Page 53 - GB-RI-PierreFabre-Complet-INTERACTIF

INTERVIEW A local plant with the world in its sights Committed to our stakeholders Gérard Pérès, Mayor of Aignan. Maxime Blondeel, Director of the Aignan Plant. G. P. We are all proud of this new investment, which proves the Group intends to stay and grow in the region. Pierre Fabre’s commitment to its origins is not just hollow words! Even though the economy remains fragile and uncertain, the site will be able to expand into the export market and benefit from a positive outlook for many years to come. There are also great synergies to be developed together to make these regions more attractive: partnerships for bolstering the charity sector, initiating sporting activities for employees, sponsorship... Each and everyone of us can apply our knowledge for the benefit of all. How has Pierre Fabre supported the development of Aignan and the surrounding area since it purchased the factory in 1984? Gérard Pérès According to the “village elders”, Pierre Fabre was the savior of Aignan! By setting up locally, the Group allowed this village of 800 people to keep hold of its young people by offering them job opportunities and the infrastructure essential to family life, such as schools and services. Taxes, mainly the local tax on business, made investment possible. Pierre Fabre is a committed company and very early on it offered an extended social welfare scheme to its employees. The fact that our famous throat lozenges are made locally is a source of pride. The village of Aignan has spread well beyond the region, showing that good things can happen in the countryside. Maxime Blondeel Pierre Fabre is one of the biggest employers in Gers, which is largely an agricultural region. By setting down local roots, the Group has helped retain jobs in this rural area. The site has doubled its production in 10 years. Pierre Fabre controls 40% of the nicotine replacement products market in France, and there is great potential for international growth. What is the likely impact of the Group’s new plans for investment in Gers? M. B. Without this project, the competition would soon catch us up, because the stop smoking market is growing rapidly. The Government grant, as part of France's recovery plan, will help us continue with the investments we had planned before the disruptions of the economic and health crisis. We will be able to protect jobs, continue our technological advances with hard-boiled pharmaceutical lozenges, improve working conditions, and more generally restore confidence in the future. A win-win situation! Our products are being certified for the American market, so from our site in Gers, we will be able to step onto the international stage. Great recognition for the expertise of our teams. How can Pierre Fabre go further? CREATING VALUE 49