Industry of the future: 1.3 billion euros invested in Saint-Nazaire

Record-breaking investments in Saint-Nazaire, the largest port on the French Atlantic coast, at the heart of the third-largest French industrial basin. 

Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron chose right when he came to Nantes Saint-Nazaire in spring 2015 to present his plan for the future of French industry. Industrial confidence in the region is quite high, and large corporations like Airbus, STX and Cargill plan to invest 1.3 billion euros by 2020 in the local economy.

"Thanks to the confidence and audacity of our leading entrepreneurs and local business owners, our area can face the future with serenity," said David Samzun, Mayor of Saint-Nazaire. In all, nearly 400 million euros will be invested by the city and its suburbs by 2020 to enhance its appeal, in particular by redeveloping the waterfront. 

Investments: Between 5 and 100 million per year 

. Airbus: World leader in aeronautics, Airbus is focusing on digital technologies and virtual reality in Saint-Nazaire, where it employs 2,800 people. Thanks to the proximity of the port and the airport, Airbus is investing €60 million per year with the goal of building its international logistics hub for the United States and Europe here in Saint-Nazaire. 

. Cargill: Considered one of the leaders in the grain processing and trading industry, Cargill invests between 4 and 5 million euros per year. 

. MAN Diesel & Turbo: The French subsidiary of engine manufacturer MAN generates 50% of its business internationally and invests 9 million euros per year in Saint-Nazaire.  

. Idea Group: With operations in 35 locations in France, this leader in the logistics industry has announced an investment plan of 10 million euros per year. 

. Total: A large employer in the Saint-Nazaire area, the second largest refinery in France is slated to undergo an expansion valued at 400 million euros. This opportunity is related to the development of the port activity. 

. STX France: The order book of the manufacturer of the largest cruise ships in the world is full until 2020. With 2,620 direct jobs, STX France is now diversifying and intends to become a leader in renewable marine energy. After building an offshore wind turbine plant in 2015, STX France plans to invest 100 million euros by 2020 in development and recruitment in this sector.

The industry of the future, a model of collaboration

Saint-Nazaire is fertile ground for the development the industry of the future, with the cluster Neopolia, which brings together 180 industrial businesses, and the recent opening of two new R&D platforms, the Technocampus Smart Factory and Algosolis, dedicated to microalgae.