The SCMF is mobilizing to defend French industry

By Schilling Communication - PR Agency Published on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 14:32 AM

Photo credits : SCMF

Summary for decision-makers

French metal construction manufacturers, grouped within the French Metal Construction Union (SCMF), are expressing their commitment to low-carbon reindustrialization and regional economic development. By tackling major strategic projects, such as the battery recycling plant in Dunkirk, they are demonstrating their ability to mobilize their expertise to support French industrial sovereignty. This project, led by Orano in cooperation with the Chinese group XTC, involves an impressive volume of 35.000 tons of steel structures to be delivered over two years. Currently in the consultation phase for the building's construction, the SCMF is concerned about the possible involvement of foreign subcontractors, which could harm local French companies in terms of jobs and know-how.

SCMF General Delegate Hervé Gastaud emphasizes that any potential job losses could have serious economic implications for the sector. As 2030 approaches, France aims to strengthen its industrial competitiveness in a competitive global environment. To this end, several SCMF companies are considering joining forces to form a Team France to respond to future calls for tenders. This collective movement highlights the enthusiasm and responsiveness of French metal construction companies, which boast a rich heritage of know-how and unparalleled expertise. While continuing to invest in research and development, the sector is ready to meet the challenges ahead with a view to modernizing its production methods and making a significant contribution to the economy and ecology of its regions.

Frequently Asked Questions for Decision Makers

What are the economic and social issues linked to the metal construction project in Dunkirk?
The Dunkirk project presents significant challenges, as it could lead to a loss of know-how and jobs for French companies if foreign subcontractors are favored.

How does the SCMF plan to approach future calls for tenders?
The SCMF plans to form a Team France, bringing together various companies, to better respond to calls for tenders for major projects in the future.

What impact does the metal construction sector have on the local economy?
The sector plays a crucial role in generating tens of thousands of indirect jobs and contributes to the economic development of many related sectors.

In his televised address on May 13, President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his ambition to establish "a policy that protects our steel."

French metal manufacturers unite to defend industrial sovereignty

French metal construction manufacturers, united within the French Metal Construction Union (SCMF), welcome this commitment, which addresses the challenges of low-carbon reindustrialization and regional economic and social development. Moreover, they stand ready to take on this strategic challenge by announcing that they will mobilize their expertise to support major strategic projects that will promote French industrial sovereignty, such as the battery recycling plant project in Dunkirk.

Let us recall that this is a historic project, led by Orano, in partnership with the Chinese group XTC, for an exceptional volume of 35.000 tons of steel structures to be delivered in two years. While the first phase, relating to the construction of the building, is currently the subject of a consultation procedure, the SCMF manufacturers have received consistent signals according to which it would be highly likely that foreign subcontractors could be entrusted with the entire construction of the work, to the detriment of French companies.

For the general delegate of the SCMF, Hervé Gastaud : "Such a prospect would undoubtedly, if confirmed, have economic and social consequences for the sector, in terms of loss of know-how and jobs. A scenario that could also be repeated in the longer term, particularly concerning the construction of future EPR2 units, the infrastructure for the 2030 Olympic Games, etc.".

And Hervé Gastaud continues: "At a time when France has set itself the ambition of developing its industrial competitiveness by 2030, among other things through the "France Relance" program, in a historic context of hyper-competition on the international scene, this project represents a considerable opportunity for manufacturers in the sector."

Aware that they will not be able to industrially respond to the entire project, several French metal construction companies and SCMF members are considering joining forces to form a Team France to partially respond to this call for tenders. This initiative will now be replicated by SCMF members of all sizes to compete in each future major project that emerges throughout France. Hervé Gastaud concludes: "The dynamism and enthusiasm of the companies in our sector are perfectly embodied in this proactive approach to responding to these calls for tenders. Like the Eiffel Tower or the Millau Viaduct, French metal construction companies boast centuries-old heritage know-how and unique expertise in the design, manufacture, and implementation of both large-scale works and more modest structures. For several decades now, they have been pursuing a sustained policy of investment in research and development aimed at modernizing production tools and methods, as demonstrated by the launch of the "France Métallique" program."

French metal construction, exceptional industrial know-how and a key player in the economic and social development of the regions

A true pillar of national sovereignty, an industrial flagship with centuries-old expertise, and an innovative sector committed to recycling and decarbonization, the French metal construction sector is indeed a strategic lever for reindustrialization, ecological transition, and regional economic development. At the same time, companies in the sector play a significant role in the economic and social development of the regions, generating tens of thousands of indirect jobs in numerous sectors of activity (transport, real estate, catering, local businesses, etc.).

As the only national employers' organization representing the metal construction industry, the SCMF brings together some 850 French metal construction companies (mostly SMEs and mid-caps with family structures) employing more than 20.000 people. The turnover generated by SCMF members amounts to more than 4 billion euros, including 5 to 10% from exports, for a total volume of 790.000 tons of steel used. It should also be noted that French metal constructors are involved in new construction and renovation of various types of structures: industrial and agricultural buildings, bridges and footbridges, pylons, parking lots, stations, canopies, but also cultural buildings, sports facilities, offices, arenas, schools, etc.