Top 10 Largest Manufacturing Companies in France
France is one of the largest and most influential economies in Europe, with a rich history of manufacturing and industry. Its manufacturing sector has evolved ... read more...over the years and is now a crucial contributor to the country's economic growth. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the largest manufacturing companies in France.
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ArcelorMittal France is a key company in the global steel industry and a significant contributor to the French economy. The company's focus on safety, sustainability, and high-quality steel has made it the leading supplier in major markets like automotive, construction, household appliances, and packaging. The company's world-class research and development and distribution networks are among its strengths.
ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel and mining company, operating in more than 60 countries with an industrial footprint in over 20 countries. The company's core values of sustainability, quality, and leadership guide its operations, and it places a high value on the health, safety, and well-being of its employees, contractors, and the communities in which it operates.
Steel is the fabric of life for ArcelorMittal, as it is essential in many products and components used in everyday life, from cars to washing machines. The company is actively researching and producing energy-efficient steel-based technologies and solutions that can make a positive impact on the environment.
In addition to its steel operations, ArcelorMittal is also one of the world's largest producers of iron ore and metallurgical coal. With a geographically diversified portfolio of iron ore and coal assets, the company is strategically positioned to serve its network of steel plants and the global market. As a result, ArcelorMittal's revenue in 2013 reached $79.4 billion, with crude steel production of 91.2 million tonnes and its own iron ore production reaching 58.4 million tonnes.
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: La Plaine-saint-denis, Ile-de-France, France
Website: https://france.arcelormittal.com/
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Airbus is a prominent European multinational aerospace corporation that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and selling commercial aircraft. The company has distinct divisions for Defence and Space and Helicopters and is the world's largest manufacturer of airliners and leading helicopter manufacturer. Founded in 1970, Airbus was formed by the collaboration of European aerospace companies with a vision to produce a wide-body aircraft that could compete with American-built airliners. Over the years, Airbus has become a global player with major offices and assembly plants in France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as in Canada, China, and the United States.
France plays a crucial role in Airbus's skills, technologies, innovation, and production. As one of the company's four founding countries, France hosts the company's headquarters and final assembly lines for all Airbus commercial aircraft families. It is also home to major production facilities for helicopter, space, and defense activities and locations for leading-edge research. With nearly 48,000 Airbus employees and over 63,000 people when subsidiaries and shareholdings are included, France is a critical component of the company's global competitiveness.
Airbus's headquarters are located in the southwest region of Occitanie, near the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. In Occitanie, over 28,000 people are Airbus employees, and approximately 4,500 work in central functions such as finance, marketing, engineering, customer support programs, and procurement. The company's success can be attributed to its constant innovation, investment in research and development, and the talent and skills of its workforce.Founded: 1970
Headquarters: Toulouse, France
Website: https://www.airbus.com/en/our-worldwide-presence/airbus-in-france
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Saint-Gobain is a French multinational corporation with a rich history spanning over 350 years. Founded in 1665 in Paris, the company initially specialized in mirror manufacturing but has now diversified into the production of construction, high-performance, and other materials. Today, Saint-Gobain is a global leader in light and sustainable construction, operating in 76 countries and employing over 170,000 people as of 2022.
As one of the largest manufacturing companies in France, the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction, and the decarbonization of construction and industry. These solutions are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. Saint-Gobain's purpose is to make the world a better home, and this commitment is guided by the company's collective strength, leadership, and 350 years of experience.
As an international and multi-local company, Saint-Gobain is fully integrated into the territories where it operates, supporting its vitality and helping to build a fairer, more sustainable, open, and engaging world. The company's dedication to addressing the major challenges facing humanity, such as climate change and resource protection, reflects its leadership in the industry. Saint-Gobain's ongoing adaptation to change is a testament to its continued success and growth as a global corporation.Founded: 1665
Headquarters: La Défense, Courbevoie, France
Website: https://www.saint-gobain.com/en
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Groupe Renault is a long-standing French multinational automobile manufacturer that was established over a century ago in 1899. As one of the largest manufacturing companies in France, the company has diversified its product line, producing a range of vehicles from cars and vans to trucks, tractors, tanks, buses, aircraft, and aircraft engines. According to the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, Renault was the ninth biggest automaker in the world by production volume in 2016.
Groupe Renault is headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, and is comprised of several subsidiaries, including Alpine, Renault Sport, Automobile Dacia, and Renault Korea Motors. The company also owns subsidiaries RCI Banque, Renault Retail Group, and Motrio, and has various joint ventures, including Oyak-Renault and Renault Pars.
Groupe Renault is known for its significant role in motorsport, particularly rallying, Formula 1, and Formula E. The company has also been involved in pioneering work in computer graphics, particularly in mathematical curve modeling for car bodies.
Groupe Renault is committed to sustainability and invested heavily in electric vehicles in collaboration with Nissan, resulting in over 273,000 electric vehicles sold worldwide as of December 2019. The company has also divested its shareholding in AvtoVAZ to the Government of Russia in response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Founded: 25 February 1899
Headquarters: Boulogne-Billancourt, Île-de-France, France
Website: https://www.renaultgroup.com/en/ -
L'Oréal is a French personal care company that has established itself as the largest cosmetics company in the world. The company's headquarters is located in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, with a registered office in Paris. The company has diversified its activities and focused on various fields such as hair color, skincare, sun protection, make-up, perfume, and hair care.
L'Oréal has a clear mission of offering all women and men worldwide the best of cosmetics innovation in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety. The company's brands are usually classified by their targeted markets such as mass, professional, luxury, and active cosmetics markets. The Body Shop and Galderma are directly attached to the head office. L'Oréal also owns interests in various activities such as fine chemicals, health, finance, design, advertising, and insurance.
The company has chosen a unique strategy called Universalization. The strategy aims at globalization that captures, understands, and respects differences in desires, needs, and traditions. It offers tailor-made beauty to meet the aspirations of consumers in every part of the world. L'Oréal is driven by this vision of the world and strives to create products that cater to the diverse needs of consumers worldwide.
Founded: 30 July 1909
Headquarters: Clichy, France
Website: https://www.loreal.com/en/
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Schneider Electric SE is a multinational company headquartered in Rueil-Malmaison, France, that specializes in digital automation and energy management. The company has a global presence and provides solutions for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure, and industries by combining energy technologies, real-time automation, software, and services.
The company has a long and rich history, dating back to the first Industrial Revolution. Over nearly 180 years, Schneider Electric has built a reputation for innovation, expertise, and dedication. Today, the company is a Fortune Global 500 company and a component of the Euro Stoxx 50 stock market index.
Schneider Electric has key personnel and large numbers of staff located in offices in France, Hong Kong, India, and the United States. The company has a diverse portfolio of businesses, including Square D and APC, and is also involved in research and development.
Since 2019, Schneider Electric has been operating three main business units: Energy Management, Industrial Automation, and Services. The company is committed to providing sustainable solutions that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
With revenues of €34.2 billion in fiscal year 2022, Schneider Electric is a leader in the digital automation and energy management industries. The company's ongoing dedication to innovation and sustainability ensures that it will continue to thrive and grow in the years to come.Founded: 1836
Headquarters: Rueil-Malmaison, France
Website: https://www.se.com/ww/en/
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Michelin is a world-renowned tire manufacturing company headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Founded in 1889, the company has grown to become the second-largest tire manufacturer in the world, producing over 166 million tires in 2012. With 69 manufacturing facilities in 18 countries, Michelin is a leading supplier of tires for a variety of vehicles, including automobiles, aircraft, space shuttles, heavy equipment, motorcycles, and bicycles.
The company is known not only for its high-quality tires but also for its Red and Green travel guides, roadmaps, and Michelin stars, which are awarded to restaurants for their exceptional cooking. Additionally, Michelin is famous for its iconic company mascot, Bibendum, commonly referred to as the Michelin Man, a humanoid figure made up of tires.
As one of the largest manufacturing companies in France, Michelin has been a pioneer in tire innovation, developing numerous inventions such as the removable tire, the pneurail for rubber-tired metros, and the radial tire. Despite its success, Michelin has remained committed to sustainable practices, promoting a business model based on the growth and development of people, financial and operational performance, and a positive contribution to the planet and its inhabitants. In recent years, the company's sustainable business model has gained significant traction, as the world faces major upheavals. With a strong focus on innovation, Michelin continues to develop sustainable tire solutions to address the challenges of the future.Founded: 28 May 1889
Headquarters: Clermont-Ferrand, France
Website: https://www.michelin.com/en/
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Danone is a multinational food-products corporation that was founded in 1919 in Barcelona, Spain by Isaac Carasso, a Sephardic Jewish physician from the Ottoman Empire. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, and is listed on Euronext Paris, where it is a component of the CAC 40 stock market index. Danone is a leading producer of dairy and plant-based products, specialized nutritional preparations, and branded bottled water.
Danone's commitment to bringing health through food is rooted in the company's origins, as Isaac Carasso began producing yogurt in 1919 to help children with intestinal infections. The brand was named Danone after his son Daniel Carasso, and the company has since expanded into a global leader in the food industry.
Danone's product lines include Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition, and Medical Nutrition. The company's focus on innovation and quality has allowed it to sell healthy and delicious products tailored to the nutritional needs and eating habits of consumers in over 120 markets worldwide.
In addition to its dedication to producing high-quality food products, Danone also recognizes the importance of helping people live better lives. The company's commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and community engagement reflects its belief that food can be a source of nourishment, enjoyment, and connection for people around the world.Founded: 1919
Headquarter: Boulevard Haussmann 9th arrondissement, Paris, France
Website: https://www.danone.com/
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FORVIA is a global leader in automotive technology that brings together two renowned companies, Faurecia and HELLA. With a century-long history, the company employs over 157,000 people across more than 40 countries, making it the seventh-largest global automotive supplier. It specializes in electronics, clean mobility, lighting, interiors, seating, and lifecycle solutions to drive change in the automotive industry.
The company's vision is to pioneer technology for mobility experiences that matter to people. As technological innovation and the need for sustainability transform the automotive industry, FORVIA is uniquely positioned to deliver solutions that enhance the lives of road users globally. The company aims to achieve this by leveraging the complementary technology and industrial strengths of Faurecia and HELLA. Faurecia, one of the largest automotive suppliers globally, specializes in full interiors and seating systems, ultra-low and zero-emissions mobility solutions, and technologies for automated vehicles. Meanwhile, HELLA, founded in Germany in 1899, is a leading supplier of cutting-edge lighting technology and vehicle electronics.
The merger of Faurecia and HELLA creates an ideal platform for sustainable and profitable growth, thanks to their leadership positions in key technologies and fast-growing segments. As the automotive industry continues to transform through electrification, automated and autonomous driving, and customized onboard experiences, FORVIA is committed to driving change in mobility and shaping the future of transportation.
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Nanterre, France
Website: https://www.forvia.com/ -
NEC Enterprise Solutions is a global leader in information and communications technology, with over 120 years of experience in technological innovation. The company has a worldwide presence, with operations in over 125 countries and a diverse global customer base. With over 107,000 employees and annual sales of $26 billion, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers.
NEC's mission is to leverage its core competencies and advanced technologies to create social value by improving the way people live, work and communicate. The company focuses on Solutions for Society that utilize the strengths of ICT to help ensure the safety, security, efficiency, and equality that is necessary for people to live brighter, more enriched lives.
NEC brings together a complete set of expertise and technology to help customers realize a hybrid workplace vision for all kinds of workers. Whether it's general collaboration, specialized knowledge work, or skilled field work, NEC helps maximize employee productivity and organizational resilience by enabling secure, seamless, and safe working across physical locations, remote offices, and everywhere in between.
NEC's commitment to innovation is evident through its 9 laboratories throughout the world, where some 1,000 researchers daily forge continuous innovation. Under the brand statement Orchestrating a brighter world, NEC continues to develop new technologies and solutions that benefit society and help create a better future for all.Founded: 1899
Headquarters: Puteaux, France
Website: https://www.nec-enterprise.com/