Excellent turnout for the Ambition France Steel Construction Symposium organised by the SCMF

A morning of discussions that fully embodies the ambition of the SCMF: to make steel a strategic lever for national industrial sovereignty, competitiveness and the transition of the construction sector.

A conference with multiple ambitions

This event, which brought together all stakeholders in the steel value chain (manufacturers, metal construction companies, professional federations and organizations, clients, architects, etc.), provided an opportunity to engage with decision-makers. Another objective of this morning of discussions was to reaffirm the crucial role of metal construction in France's industrial future in the face of current major industrial, environmental, and economic upheavals. 

In his introduction, Emmanuel de Laage, president of the SCMF, recalled that this conference was born from a conviction: "Metal construction is a strategic pillar of our industrial and territorial sovereignty. In a fragmented world, marked by geopolitical tensions, fierce international competition and a major decarbonization imperative, our sector is speaking out to assert our ambition: to make our collective voice heard, clearly, demanding and responsible."And to continue:"Metal construction represents thousands of jobs, unique expertise, an unparalleled capacity for innovation, and a strong local presence. Metal construction is ubiquitous: from industrial and logistics buildings to public facilities, whether for new construction, reconstruction, or renovation, it embodies architectural innovation and meets the objectives of a low-carbon transition." 

Emmanuel de Laage to challenge "Yet, our role is too often invisible, too often misunderstood, too often absent from public policy. This morning, we are changing that. The SCMF is making a strong commitment today to defend a structured and coherent industrial model, to create bridges between upstream and downstream sectors, and finally, to build a broad, robust, and lasting coalition. As President of the SCMF, I understand the essential role we have to play in structuring and uniting the industry, presenting realistic and coherent proposals to public authorities, but also promoting our expertise, supporting skills development, defending a protective yet competitive economic environment, and finally, affirming that metal construction is a solution for the future: modular, recyclable, and low-carbon.And Emmanuel de Laage concluded:We'll be discussing figures, training, attractiveness, innovation, skills development, but also protection and Europe. In short, everything that determines the future of French steel… and therefore the future of our industry."

Hervé Gastaud, the SCMF's general delegate, then outlined the three objectives of the morning, illustrating the dynamics of the SCMF's strategic project: France Métallique. The first objective is based on the need to share a diagnosis through figures on the steel industry in France, data from the French metal construction industry, and an assessment of skills and training. The second objective is embodied in the desire to bring the entire value chain together with a common ambition, language, and agenda. The third objective is to foster a collective political ambition, since "The question is no longer merely technical; it concerns competitiveness, sovereignty, international regulation, as well as an industrial vision for France and Europe. ".

Informative roundtable discussions

Following these opening speeches, the symposium was structured around two main sessions organized around roundtables. The first, focused on the industry/contractors, was themed "Uniting our strengths: towards a shared ambition for steel for industrial and territorial sovereignty." It featured informative and engaging presentations by Thierry Crosnier, CEO of Baudin Chateauneuf, Bruno Jacquemin, CEO of A3M (also representing the UIMM), Christophe Bonhomme (President of Bonhomme Bâtiment and representative of the FFB) and Fabien Gantois, Vice-President of the CNOA (National Council of the Order of Architects). 

The second round table highlighted the political perspectives by addressing the theme

 "Metal construction and Ambition Acier: political challenges and opportunities in the service of renewed industrial sovereignty." 

A constructive round table discussion highlighted by the contributions of Clarisse Maillet (President of CPME 71), Roger Briand (Vice-President of Briand), and Benjamin Frugier (Director General of the Federation of Mechanical Industries). A particularly noteworthy moment was the impassioned plea by Roger Briand, former President of the SCMF, in support of French and European sovereignty.

Finally, it should be noted that Sébastien Martin, Minister Delegate for Industry, delivered the closing remarks at this conference. His highly anticipated speech confirmed the essential role of the metal construction sector in national industrial priorities.