REPORTAGE
This is one of the unexpected and even positive consequences of the coronavirus. With the cessation of production in China, the made in France found colors. This is the case in a factory manufacturing glass thermometers in Seine-et-Marne. The majority of its production intended for individuals and manufacturers was relocated to China. But with the containment measures and the shutdown of the factories, the Still company relaunched its production in France. "We increased our rate, from 100 we went to 120 tubes per hour", explains Martine, employee for 17 years, interviewed by Europe 1.
>> Watch Matthieu Belliard's morning show in replay and in podcast here
80% of production outsourced to China
The Still company had 50 people until 2005, only 5 at the time of the buyout by the boss Gérard Lux. There are now 15 of them who manufacture thermometers. "My predecessor transferred almost 80% of production to China. They were baby thermometers, for gardening, for agriculture. Standard models," said the president.
>> READ ALSO - Coronavirus: "It is not a financial crisis but rather an economic shock"
"In France we have always continued to manufacture, so as not to completely stop production. Here we have all the raw materials to produce everything that is glass. And I have identified 15 references that we can produce immediately. Currently my operators manufacture products that we had not manufactured for 10, 15 years ", specifies Gérard Lux. "The coronavirus is an opportunity to keep the know-how in France."
>> READ ALSO: Follow the evolution of the situation Thursday March 5
"This enhances our know-how, which we will pass on to young people," adds Martine. To meet demand, society needs new arms. Sandra was just hired three weeks ago. "This is the first time I have worked with glass, there is a lot of work," she says.
The risk of losing know-how
As the financial markets panic, and that French growth could be impacted by the Covid-19 epidemic, Gérard Lux wants to be reassuring. The situation pushes him to rethink the organization of the company. "If ever we can relocate and avoid always being subject to distant transport ... The risk is that in France there is no more know-how," said the business manager. "We are only five manufacturers of thermometers in Europe. One in England, one in France and three in Germany. If we lose this know-how in France, it is still in Germany that the benefits will be reaped."
>> READ ALSO - Coronavirus: how the SNCF is organizing in the face of the epidemic
For the entrepreneur, the bet remains risky. The prices of thermometers will increase with this relocation. Consumers must follow. "I consider that I have done my job as an entrepreneur," assumes Gérard Lux. "The buildings belong to us, the machines have been modernized and automated, I have hired staff. Now I'm not in the shoes of the end customer, if they want Chinese prices for French production ... The miracle, I can't I don't know how to do it. "