How will the LACROIX Group create the factory of the future?

22 January 2019

LACROIX

Human capital Innovation Smart industry Strategy

SYMBIOSE: Smart Electronic Factory
by LACROIX

15 November 2018 :

Launching of the feasibility study

We have just launched a feasibility study on building an electronics plant of the future, simultaneously integrating the Industry 4.0 requirements, environmental issues and the development of our teams.

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To work successfully, our “SYMBIOSE” (SYMBIOSIS) project will have to be ambitious: doubling the size of the current factory and registering a break from the traditional industry.

We wish to become a symbol of the reindustrialisation of our French electronics industry, focusing on 3 key concepts:

Technological and digital break
Environmental responsibility
Social innovation

What is our ambition? To design the factory of the future: human, digitalised, connected, automated and environmentally-friendly!

22 January 2019 :

Validation of the first phase of the feasibility study

We have just completed the first phase of the feasibility study, launched in November 2018, for the construction of a smart electronic factory in France. The verdict has been reached: the transfer of the current Montrevault-sur-Evre (Maine-et-Loire) factory to a new industrial unit of the future is feasible from a technical and economic perspective! Leading partners such as Microsoft, Inventy and PTC are bringing their expertise to the Symbiose project. The objective? To integrate their artificial intelligence (AI) expertise into the factory. But it doesn’t stop there: we are also interested in collaborating with other partners!

Vincent Bedouin
CEO, LACROIX Group

Testimony

Eric Meynet
Symbiose Project Manager

The first phase of the feasibility study is now validated: what is your impression at this stage of the project?

Eric :

This first stage made it possible to validate the business plan. We are on track in terms of the timeframe, so it is promising for Symbiose. The entire Group believes in this project, which we believe is necessary to contribute to the reindustrialisation of France.
What will the detailed design of the project involve up to September?

Eric :

We have just launched the competition for architects and engineering offices for the design of the building, which will end in March. Then, by July, we will refine the specifications with the company that will be chosen to complete the design of the new building.
Next update scheduled for September 2019, to get a final quote and detailed timeframe!
If you had to convince your future partners to join Symbiose?

Eric :

Join us, we are at the dawn of an innovative, disruptive and unique project in France. We need the skills of each and every one of you to successfully complete this project to reinvent our sector: machine manufacturers, energy companies, manufacturers, HR specialists, or change management specialists!

Appeal to companies, start-ups, schools, and R&D centres to join the Symbiose project

The realisation of this industrial ecosystem of the future is near, but we want to collaborate with other partners. We are therefore launching a call for projects from all companies, start-ups, research centres and schools that would like to be part of this smart electronic factory, which is at a crossroads from a technological, social and environmental perspective.