Listened to by the National Assembly Investigation Commission on the brakes on the reindustrialization of France, Olivier Andriès did not put his words. The general director of Safran thus punished the reactions of environmentalists against factory establishments.
In February 2024, Safran announced the creation of a factory at the Jana site, southwest Rennes, in an area previously occupied by Stellantis. Safran turbine aerodynamics, the foundry is intended for the production of turbine blades. An activity qualified as “strategic”, since these pieces are fundamental elements in the manufacture of an airplane engine, whether civil or military.
“We worked well with the mayor of Rennes, the Regional Council (…), we completely respect the ‘net artificialization’ and surprised us, as soon as the environmentalists criticized the ads, who questioned the municipal majority of Rennes,” says Olivier Andriès.
“I will prohibit the offers of the main environmental cities”
The leader continues to evoke the criticisms made by opponents: “Environmentalists have thrown American tomatoes, [sur le thème]: “It’s aeronautics, it’s the plane, they will contaminate, it’s military, it’s not right.”
Safran’s managing director warns: “For me, today there is no doubt to invest in France in a city in the hands of an environmental majority, it is over, I will not.”
However, the creation of the factory is not questioned. The project is well launched, the placement of the stone of the foundation is programmed soon and the launch of operations is announced by 2027.
The Safran Group has 80 production sites in France, which brings together 50% of its general workforce. It significantly produces M88 engines, which equip Rafale’s combat planes, as well as in LEAP engines for civil planes (in collaboration with GE Aerospace). Its manager specifies that it achieves 90% of its turnover for export and that 90% of its R&D activities are carried out in France.
Source: BFM TV
