“It would have been a catastrophe”: the incredible rescue of François I’s foundries in Aisne

“It would have been a disaster if the business had closed. We are the haute couture foundry. We do hand-sewing,” confide Emmanuel Vega, the president, Patrice Seret, operational general director, and Régis Colignon, administrative general director, of Fonderies de Sougland, simply renamed Sougland.

Located in Saint-Michel-en-Thiérache in the north of Aisne, on the banks of the Le Gland river and a rich forest, they were founded in 1543 under François I. In fact, they are the oldest foundries in France. Unfortunately, they experienced difficult months and were placed in receivership by the Lyon commercial court.

The three managers were able to rely on strong solidarity from customers, public authorities, 50 employees and suppliers. Solidarity combined with a significant reduction in the percentage of scrap rates, from 14% to 3%. Production costs became lower than sales prices and new customers arrived.

From cannonballs to nuclear power

A dynamism which convinced the commercial court to give the trio of buyers, made up of foundry executives, a chance. Especially since the region granted a loan of 300,000 euros, for seven years, in order to secure the start of the new structure and help it consolidate its cash flow. It acted in addition to the community of communes of Trois-Rivières which also mobilized a loan of 150,000 euros.

Beautiful marks of affection for a company of 15,000 m2, which, originally, manufactured weapons, bayonets, cannon balls… Since then, the foundries have continued to adapt to the demands of their customers to produce cast iron and steel parts in small and medium series. Labeled “Industry Showcase of the Future”, they have been able to demonstrate their capacity to modernize, to innovate and to be fully part of a dynamic focused on the future and decarbonization.

Naval, nuclear, steel, railway, cement plants… it has around 200 clients in all areas of activity and generates 15% of its turnover internationally. Among its famous clients, the US Navy or the Saint-Nazaire shipyards for boat engine parts: “We are in niche markets,” they continue. Our parts weigh from a few grams to two tons. The know-how developed over so many decades cannot be outsourced. The liquidation would have sounded like an injustice. Today, we are experiencing an extraordinary human adventure. »

Indeed, in the absence of an external buyer, they decided to take the plunge after more than 50 years: “I was still in a trial period when the file was put together,” says an amused Emmanuel Vega, who served as director. “We stand out for our responsiveness,” they explain. For example, in the event of machine breakage. We can make a replacement part in four days if we have the tools. Even individuals can contact us,” say the three partners.

The only downside is that 7 of the 50 employees were not taken on. Some will soon be in early retirement: “The decision was a big relief for those who remain,” they conclude. It gives them confidence. They will be able to project themselves. For some, their father and grandfather worked in the foundries before them. »