The automotive group tightens its belt and accelerates its savings plan. Renault lost 8 billion euros in 2020. To raise the bar, the Fonderie de Bretagne (FDB), located in Caudan, near Lorient, will be put up for sale.
What is the context?
The industrial site of the Fonderie de Bretagne, near Lorient (Morbihan) and its 350 employees, has been living in uncertainty for a year. After the announcement of massive job cuts (15,000 job cuts worldwide) at the start of 2020, and the unprecedented crisis in the automotive sector accentuated by the Covid, Renault had already considered selling the Breton foundry in May 2020, before back-pedaling a few days later. Jean-Dominique Senard, the CEO, however specified that the foundry was not intended to remain in the group in the long term.. During the summer, the manufacturer requested a strategic review
from the factory to the Advancy firm. Conclusion: a buyer would be better able to sustain activities and jobs
, explains Renault.
As part of its savings plan, Renault has already closed its Choisy-le-Roi plant, transformed Flins, sold the Poitou Foundries and is preparing to sell its shares (1.54%) in the Daimler group ( Mercedes).
What does the FDB produce?
Automotive parts: suspension arms, exhaust manifolds, gearbox differentials, etc. Gold, “The evolution of the automobile towards lighter vehicles, the concentration of players in the foundry sector…” f have that the site is no longer competitive, advance Renault. « Faux, responds the CGT, which has appointed a firm to conduct an independent expertise. The foundry is extremely efficient. “
Who to take over?
The search for a buyer should start in May 2021, at the end of the consultation process. According to management, FDB could be of interest “Given the know-how and the potential of the site, an industrialist specializing in foundry and with a larger size to make significant investments”.
“The Renault group is committed to continuing the dialogue with the social partners and local players”, specifies the manufacturer, who does not doubt the possibility of finding a buyer.
After 1999 and 2009, 2022?
Founded in 1965, the Fonderie de Bretagne, then the Breton Foundry Company (SBFM) and Metallurgy (SBFM) has already had dark years. Notably in 1998, when Renault decided to sell to the Italian Teksid, who will sell to another Italian, Zen-Garro, in 2006. Renault made its comeback in 2009, after months of social conflict. “Here we are again for months of daily struggle, sorry, Imiau Tamati, team leader, employee for more than twenty years. We have never worked in sustainable conditions here. “
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