In Rennes, the PSA plant saved by the 4 x 4 – Le Parisien

From our correspondent in Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine), Solenne Durox

With the production of a new vehicle and an investment of € 100 million, the La Janais, near Rennes, find the activity.

“ This is a page of a new story that opens here. “The Minister of Defence and President of Brittany, Jean-Yves Le Drian, did not hide his satisfaction yesterday alongside Carlos Tavares, CEO of PSA, who also made the trip to Chartres-de- Brittany, near Rennes, to confirm the award of a new vehicle plant in La Janais 2018 and especially an investment of € 100 million to completely redo the assembly line and adjust the industrial process .

the production of the new Citroën model, a crossover-type SUV dubbed currently C84, initially scheduled in China but the manufacturer studying for some time a second manufacturing site in Europe. Compete with plants in Sochaux, Mulhouse and Vigo in Spain, the Rennes site, which employs 2 500 workers finally won “against performance efforts made by the plant and its modernization commitments,” says PSA.

for the new vehicle, the unions – except the CGT – agreed to make further efforts, including a wage freeze for the next three years and the renewal of available senior leave employees from 55 years. For its part, management is committed to recruit one hundred young Acting CDI contract. With the future Peugeot 5008 and Citroen Mehari-E, the Rennes production will eventually 100,000 vehicles against 60,000 today. “After changing the assembly line, we have the most modern plant in Europe”, says Nadine Cormier, Associate Force Ouvrière. “It’s a real shift. Fortunately, because with thirty-five days collective unemployment, the situation could not go on, “adds Laurent Valy, CFDT secretary.

The La Janais is, in effect distance. Within a decade, the production is increased from 300 000 to 60 000 vehicles per year. 10 000 jobs were lost. Local authorities have played a central role in preserving the activity in La Janais. In September 2015, the region has for example spent € 13 million to buy 52 hectares of land owned by PSA against the group’s commitment to entrust a new vehicle to the plant.

At the exit workshops under the Breton drizzle, employees yesterday ranged between relief and distrust. “We take what we are given. Even scooters, I would have made to save our factory! “Exclaimed Philip, who has worked for thirty-four years in La Janais. If he now knows he can finish his career there, he “also think young” it will leave behind. At 43, Florian waiting to see before rejoicing. “There have been so many ads in the past. A Aulnay too, they were told that it would not close. We know how it ended … “

The Paris

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