The French engine and equipment manufacturer Safran announced Thursday to choose France to set up a new carbon brake plant in Ain, an investment “of more than 450 million euros in the long term”.
Safran announced the installation of a factory in Ain for carbon brakes. The beginning of a reindustrialisation of the country? Yes, because France was competed by the United States and Canada for the establishment of this factory aimed at building carbon brakes to equip commercial aircraft.
Thanks to this choice – this French preference – the country offers itself the promise of more than 450 million euros in investment, and ensures the creation of at least 200 jobs in Ain by 2030.
Safran projected himself at the start in America
First, it is the fruit of long discussions and negotiations, with the active participation of many political and economic actors in the country. At the start, Safran projected himself to America, for a question of energy cost.
They represent 30 % of the total invoice, and the United States as Canada guaranteed low-cost energy, in particular thanks to the intensive exploitation of shale gas.
France then activated its network and guaranteed to the listed company a fixed price of 55 euros per megawatt hour. With, in addition, a connection to the electrical network reduced to 45 months, against 60 months usually.
Then, RTE – the manager of the electricity network – assured Safran a completely decarbon and stable energy. Unlike Americans. So: energy guaranteed, at reduced prices, and decarbon. Add to that 15 million euros in subsidies provided by the State, and 16 million provided by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Our country knows how to attract world leaders, as President Emmanuel Macron was delighted. It’s very pretty, but France really manages to attract everyone?
With the installation of the Safran factory, up to 200 jobs created, 450 million euros in investment, a competitiveness found … But it is a bit of the tree that hides the forest.
58 factories have closed since the start of the year
If we look in detail, according to a study by Trendeo, the deindustrialization of France remains the heavy trend. Since the start of 2025, 23 factories have closed in the first quarter, and 35 in the second quarter. Or two quarters in a row in the red – which had not happened for nine years.
Hopefully the announcement of saffron reverse the trend, allows the country to find colors, and that it marks a real renewal. This is, in any case, what to want.
