In L'ile-Bouchard, in the Centre-Val de Loire, Szymanski has invested in an innovative technology

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For a company of our size to have access to this type of innovative technology is truly groundbreaking. In about ten years' time, all metalworking companies will probably have equipment like this, but this is not the case today.Pierre-Alain Foltz, CEO of SzymanskiThe Szymanski company mainly manufactures ‘custom-made’ parts that can be used in specific and particular, non-standard environments. Each part is unique and the company never carries out the same work twice in the same year. Most of its customers are based in Touraine (Val Touraine Habitat, Valeo, Géodis, Tupperware, etc.).With the aim of modernising its design and production methods, the company has invested in production equipment that is essential for its future: a fibre laser cutting machine.Responsiveness, competitiveness and energy savingsThe company wishes to base its development on the niche market of so-called ‘tailor-made’ and service metalwork, as opposed to the production of standardised industrial mass production. The acquisition of the fibre laser cutting machine allows them to increase their technical and productive independence.In fact, the machine is financed by the savings made on services that were previously outsourced. The fibre laser cutting machine also enhances creative options, opens up new manufacturing possibilities and ensures responsiveness for ‘service’ metalwork, which cannot be outsourced and has a high added value. With the acquisition of this machine, the company has increased its competitiveness and conquered markets it would not previously have been able to compete in.The machine also saves energy. This technology consumes very little electricity compared to conventional lasers, which consume a great deal. Previous technologies had mediocre performance and produced large amounts of heat. It was necessary to add a water cooling system. This required additional energy to operate it. As for the fibre laser, its performance is four to five times better and it uses a reasonable amount of energy to function properly. In addition, it is equipped with a forced air system that allows it to cool.Impact on employment and the regional economyThe acquisition of this innovative machine has had a positive impact on the local employment market. Established in a rural region and the third largest employer in the municipality of L'Ile-Bouchard, the company plays an important role in maintaining the local social and economic fabric. Indirectly, the investment allows for equipment to be modernised via the employment of young people. Indeed, acquiring the machine allows the company to align itself with the technologies taught at universities in senior technician certificate programmes. Two full-time permanent contracts were created, bringing the total payroll to 16 full-time equivalents. Moreover, this investment ensures the sustainability of the industry in rural areas.The company recorded growth of 7% to 8% in 2019, in part due to the gain in productivity related to acquiring the new machine.Total investment and European fundingTotal investment for the ‘Szymanski fibre laser cutting metalwork investment’ project was EUR 196 761; the contribution of the European Regional Development Fund amounted to EUR 59 028 under the ‘ERDF Operational Programme for the Centre-Val de Loire Region’ cooperation programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the ‘Jobs, Growth and Investment’ priority.