REPORT
The visit was symbolic, in full controversy around the shortage of protective masks against the coronavirus. Tuesday, Emmanuel Macron went to a mask factory of the SME Kolmi-Hopen on the outskirts of Angers, and called in particular to "produce more in France". The President of the Republic also insisted on the national productive effort to be equipped to face the epidemic, while the objective is now to produce from April 40 million masks per month.
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But to produce these 40 million masks, factories have to ramp up. This is the case for that of Kolmi-Hopen, which now runs 24 hours a day. During this visit, the Head of State therefore hammered out his new keyword: "sovereignty". "This crisis teaches us that, on certain goods, certain products, the strategic nature requires having European sovereignty," he said.
Kolmi-Hopen, a company already adept at "made in France"
On the Kolmi-Hopen side, this philosophy has been applied for several years. "Currently, on our masks, we have around 70% of our components coming from France," confirms an employee. And even the company's machines are "made in France", which represents a significant effort, because they cost ten times more than Chinese machines. But as they produce better, this choice is profitable, says the boss of the factory. "The investment is heavy, but pays off over time," he said.
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Despite hiring to produce more, some employees are already feeling tired. This is why an employee took advantage of the presidential visit to ask Emmanuel Macron that the French also salute their efforts, and "that at 8 pm, we applaud all the citizens who make the effort". "This united France, we will applaud it together," replied Emmanuel Macron, without convincing everyone. Because aside, an employee confides her bitterness to Europe 1: "They make me laugh. They are very happy to find us now. Before, everyone bought in China."