves that the term European Crossroads is much more than
just a concept.
An East-West axis (A89) from Bordeaux to Clermont and Turin reduces
travel time for big rigs from Clermont to Turin to 6 h 30 min while
a North-South axis puts Clermont-Ferrand at only 7 h 30 min from
Barcelona.
All traffic, including trucks, is intensifying (36,000 vehicles/day
on average for the A71 and between 20,000 and 40,000 for
the A89).
The county, which is located halfway between Northern
Europe and Spain, and very close to Paris and Rhône-Alpes
markets, and by extension to Italy, is now only a day away
from a market of 100 million consumers.
4
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 4
16/10/12 09:25
© Syndicat Mixte du Parc de l’Aize
Telecommunication infrastructures
© Jérôme CHABANNE
Today the county of Puy-de-Dôme is fully equipped with extensive motorway infrastructures.
The latest major construction project on the A89 motorway now places the Rhône-Alpes region at only 1 h 30 min
from Clermont-Fd. As for rail, the future POCL high-speed line (Paris / Orléans / Clermont-Ferrand / Lyon) will not
only relieve saturation on the current Paris-Lyon axis, but also ensure a link from Paris to Clermont-Ferrand in less
than 2 hours and a better connection between Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon in less than 1 h 30 min. While the project
is not scheduled for completion before 2025, opportunities for investment must be considered and acted on today.
Clermont Auvergne airport is also concerned with the reorganisation of its terminal and the creation of a shopping
centre, as well as upgrading of the runway to current standards and new markings.
© Syndicat Mixte du Parc de l’Aize
A central forwarding platform at the heart of France, it offers links to French
economic hubs as well as all Dascher agencies within a maximum of 48 hours. It
is destined to become a real European Crossroads, with an important development
potential towards Europe, thanks to the connection between Clermont-Ferrand and
other Eurohubs in Saarbrücken and Bratislava. Eventually direct links are expected
between not only Germany and Belgium, but also with Spain, Italy, the Netherlands
and Portugal.
After creating around one hundred jobs, extension of the site will offer new
perspectives in terms of employment.
© Jérôme CHABANNE
DASCHER has just set up its only French Eurohub here, the third such hub after
Germany and Slovakia. The group’s spokesman explains this choice: "The Eurohub
concept contributes to the mobility and fluidity of merchandise throughout Europe.
Our three Eurohubs already link 160 destinations in 30 European countries."
More generally, in order to coordinate responses to national and international
tenders, professionals in the sector have joined forces within Auvergne Logistique
Développement representing 3,000 employees, 2,600 vehicles, 4 rail spurs and
280,000 m² of storage space.
The association also strives to raise awareness among its members of the French
charter to reduce CO2 emissions.
Finally, to complete this offer, a range of training programmes has been set up
from secondary school to university level. These training programmes are run by
the AFT IFTIM, CCI Formation, Polytech and Groupe ESC. They cover all the needs
of the logistics chain and provide the sector with qualified staff.
© Jérôme CHABANNE
© Syndicat Mixte du Parc de l’Aize
© Jérôme CHABANNE
© Jérôme CHABANNE
For example, there is a Master in Engineering and
International Logistics, another in Industrial Logistics
with an option in Engineering and Logistics Projects, an
Associate degree in logistics management methods and
a Bachelor in Logistics and Transport Management.
5
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 5
16/10/12 09:25
© APRV
Information
and Communication Technologies
More than 700 companies, 7,350 employees, a very high-speed broadband network
in Clermont-Ferrand and its suburbs, national and international IT consulting companies (Capgemini,
Sopra Group, IBM, ATOS Origin, Logica, etc.), an excellence cluster and a research centre for circulating
Information and Communication Technologies to all activity sectors and for developing a genuine digital economy.
Telecom infrastructures
in the following areas:
• Prototype development (equipment and software)
PASCALIS is a business incubator dedicated to ICT which
provides various services,
including acting as a
meeting point for young
designers, access to
secure very high-speed
broadband, a multimedia
amphitheatre,
company
synergies etc.
Within PASCALIS,
the
APRV
(Association
Promoting
Virtual Reality) provides expertise
• Real time 3D engine training
• Equipment hire (3D screens and projectors,
immersive cube)
• Technology transfers alongside Auvergne
Valorisation and local laboratories.
© APRV
Among its latest generation
equipment is the immersive
cube (one of very few available
in France), 3D projections and
manipulations using software
comprising 4 screens of 2.75 by
215, and a resolution of 1,400 X
1,050 pixels per side.
Research and Development
comprises a significant part of the association’s work, in conjunction
with local laboratories, universities and engineering schools.
© APRV
It also assists company designers involved
in virtual reality.
Research is based around four areas:
• Augmented reality
• Immersive Systems
• Viewing information in 3D
• Haptic technology
Among the laboratories involved in these projects, especially augmented
reality, are the LASMEA (Automatics and Electronics Materials Sciences
Laboratory).
Other laboratories that are well-known throughout Europe are involved
in ICT, including:
• LIMOS (Computer Science, Modelling and Systems Optimization
Laboratory), working in three areas (modelling, optimization and
apprenticeships; information and communication system; production systems).
• The Corpuscular Physics Laboratory, which is renowned for its IT
expertise in calculation grids,
6
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 6
16/10/12 09:26
© Archi3A
Dedicated equipment
and infrastructures
© Horizon Photographie / Clermont Communauté / Architects : Jacques and Philippe Moinard.
This very high-speed network is operated by a public service outsourcer,
Clermont Communauté Networks, which provides the network
infrastructure to 14 client operating companies and 9 independent
network closed user groups for very high-speed connection for 200
connected sites. The availability rate is 99.994%, so service breakdowns
are virtually zero. The 177 km fibre optic network, which has been
operating since 2007, connects community activity zones, public
research centres, universities, higher education institutes, hospitals,
clinics etc.
More generally, an agreement, the first of its kind in France, has recently
been signed by France Télécom Orange, the local communities of
Auvergne, the state and the Auvergne Regional Council for providing
fibre optic very high-speed broadband. This agreement also formally
established the reciprocal commitments of local authorities and operating
companies for installation as well as for regional competitiveness.
© ISIMA / Joël DAMASE
• Finally, IBO is to invest 4 million Euros in an energy-neutral eco
data centre. This type of project reinforces the idea of developing
the digital economy in the Puy-de-Dôme. This platform has very
high-yield cooling technology which is one of the most ecological in
France. With an area of 500 m², it can hold 80 to 100 bays (digitised
spaces for rental).
E2IA
• INSERM (scientific and technological research) units of the University
of Auvergne, as well as ISIMA (French graduate engineering school
focused on computing and its applications).
More generally, training leading to software engineering qualifications,
telecom positions, networks – infrastructures, software engineering
specialising in the Internet and industrial IT is also available from
secondary schools, universities and technology institutes, awarding
DUTs (technology diplomas), licences professionnelles (undergraduate
degrees), BTS (French higher education qualifications) and Master’s
degrees.
Associating ecology with ICT has given rise to companies which are now
part of the structured eco manufacturing chain in the E2IA excellence
cluster.
• VEODIS 3D is involved in environmental measurements and
modelling.
• NUMTECH has become France’s leading company in atmospheric
modelling.
• WEATHER Mesure was developed for atmospheric observation
and analysis, especially atmospheric turbulence.
© Numtech
• The electronics and robotics, applied maths, nuclear physics and
meteorology laboratories of Blaise Pascal University.
© Jean-Michel GUEGNOT
Finally, for professionals only, PRATIC is a resource and assistance centre
dedicated to ICT and discussing digital best practices.
Example of forecasting air quality in Clermont-Ferrand produced by Urban Air System
version 2 software.
© APRV
AUVERGNE TIC
With 85 members belonging to its IT - digital and technology division,
Auvergne TIC was awarded regional excellence cluster status in 2010.
It encourages the development of partnerships between companies,
assists with extending the region’s output, facilitates recruitment, gives
its support to company creation and development and promotes regional
skills in France and overseas.
It includes some highly innovative companies:
• 10 years after it was established, LOGOLEXIE has become the
world’s leading company in its sector. Among other things, it has
perfected specific software for dealing with language problems.
© Archi3A
• ALMERYS, which consisted of 4 people in 2000, now employs 220
people, and has also become the leading company in real time
services and confidence infrastructures for third-party payments in
healthcare services.
In fact the cluster covers five areas of expertise: climate, air, energy,
health (environment, waste, sites and soils) and water. It comprises
24 members (Biovitis, MS, Sol Solution, Biobasic environnement,
etc.) and includes 400 doctors and engineers, 1,300 employees, 3 %
of turnover dedicated to Research and Development and 34 % to export.
The aim of the E2IA cluster is to bring together innovative eco-companies
in Auvergne, to create joint projects between members, to generate
business and encourage the emergence of joint R&D projects.
Today, it is also part of the PEXE (association for international promotion
and development of eco-companies in France), as part of a dynamic
involving national structuring of the French eco-company network.
Finally, for laboratories, a partnership has been formed with the FED
(Environmental Research Federation). Backed by Blaise Pascal University
in conjunction with research bodies (CNRS, INRA, ENITAC, ENGREF and
BRGM), the FED brings together environmental research work.
With regard to training, ten or so post-secondary school diplomas give
companies access to qualified staff via the two universities and higher
education institutes (Polytech, VetAgroSup, Chimie Clermont, Groupe
ESC, etc.).
• VESALIS was one of France’s start-ups selected for the French Tech
Tour. Its latest innovation in facial biometry involves facial detection
and recognition in a moving crowd, with an anticipated success
rate of 90%, undoubtedly of interest to
governments with regard
to security.
7
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 7
16/10/12 09:26
© François BERRUE
Food && Nutrition
With more than 12,000 employees, agri-food is Auvergne’s third-largest industry.
20% of its output is subject to quality control in the shape of Protected Denomination of Origin (AOP),
Red Label, Organic Farming and Mountain Product status. This manufacturing guarantee is associated
with excellence in agronomic and agri-food research in the Puy-de-Dôme, and more particularly in meat,
dairy produce, cereals and human nutrition.
Agricultural production and processing
The meat sector
The county of Puy-de-Dôme has the highest number of agri-food companies
and employees in the sector (around a third of the total for the region). Agri-food
activities are mainly split between the dairy industry and the drinks industry.
The meat industry is dominated by cold and salt meats (Polette, Limoujoux,
Porc Centre, Salaisons Lassalas) as well as poultry (André Volaille, Domaine
de Limagne, le Clos Mally, SEDIVOL etc.).
Most companies are grouped together within the URIAA-A (Auvergne’s Regional
Union of Agri-food Industries).
In Puy-de-Dôme, the meat sector has the world’s third-highest
concentration of research facilities, involving the processing of meat and
meat-based products.
This contributes towards developing skills widely available in the meat
industry, enabling companies to expand within an environment which
favours innovation and their further development.
Historically, this centre of excellence was established in ClermontFerrand and based on relations that existed between INRA(1) (the National
Agronomic Research Institute), the Universities of Clermont-Ferrand,
especially the microbiology laboratory of Blaise Pascal University, IRSTEA(2)
(formerly CEMAGREF), Louis Pasteur agricultural high school and ENITA
(agricultural engineering school).
Alongside companies with more than 100 employees, such as Beuralia
(SODIAAL Group), la Société Laitière des Volcans d’Auvergne and la
Compagnie des Fromages Richemonts, there are also a number of small and
medium businesses employing fewer than 20 people, including la Laiterie de
Laqueuille, la Société Fromagère de Livradois, la Société Fromagère, Les Terres
d’Auvergne and la Fromagerie DISCHAMPS, which has recently celebrated its
100th anniversary.
Due to the wealth and abundance of its mineral waters, the drinks industry has
also drawn major French food companies such as Danone and Alma, as well as
retail groups (Intermarché, Leclerc) and independent operators. For example,
the springs of Sainte-Marguerite, Saint-Diery, Laqueuille, Mont-Dore, Rozanna
and Arvie are being exploited, even though the quantities available differ to a
large extent.
From Châteldon, which, through its scarcity and delicacy, is found in some of
the greatest restaurants in France and throughout the world, to Volvic, which
is sold to 60 different countries from its plant in Le Chancet, one of the largest
bottling plants in the world, there is a significant difference in scale.
© Société des eaux de Volvic
Another
sector
with
production methods that
are generally recognised
via Red Label, the meat
sector has also become a
centre of excellence.
Today, INRA has responsibility
for the QuaPA (animal product
quality) unit within this cluster.
Set up forty years ago, and
driven by the meat sector, ADIV
(meat industry development
association) provides backing for
people involved downstream, in
slaughter, butchery, processing
and preservation of meats and
meat products. It is currently the
only technical centre with skills
covering all species.
© ADIV
With 25% of France’s cheese production having AOP status, its regional
reputation is well-established. The Puy-de-Dôme produces 5 AOP cheeses:
Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d’Auvergne, Fourme d’Ambert, Cantal and Salers.
It conducts research programmes and tailor-made operations for
companies. Six priority research areas have recently been decided on for
the ADIV roadmap over the next five years:
• Building and controlling quality within its various components
• Processes involving decontamination, preservation and conservation
• Modelling and managing processes
• Sensors, databases, acquisition and operation systems
8
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 8
16/10/12 09:26
The 45 employees of ADIV have unique resources at their disposal, including a 1,000
m² test platform for all processes involving meat processing, a robotics cell, a P2+
laboratory, an analytical bio-chemistry laboratory, a nutritional analyses workshop,
physical measurement equipment, pre- and process-engineering databases and
design software.
More than just anecdotal, it was chosen by the US Army for its OSMOFOOD®
technology, which involves drying and pasteurising meat non-stop using osmotic
pressure. The production line set up in the US with FPL Food in May 2012 will make it
possible to manufacture this product on an industrial scale for US soldiers.
(1) Clermont-Ferrand / Theix is one of the largest of France’s 19 INRA centres, with 770 employees
including 340 engineer researchers. It has established the following as strategic focal points for
2012-2020, all of which involve human nutrition and livestock breeding:
• human nutrition (metabolism and agri-food complexity),
• agro-ecology,
• sustainability of animal product chains (cheese and meat),
• integrative cereal biology.
(2) The IRSTEA (National Environmental and Agricultural Technology Research Institute) of
Clermont-Ferrand is one of the 9 regional centres working on technologies and information
systems for agro systems, and complex system modelling.
Cereals and the improvement
& processing of seeds
© Florent Giffard/INRA
With sales totalling 1.78 billion Euros, Limagrain, the 4th largest seed company
worldwide (as well as Europe’s largest field seed producer and the world’s 2nd
largest vegetable seed
producer), is constantly
innovating in order to
create plants which meet
the needs of farmers,
agri-food industrialists and
consumers.
Throughout its impressive
development,
this
cooperative has always
retained its decisionmaking base in Auvergne
while the Group currently
has around 8,000 employees throughout the world, including 1,200 in the Puy-de-Dôme.
Since it set up its first corn research station in 1965, 99 others have also been opened,
with more than 1,400 researchers and an investment of 170 million Euros.
In order to valorise the cereal produce from its members, Limagrain has extended its
seed activity by developing cereal ingredient activities (Limagrain Céréales Ingredients
and its ULICE research centre in Riom, Limagrain Meunerie in Gerzat and Bouzel for
wheat milling) as well as in industrial bakery products (bread and cakes) through
Jacquet, with its plant on the Biopôle Clermont Limagne business park. The Group is
now France’s third largest of its kind in this sector through its recent acquisition of
Brossard, behind Harry’s and Pasquier.
Groupe Limagrain is continuing to invest in the Puy-de-Dôme with a new research
centre in Chappes and with the construction of its new head office at the Biopôle
Clermont Limagne.
The competitiveness cluster of Céréales Vallée is a top-level research hub based
on close cooperation between INRA and Limagrain. As a public research body, INRA
develops its research all over the world, with a specific focus on cereal development.
Within this context, the "Breedwheat" Future Investment project will enable new and
stronger wheat varieties to be created; varieties that require less water and fertiliser
thanks to newly developed tools and techniques. Bringing together partners from both
the public and the private sector, this represents a total investment of 34 million Euros,
with 9 million Euros injected by the state.
Céréales Vallée involves around 500 participants, whose aim is to devise the cereals
of the future. It has set itself the challenge of constructing sustainable valorisation
supply chains, whilst restricting environmental impact. The aim is to meet the food
requirements of 9 billion people by 2050 by improving efficiency and competition. It
works in four areas of research: Sustainable Agricultural Production, Human Nutrition,
Animal Feed and Agro Materials. Such an approach means that the overall research
focus is indeed on human nutrition.
Human nutrition
Illustrating the degree of excellence acquired in this field, the CRNH of Auvergne
(human nutrition research centre), the first of its kind set up in France, is internationally
recognised for the work it carries out in preventive nutrition during the ageing process
and chronic illnesses. This Public Interest Group, set up by INRA, the university hospital
of Clermont-Ferrand, the Universities of Clermont-I and Clermont-II, the Centre JeanPERRIN and INSERM, includes 6 laboratories, 17 research teams and 100 researchers.
It also has a nutrition exploration unit, the only one of its kind in France, fitted with
two calorimetric chambers which enable metabolic and nutritional studies to be
conducted on volunteers.
More recently set up in 2001, the NUTRAVITA Auvergne Excellence Cluster, which also
belongs to a certified industry cluster called Grappe d’Entreprises, aims to catalyse
innovative joint projects concerning health, food and nutrition. This group draws
its energy from the association of more than sixty members, including companies
(nutrition, agri-food, ingredients, biotechnology, food additives, spas, pharmaceuticals,
etc.), research centres, training and research establishments, technology transfer
resource centres, consultancies specialising in health and nutrition and other
corporate groups.
One of the two research areas explores the prevention of metabolic disorders linked
to ageing and to the development of eating behaviour (type II diabetes, cardiovascular
disease etc.).
Another recent and original creation is a network of 200 researchers specialising in
nutrition and sensoriality, food behaviour, food structure and processes,
who belong to six research and higher education establishments.
Clermont-Ferrand’s Qualiment cluster is more specifically involved in
nutrition, clinical studies and the structure & quality of foods derived from
animal products.
Finally, this chain is fully represented within higher education
establishments from university diplomas to Master’s degrees, with more
than 150 students in all.
Two higher education establishments:
• VetAgroSup trains agronomic engineers at the Clermont-Ferrand campus
and is involved in research activities,
• ENGREF (National School of Rural Engineering, Water Resources and
Forestry) is based in Clermont-Ferrand and is one of three schools of
Agro Paris Tech, Europe’s largest Life Sciences and Environmental
Sciences school.
© Jean WEBER / INRA
Also in the cereal products processing
sector, and working in this same
environment, the German group Brüggen,
which specialises in breakfast cereals, has
opened a new plant in Thiers to bring itself
closer to its southern European customers.
A third production line has been opened
in order to go a long way in meeting this
objective.
90% of its corn supplies come from the
plains of Limagne, and all of its sugar
comes from Bourdon, the only refinery
located in the southern half of France.
Céréales Vallée
© Vincent Bouchet / Limagrain
• Mechanisation, robots and automation
• Control of environmental impact.
9
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 9
16/10/12 09:26
Greensea © Denis POURCHER
Health && Biotechnologies
The pharmaceutical industry
retailers worldwide and through its subsidiary in the United States.
• Sanofi has invested more than €100 million (2011/2014) in Vertolaye (750
employees), one of Europe’s largest sites for the production of corticosteroids
(300 tonnes per year).
This site houses the Group’s reference
workshop for the micronisation
and grinding of active ingredients
(powders).
It also benefits from expertise in long
and complex chemical syntheses,
recognised within Sanofi and by
laboratories worldwide.
© Sanofi Vertolaye
• At the Mirabel site in Riom,
Laboratoires MSD-Chibret operate the Merck & Co.
Sterile Production Centre of Excellence, which is active in
ophthalmology, antibiotherapy, infectiology and parasitology.
• Also in the field of ophthalmology, Laboratoires Théa – ranked
among the world’s 100 top SMEs – have become Europe’s
leading independent Group in less than 15 years. This
company is present in more than 65 countries
worldwide, with 20 subsidiaries in Europe and
several marketing agreements in operation.
It is a leading producer of preservative-free
ophthalmic products.
Other companies working in the field of
ophthalmology have also joined the centre of
excellence based in Clermont-Ferrand.
• An example is Quantel Medical, a company that specialises in the
production and sale of laser and ultrasound equipment for ophthalmology
and is among the world’s leading companies in ocular ultrasonography and
laser photocoagulation. With a growth rate that has reached double figures,
Quantel Medical now distributes its products through more than 80 exclusive
• TVM (a leader in veterinary ophthalmology) belongs to
the holding company Dômes Finance, which owns several
pharmaceutical laboratories for both animals and humans: VétoCentre BIOCANINA, Aspilabo, Europhartech (processing of dry
medication), Actipharm and Auvex.
These companies form a group together as
part of the GIMRA (Groupement des Industries
du Médicament), which represents some 40
members and 3,500 employees working in
medicine and human health (medication, food
supplements and cosmetic products).
In 2012, the GIMRA organised the Journées des
jeunes entreprises du médicament for the third
time.
In the same vein, a cluster of excellence established three years ago,
the Institut de la Recherche Pharmaceutique (IRP), has encouraged the
emergence of probiotics R&D projects by bringing together a range of skills
and securing a regulatory status for probiotics.
Health/Research
The research teams working in Clermont-Ferrand enjoy worldwide renown,
as we have seen, in nutrition/health, cancer research, image-guided clinical
neuroscience and pain relief.
The theme of "nutrition and cancer" is coordinated by the CLARA
(Cancéropôle Lyon Auvergne Rhône-Alpes) Auvergne platform, which
benefits from an INCa-labelled network and the presence in ClermontFerrand of one of France’s three research centres that focus on human
nutrition. It was the first to be established and continues to be the most
important in terms of scientific production.
This theme was chosen to study the impact of nutrients on the different
stages of cancer, from carcinogenesis to patient nutrition and the adjuvant
effect of food on therapy. The Auvergne researchers work on functional
10
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 10
16/10/12 09:26
© Biocorp
The Puy-de-Dôme is home to 3 major production sites:
© Jérôme CHABANNE
© Europhartech
Auvergne is ranked 4th in France for its pharmaceutical industry, with three-quarters
of businesses based in the Puy-de-Dôme. The historical presence of this industry has favoured
the emergence of biotechnologies, primarily in human and animal health.
Conscious of the ramifications for agri-food, industry and the environment, several new biotechnology
businesses working in various areas (ICT, biology, engineering, physics, chemistry and others)
have been established in the last 20 years.
In the field of pain relief research, Clermont-Ferrand boasts a structure that is unique
in Europe: Analgesia Partnership, whose primary objective is to develop innovative
analgesics, brings together the expertise and complementary skills necessary to go
all the way from the molecular concept stage to the final production and validation of
medication suitable for human consumption.
Analgesia Partnership, recognised as a cluster of excellence in 2010, now includes 13
members (5 "public" and 8 "private"): AEPODIA - ANS Biotech - APTYS Pharmaceuticals
- CARBOGEN AMCIS - CERB - CIC 501 - CREAPHARM - CREPTA - ENSCCF/CESMA ICOA - NEURONAX - NEUROSERVICE - UMR 1107/NEURO-DOL.
Internationally recognised centres also operate out of Building 3C at the university
hospital in Clermont-Ferrand: CICE (Centre International de Chirurgie Endoscopique),
CENTI (Centre d’Endoscopie et des Nouvelles Techniques Interventionnelles) and the
Centre d’Evaluation du traitement de la douleur et le Centre de pharmacologie clinique.
© Europhartech
The CICE is a world-renowned centre offering training in gynaecology and other areas
(ENT and orthopaedics).
The CENTI includes several teams working on future surgical methods: robotics,
biotechnologies and genetics.
By working closely together, the teams can share both resources (amphitheatres
equipped with audiovisual and remote communication facilities, surgeries with
endoscopy units, etc.) and skills.
Start-up companies are welcomed in the CBRV Building (Centre Biomédical de
Recherche et de Valorisation), which places laboratories and workspaces at their
disposal.
© Biocorp
Lastly, several awards have recognised the work being carried out by
researchers in Clermont-Ferrand. For example, in October 2011 Arlette
DARFEUILLE-MICHAUD (Director of a research unit at the University of Auvergne
in collaboration with the INSERM) received an award from the Fondation pour la
Recherche Médicale for her work on Crohn’s disease.
More than 1,500 researchers are engaged in work on the life sciences. 14 specific
initial training courses are dedicated to biotechnologies, ranging from 2-8 years
post-Baccalauréat education. These are mainly offered in engineering schools (Ecole
Nationale Supérieure de Chimie, Polytech, VetAgroSup, etc.), faculties of medicine and
pharmacy, and universities.
Some 40 companies working in bio-industries currently operate at the Biopôle
Clermont-Limagne in Saint-Beauzire.
This technology park, which is dedicated to life science technologies, has provided more
than 850 jobs; this will be boosted by a further 350 jobs when Limagrain establishes its
10,000 m² head office here.
The services already available, notably two incubators covering 3,500 m² in the form of
individually equipped modules, will be expanded with the addition of a shared catering
facility (for 600 people) and a crèche.
Also based at the Biopôle Clermont-Limagne is the BUSI business incubator, which
contributes to innovative start-up projects involving the life sciences, engineering, ITC
and the human sciences, providing economic, legal, strategic and scientific assistance,
financing and research support.
Ranging from newly established start-ups to listed companies, the businesses operating
at this site are highly diverse in terms of their research and level of development.
They include a subsidiary of the Institut Clinident, the Institut Clinident BioPharma, a
private French structure that carries out biomedical work focused on cryopreservation
and the therapeutic use of dental stem cells in regenerative medicine and dentistry.
METabolic EXplorer belongs to the tight circle of France’s 15 biotechnology companies
now listed on the French stock exchange. It is the only one with a pilot scheme for
the production of product samples. This biochemical company uses
bacterial fermentation and renewable raw materials to develop
procedures for the production of chemical composites used to make
paint, plastic, textiles, animal feed and more.
© Biocorp
In addition, the Centre Jean PERRIN
has acquired cutting-edge knowhow and facilities for imaging and
radiotherapy.
Biopôle Clermont-Limagne
Greentech, whose director studied in Clermont-Ferrand, was the
first company at the Biopôle to leave the incubator and pursue
its development. Now with a staff of 45, Greentech, which boasts
Ecocert, NaTrue and GMP pharmaceutical and cosmetic certification,
produces active ingredients extracted from plants, algae, micro
algae, micro organisms, etc.
Neuronax develops new therapeutic molecules for the neural repair of
pathologies in the central nervous system and cellular degeneration.
Latest developments: the decision by local authorities
to make the wider agglomeration a major centre for
the development of biotechnologies has led to the
development of a multi-site technology park.
It includes the Biopôle in Saint-Beauzire but also a 2,800
m² site in Clermont-Ferrand that was originally intended
for research into plant biotechnologies, as well as a site
in Riom (12,000 m² including 7,000 m² equipped to meet
GLP and GMP norms, with 1,200 m² of animal housing,
labs for analysis and clinical syntheses, etc.).
The fine chemical specialist Roowin, the first to establish
a presence at the Riom site, is gradually transferring its operations from the Paris
region to Riom. It is expected to invest in
additional white rooms.
© Biovitis
©Laboratoires
Cyclopharma
imaging using radioactive tracers, cancer genetics, tumour escape and clinical
research.
CLARA includes a support mechanism for "proof of concept" projects that draws on a
network of clinical and industrial researchers. Industrial partners include Cyclopharma,
which carries out cutting-edge research in the field of nuclear medicine. This company
has implemented a network of
cyclotrons that produce short-lived
isotopes such as Glucotep (18
FDG), which can be used by nuclear
medical services (TEPSCAN).
Biocorp R&D designs and develops
innovative systems for the pharmaceutical
sector. All of its products are patented.
11
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 11
16/10/12 09:26
Materials &&
Testing of vehicles developed
by Engineering School students
and which will take part
in the Shell Eco Marathon
© MICHELIN
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgy and mechanical engineering are the focus of a large proportion of jobs in the Auvergne,
the seventh-largest industrial region in France. The region easily takes first place in the French rubber
sector (tyres), and cutlery production (80%), and features world-leading companies in the field of braiding
and cable production.
Combined with research conducted by engineering schools or private and public-sector laboratories
in the material sciences and advanced mechanical engineering, companies of all sizes have developed
specific expertise which is recognized by car and aeronautics manufacturers, etc. This expertise makes
the Puy-de-Dôme a key player in two competitiveness clusters: Viaméca and Elastopôle.
The materials sector
The unique, highest-profile example is that of Michelin (Clermont-Ferrand),
the only company in the CAC 40 to have its
headquarters in the provinces. The latest
ambitious development, the " URBALAD "
project (a €100 million investment) will increase
the speed and capacity for innovation of
the technology centre in Ladoux, the Group’s
global research and development centre.
A 67,000 m² building called Campus RDI
(Recherche, Développement et Industrialisation)
will be built in the centre of the site.
These facts explain its ranking in the Elastopôle (rubber and polymer-based
materials) competitiveness cluster.
Not to mention the presence in Clermont-Ferrand of the Trelleborg Modyn
Group (a leader in rubber tubing), SMEs Socamont and Auvergne Caoutchouc
as well as research and higher education organisations which also form part
of the competitiveness cluster.
© MICHELIN
Michelin IRONFLex technology
was developed to combine
robustness with smoothness,
strength and flexibility.
In the Puy-de-Dôme, the materials industry is far more than an economy
based on sub-contracting and can be broken down into economic zones.
Companies have innovated and have adapted to new markets in conjunction
with other centres of advanced research in this field.
For example, the Chemistry Institute of Blaise Pascal University, the Ecole
Nationale Supérieure de Chimie (National Higher School of Chemistry)
in Clermont-Ferrand and the CNRS, together with the CNEP, constitute a
unique structure in Europe, combining around thirty permanent researchers
specialising in the ageing (failure and durability) of polymer-based materials.
In the Issoire area, Polydyam’s innovation platform, supported by Elastopôle
and Viaméca, is a test centre dedicated to the behaviour of rubber and
polymer components in vehicle suspension systems for cars, aeronautics and
vehicles of future. It makes use of the CEERTA track located nearby as well as
significant expertise from within the county.
The Issoire region acts in general as a reference point in the optimisation of
materials, aluminium and composites for the transport sector.
Major groups such as Constellium or Aubert & Duval produce aluminium parts,
high-performance steel and superalloys for aeronautics companies.
In the Ambert area, located in the Livradois-Forez, around a dozen family
businesses have become leaders in the braiding and cable production fields,
some in traditional textile braiding (Joubert, Gauthier, Promotress) and others
in electrical/cable braiding (Omerin, Plastelec, Tresse Industrie, IFT, Favier
and Berne).
The Omerin Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of silicon-insulated
wires and cables, the no.1 European producer of braided glass fibre and
France’s no.1 manufacturer of fire safety cables.
Joubert Productions, currently the world’s leading manufacturer of bungee
cords, has in partnership with Michelin, developed the Easy Grip snowchain
in composite materials.
Nearby, Thiers has retained its historic position as the cutlery capital with
nearly 80% of domestic production and exports to all four corners of the world.
Twenty companies are "Esprit de Thiers" ("Thiers Spirit") certified, thereby
guaranteeing genuine, high-quality local production. During the "Tranche de
Saveurs" period (each December), around 100 restaurants in Paris and the
Auvergne display knives bearing the "Esprit de Thiers" stamp on their tables.
At the same time, innovation is also on the agenda, such as for example
Tarrerias Bonjean, which makes knives with blades which use the Evercut
technology for the goldsmith Puiforcat (a subsidiary of Hermès Group).
Forging, stamping, metal-cutting, surface treatment businesses and, more
generally, all sectors of metalworking, have grown in the wake of the cutlery
business.
12
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 12
16/10/12 09:26
In companies originally producing knife handles, the processing of plastics products
has diversified into a business in its own right: thermoplastic injection moulding,
thermoforming, design and production of moulds (CEP, Gepman, Manuthiers, etc.).
Some specialised companies, originally in luxury cardboard packaging for the cutlery
industry, have moved into plastics and silicon for technical, medical components and
pharmaceutical packaging, e.g. Top Clean Packaging Group.
The packaging sector, regardless of the material used (wood, cardboard, plastic, glass,
metal, bio-based materials) is also expanding (Celta…).
The entire county of Puy-de-Dôme also benefits from the materials research conducted by
public-sector laboratories. The Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC - Corpuscular
Physics Laboratory) in Clermont-Ferrand uses nuclear techniques to study biomaterials.
It recently patented "bio-glass", a material whose structure is similar to that of bone.
Other laboratories or start-ups are located here, such as the Laboratoire Vellave sur
l’Elaboration et l’Etude des Matériaux (LVEEM), or the recently founded Revlum which
produces luminous materials.
Lastly, in support of the materials sector, the University and Engineering Schools, including
the Clermont Chemistry School, offer 2 to 8 years of post-baccalaureate studies in the
fields of materials and processes. And it is also in connection with manufacturing industry
that secondary education training courses have been developed, specialising in plastics
and composite materials, tools for forming materials, tool design and development,
and the only sandwich-course vocational degree in France on stamping activities.
Automotive industry and advanced
mechanical engineering expertise
In the Puy-de-Dôme, all the automotive industry-related trades are represented: machining,
precision engineering, smelting, metal forging, plastics processing, composites, electrical
and electronic components, surface treatment and packaging, cable braiding and sheathing.
Companies here innovate. Dufournier Technologies, for instance, works on the production
of electronic systems, designs new suspension systems, and is at the leading edge globally
in terms of modelling and simulation for car manufacturers, the major equipment suppliers
and prestigious clients such as Ferrari.
© Valeo
AquaBlade
In addition to these SMEs, you will also find of course
heavyweights such as Michelin and Valeo, whose
Issoire plant has developed the first prototype and
tested Valeo’s innovative AquaBlade windscreen wiper
system.
This intelligent windscreen wiper system won a
PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers Contribution to
Excellence) Award 2012 granted by Automotive News.
Certain companies are recognised as first-rate
suppliers by European car manufacturers (Préciforge,
for instance).
Lastly, they have access to a network of organisations able to support them in their
business:
• CETIM, Centre Technique des Industries Mécaniques (Technical Centre for Mechanical
Engineering Industries),
• CASIMIR, the Auvergne technology cluster,
• The ViaMéca competitiveness cluster.
The Puy-de-Dôme’s position within this cluster is also due to its work on mobility
engineering and advanced mechanical engineering.
In the same mindset, the Institut Pascal was created in 2012 through the merger of three
laboratories: Lasmea (Automation, Electronics, Photonics), LaMi (Mechanical engineering,
Engineering) and LGCB (Chemical and Biochemical Engineering).
Under the supervision of Blaise Pascal University,
the CNRS and the IFMA, the Institut Pascal
brings together 130 academic researchers, 30
technicians and 140 postgraduate and postdoctoral students. Organised based on the
expertise of the three founding laboratories
(mechanical engineering and materials, artificial
perception for robotics, bioprocesses, information
materials, waves), it takes a multi-disciplinary
approach to intelligent machines and robots, new
reactors for bioprocesses, modelling and multiscale materials studies, probabilistic approaches
to structural integrity and quantitative imaging
enabling certain deformations to be displayed,
measured and modelled.
Femtosecond laser used for studying
the optical properties of materials.
It is based on four experimental platforms: Mec@prod (mechanical engineering), PAVIN
(Plateforme Auvergnate pour les Véhicules Intelligents - the Auvergne Platform for
Intelligent Vehicles), MSGC (Matériaux et Structures pour le Génie Civil - Civil Engineering
Materials and Structures) and Bio-Up (development of bioprocesses).
In terms of investing in the future, it also won the EquipEx call for projects, thanks to the
RobotEx project coordinated by the CNRS (awarded leading-edge production and mobile
robotic equipment).
Recognised as an international reference centre for
innovative mobility projects, the IMobS3 laboratory
excellence centre brings together seven laboratories in
the Clermont-Ferrand which have set themselves three
collective challenges in the fields of:
• intelligent vehicles and machines
• intelligent mobility systems and services
• energy production processes for mobility
© Institut Pascal
Some of these companies have developed
their own products: marine hardware, hand tools (L’Outil Parfait), prosthetics, surgical
tools, containers, etc.
Wichard, for instance, is one of the world’s leading marine hardware companies, which
also has a precision forging business for sectors where safety is vital: aeronautics,
healthcare, automotive, and so on. Others, such as Forginal, are also well known in the
petrochemical, military, railway and orthopaedic implant fields.
In terms of research, and as an example, the VIPA (Véhicule Individuel Public Autonome
- Autonomous Individual Public Vehicle) project resulting from cooperation between the
Institut Pascal, the APOJEE design firm and Automobiles Ligier has now entered the testing
phase.
This project for an autonomous vehicle directed by video cameras has been certified by
the ViaMéca competitiveness cluster as part of its SIR (Intelligent Robotic System) initiative.
© Institut Pascal
PRECIFORGE © Studio GIBERT Thiers
Nowadays, the sector is structured around
metal forming (ranked 3rd for metalforging in France) and general mechanical
engineering activities: machining, cutting
tools, screw turning, fine sheet-metal
working, surface preparation, polishing,
electrochemical treatment, welding, etc.
Autonomous Individual
Public Vehicle
Clermont-Ferrand Polytech
• 6 engineering degrees: biological engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering,
mathematical engineering and modelling, engineering physics
and production systems engineering.
• 3 affiliated research laboratories recognised by the CNRS.
• 1,500m² of high-tech equipment on the innovation and technology transfer platform.
IFMA
• Engineering experts in advanced mechanical engineering
• A school with ISO 9001 quality certification.
• IFMA Foundation (44 members from industry and other organisations).
• Mec@prod, a technology transfer platform: CAD, CADCAM, measurement, machining,
sheet metal, polishing, high-speed machining and screw turning, organisational
and production management services.
• Project to create an IFMA subsidiary: M2a@Tech resulting from the Casimir,
Merc@Prod and Forbois merger serving small and medium-sized businesses.
ENSCCF (Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie – Clermont-Ferrand)
• Chemical engineer: fine organic and industrial chemistry, high-performance materials,
chemical engineering.
• Research activities on scientific issues specific to the ENSCCF: the chemistry
of analgesics, functional materials using soft chemistry, durability of organic materials,
polyplastic system engineering.
13
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 13
16/10/12 09:26
Ateliers Industriels
de l’Aéronautique
Rafale M10
© SIAé
Aeronautics
The aeronautics industry is one of the key sectors in Auvergne: 100 companies representing
11,000 jobs plus 2,000 jobs in the maintenance sector, a turnover of €1.2 billion, and identification
with the Viaméca and Elastopôle competitiveness clusters.
The cluster has gradually been enhanced upstream around the production of
metal materials, aluminium, special alloys, and composites, and downstream
around a maintenance activity.
UKAD
Large groups
These groups work on projects such as Ariane 5, A350,
A380, etc., and Rafale for companies such
as Dassault, EADS, Embraer, Boeing and
Eurocopter.
Aubert & Duval © Michel LABELLE
As a company in the ERAMET group, Aubert
& Duval designs and produces high-tech
metallurgical solutions in the form of long
products or parts for the most demanding
industries: aeronautics, energy, industrial
equipment, motorsports, medical, etc. Aubert
& Duval designs, develops and hot transforms
(forging, stamping and rolling, powder metallurgy) special steels,
superalloys, aluminium alloys and titanium alloys, intended to meet the
technical specifications of its customers. It is one of the world’s leading
high-tech metallurgy companies.
At the site of Les Ancizes, a new vacuum production furnace will supply the
alloys required for manufacturing aircraft engine and gas turbine discs, or
landing gear requiring very high cleanliness.
At the Issoire site, the
Interforge production plant,
which is famous for having
the most powerful die press
in Europe (65,000 metric
tons), has just installed a
new, heavy-duty press for
aluminium forging. The
production of fuselage/wing
junction fillets for the A350
has begun.
Cutting at Aubert & Duval
In the same town, the Constellium group’s production plant has one of the
largest two heavy plate rolling mills for aeronautics. The plant is thus able to
manufacture the A380’s wings, each measuring 36 meters in length.
A multi-year contract worth $2 billion has recently been signed with Airbus
for supplying rolled products for aerostructures and in particular wing and
fuselage panels.
€42 million has already been invested in the site in 2012 and €12 million
has been spent on the new AIRWARE foundry, the only one of its kind in
the world capable of producing advanced low-density alloys (aluminium
- lithium). Among other things, this proprietary technology allows aircraft
structures to be made about 25% lighter.
14
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 14
16/10/12 09:26
Aubert & Duval © Joël DAMASE
The aeronautics tradition in the county of Puy-de-Dôme dates back to the
First World War with the first paved runway in the world at Aulnat Airport, the
manufacturing by Michelin of the Bréguet IV aircraft and the setting up of the
Ateliers Industriels de l’Aéronautique (AIA) for the maintenance of military
aircraft.
A little later, in 1926, Aubert & Duval took over a factory in Les Ancizes
producing special steels, and developed the nitriding process used for the
surface treatment of the engine cylinders of the French Airforce fighter
aircraft. In 1981, Michelin returned to the aeronautics sector, creating the
radial tyre for aircraft.
The sector is now structured by the presence of these large international
groups, tier 1 supplier SMEs and tier 2 and 3 subcontractors.
In partnership with Kazakh UKTPM, one of the world’s leading producers of
titanium sponge, Aubert & Duval has invested €47 million in a titanium ingot
transformation unit - UKAD - in St Georges, Les Ancizes.
This investment, which is primarily focused on the aeronautics market, has
been supported by Airbus and EADS, through the signing of a contract worth
€1.2 billion over ten years.
Finally, Aubert & Duval has made major investments at its Les Ancizes and
Issoire sites.
Aubert & Duval © Joël DAMASE
A historical presence
These companies do business directly with major clients in the aeronautics sector.
Auvergne Aéronautique, Slicom and Slicom Aéro (ISO 9001, EN 9100, EN 9110, Part
145 and AQAP 2120) produce basic parts and perform aircraft structural assembly
(civil and military planes and helicopters) for the main manufacturers and equipment
manufacturers. This group is a tier 1 subcontractor for Eurocopter, Airbus and Aérolia.
The group is based on the Clermont-Aulnat airport and has expertise in all processes:
metalwork, stamping, welding, specific piping, surface treatment, non-destructive
testing, painting and assembly.
NSE BU Intégrations (ISO 9001, EN 9100, PART 21, PART 21G and PART 145) is an
integrator of electronic and mechanical systems such as subassemblies and complete
assemblies in the civil and military aviation, naval, armoured vehicle and large industry
sectors: radars, electronic racks whether embedded or otherwise, design/manufacturing
and integration of wiring harnesses or electrical boxes.
The REXIAA group (ISO 9001, EN 9100, PART 21 and PART 145) includes 8 companies and
3 types of services: assembling of hybrid parts, aeronautical repairs and manufacturing
of composite parts. The companies thus have complementary skills in high performance
composites, tooling and metal or hybrid parts.
One of them - Issoire Aviation - develops its own products.
The Simba, an advanced four-seater trainer and basic aerobatics aircraft, and the latest
in the APM range, recently received its certification.
Tier 2 and 3 subcontractors
These companies have expertise in all production sectors: thin sheet metal, alloys,
forging/cutting, welding/metalwork, wiring, technical wiring, composites, maintenance,
upholstery and non-destructive testing.
In recent years, they have invested heavily in their production facility: 5-axis high-speed
machining, laser cutting, new assembly technologies, new alloys, design and modelling
equipment and facilities.
They regularly cooperate with technology centres including Casimir whose ClermontFerrand laboratory has Airbus qualification.
A maintenance cluster
Aubert & Duval © Joël DAMASE
Manufacturing activities are supplemented by a civil and military maintenance cluster.
Atelier Industriel de l’Aéronautique (AIA), employs nearly 1,250 people working on the Aulnat
platform and has expertise in the maintenance and upgrading of military aircraft. Some 200
aircraft and 18,000 items of equipment are thus maintained or modified each year.
More recently, AIA, which is a Ministry of Defence establishment certified to ISO 14001,
EN 9100 and 9110 standards, and in the process of obtaining FRA 21G, FRA 21J and
FRA 145 approval, is responsible for the technological upgrading of fifty Rafale aircraft
by 2016.
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 15
© Technologistique
Economy-driving tier 1 supplier SMEs
The aircraft maintenance and repair division of the Slicom Aéro company works on the
metal and composite structures of complete aircraft in the A1, A2 and A3 category, as a
subcontractor for clients.
Finally, Enhance Aéro Group (EASA PART 145, PART M and PART 147) was set up
in 2007. The company
specialises in aircraft
maintenance in a
number of areas:
airworthiness support
and
management,
aircraft line and base
maintenance, training of
technicians and crews,
flight safety analysis and
maintenance-oriented
information systems.
Reconditioning the seats of a Boeing 737
Clusters
Labelled as "business cluster" by DATAR, AVIA (Auvergne Valorisation de l’Industrie
Aéronautique) includes 50 companies, from international group to VSE status, and more
than 20 university, R&D and institutional partners.
By mobilizing aeronautics skills and expertise, AVIA is able to provide global solutions
for clients in the aeronautics industry.
The recently created Aéro Support aeronautics cluster includes 5 companies which are
all specialists in an aircraft maintenance field: Enhance Aéro (major maintenance), NSE
(avionics and wiring), Marlier SA (non-destructive testing), Technologistique (seat repair
and upholstery) and IMA (repair, structure and composites).
Facility locations
For the aircraft maintenance cluster, the platform of the
Clermont-Ferrand/Auvergne airport provides an area
measuring more than 33 hectares for aeronautics and
which is connected to a 3,000 m runway by a private
taxiway and a parking area that can accommodate
jumbo jets and with the possibility of installing hangars to
accommodate aircraft of the Airbus A320 and A340 type.
Finally, as the venue for the Aéroliance business
convention, Clermont-Ferrand brings together clients
and SMEs/SMIs representing a wide range of expertise. 1,000 companies in the
aerospace sector from over 30 countries meet in many business meetings and events.
© SEACFA
© Constellium
AIRWARE prototype
fuselage frame
Regional (a subsidiary of Air France) has invested almost €17 million in a new
maintenance centre in the Aulnat airport south zone. The new facilities cover an area of
16,000 square metres and can accommodate four 100-seater aircraft simultaneously
for major overhaul. The centre employs more than 250 skilled technicians and has been
E-Jet certified by the Embraer manufacturer.
AERIA, aeronautics training centre
This centre provides technician and higher technician training
courses in the mechanical, electrical and metalwork fields:
Technician certificate in composite materials, plastics,
metalwork, airframe mechanic, and aircraft systems electrician;
Professional high school diploma: aeronautics, aerostructures
technician.
These training courses are supplemented by undergraduate
and post graduate training courses in materials and processes,
provided by high schools or engineering schools (ENSCCF, ISIMA,
IFMA and CUST).
Companies are provided with highly qualified staff through two
Universities and several prestigious graduate schools colleges
(grandes écoles) (Polytech VetAgroSup, Chemie Clermont, ESC
Group, etc.) which offer ten or so undergraduate and post
graduate training courses.
15
16/10/12 09:26
11100335_00_TIRE A PART_GB_V03.indd 16
16/10/12 09:26