UNICEM publishes the consolidated study of its socio-economic footprint in France

By PR influence Published on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 12:29 AM

Throughout France, the quarries and materials industry plays a structuring role for the territories.

Photo credits : UNICEM

Summary for decision-makers

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the economic and social impact of the quarrying and materials sector. By assessing added value, jobs created, and consumer spending, it highlights the tangible benefits of this sector. In 2019, it supported 117 jobs, including 000 direct jobs, generating a turnover of €29 billion. Each direct job creates three additional jobs, highlighting the importance of this sector to the local and regional economy.

The main pillars of the study include aggregates, natural stone, and ready-mix concrete. These activities, often located in rural areas, support jobs that cannot be relocated and contribute to significant tax benefits. Furthermore, companies in the sector are actively engaged in corporate social responsibility, recycling, and environmental conservation initiatives, thus integrating sustainable development into their strategy. This analysis, published by UNICEM and the GIE network of CERCs, aims to highlight the often underestimated importance of this industry in sustainable regional planning.

Frequently Asked Questions for Decision Makers

What are the economic effects measured by the study?
The study measures direct, indirect and induced effects, such as added value produced and jobs supported.

How many jobs are supported by the sector?
In 2019, the sector supported 117 jobs, of which 000 were direct jobs.

What is the involvement of companies in sustainable development?
Companies in the sector are stepping up their commitments to social responsibility, recycling and the preservation of biodiversity.

UNICEM (National Union of Quarrying and Construction Materials Industries), in partnership with the GIE Réseau des CERC (Regional Economic Units of Construction), is publishing the consolidated study "Socio-economic Footprint of France", the result of work carried out in all regions using homogeneous data from 2019.

Economic and social impact of the quarries and materials sector

This study is based on the analysis of the direct, indirect and induced effects generated by the sector's activity, by measuring:

• the added value produced and salaried jobs (direct effects),
• purchases of goods and services from subcontractors and suppliers (indirect effects),
• employee consumption expenditure which irrigates other economic branches (induced effects).

The objective is to rigorously quantify the concrete impact of the sector on the economic and social fabric.

Key figures (2019) :

117 jobs supported (including 29 direct)
€8,8 billion in turnover
Un x3 ripple effect : each direct job generates 3 additional jobs in the economy.

Three pillars analyzed:

Aggregates : 55 jobs supported
Natural stones : 14 jobs
Ready-mix concrete (RMC) : 50 jobs (record ratio of 400 jobs per direct job)

Located mainly in rural or peri-urban areas, the sector's sites support jobs that cannot be relocated, generate tax benefits for local authorities and actively participate in a local, circular economy with a reduced carbon footprint.

Beyond their economic contribution, companies in the sector are intensifying their commitments to social responsibility, recycling of materials and preservation of biodiversity.
A collective dynamic that fully integrates the quarries and materials industry into the ecological transition of the territories.
By publishing this national consolidation, UNICEM and the GIE CERC network wish to provide objective and quantified insight into the real impact of a sector that is often overlooked but essential to the sustainable development of the country.

More information : The full study is available HERE