New Gillet Foundry: A French Success Story Driven by Commitment and Resilience

A historic foundry saved by collective commitment

The Nouvelle Fonderie Gillet, located in Albi in the Occitanie region, is the perfect example that in France, it is possible to save a company in difficulty thanks to motivation, commitment and good support. Founded under Louis XIV, this renowned foundry, specializing in the manufacture of parts in aluminum alloy, copper-aluminum and bronze, almost disappeared after more than three centuries of existence. After two bankruptcy filings, in 2008 and then in 2014, a group of employees decided to take over the company in the form of a cooperative (SCOP), despite difficult conditions. Today, this foundry is a model of success, illustrating that with courage and a clear vision, it is possible to revive an industrial activity in France.

The SCOP takeover: A bold gamble

In 2014, after the second bankruptcy filing, the Nouvelle Fonderie Gillet seemed doomed to disappear. Faced with this critical situation, Urscop (Regional Union of Scop d'Occitanie) stepped in to offer employees an alternative. However, there was great distrust. "Our former managers told us that we were not going to succeed, that we were going to lose our savings," says Nicolas Pomarède, now director of the foundry. Only three employees initially accepted the idea, but thanks to the intervention of an Urscop delegate and suitable financing (zero-interest loans, unemployment converted into capital), around twenty employees finally joined the project.

The challenge was immense: restarting the business with only 23 employees instead of 46, with no transfer of knowledge and with obsolete equipment. “They did not know it was impossible, so they did it.” – Mark Twain. Despite these difficulties, the new team worked tirelessly to fulfill orders and stop financial losses that amounted to 600,000 euros per year. In less than a year, the SCOP was stabilized.

Collaborative and human management

Nicolas Pomarède compares his role to that of a rally co-driver: encouraging, motivating and calming when the pressure becomes too great. "My way of speaking to people is based on empathy. When I see that the pressure is too great, I tone it down." He advocates non-violent management, based on communication and respect for the workers' work.

In this organization, the hierarchy is at the service of the employees. "In the offices, we are facilitators, we are at the service of the workers and not the other way around." This approach has helped maintain motivation and cohesion within the team, despite the challenges encountered.

Diversification and resilience: A response to crises

After major losses in 2017, the foundry had to rethink its model. A major client went bankrupt, so the company turned to new markets to no longer depend on a single sector. Today, in addition to these old sectors, it works in the fields of optics, defense (without weapons), medical, pumping and even street furniture.

This diversification has allowed Nouvelle Fonderie Gillet to ensure its stability and fill its order book without a sales department. "We operate by word of mouth. We would not be able to meet a strong additional demand at the moment, but this recruitment will come later."

Innovation and ecological transition: Preparing for the future

The foundry has embarked on a process of modernization and decarbonization. Since the 2000s, it has eliminated toxic products from its production process and is now looking to move to build a more environmentally friendly factory. "We are going to replace our oil furnaces with electric furnaces and install photovoltaic panels."

The company should also invest in artificial intelligence to improve the transmission of knowledge between employees and has recently acquired casting simulation software, thus optimizing production. With 2 million euros invested in ten years, this modernization is a source of pride for Nicolas Pomarède and his team.

Transmission and industrial memory: A heritage to preserve

The Nouvelle Fonderie Gillet is the oldest foundry in France still in operation. "It cast cannons under Napoleon, we can consider that it participated in the History of France", Nicolas Pomarède proudly recalls. Aware of this rich heritage, he regularly organizes open days for middle and high school students in order to pass on this unique know-how.

This desire to pass on knowledge is essential to attract new talent and preserve a profession that is undergoing a complete transformation. Today, the Nouvelle Fonderie Gillet is not content to simply survive: it is innovating, developing and adapting to the challenges of tomorrow. Its success proves that in France, with commitment, vision and a close-knit team, it is possible to save and make an industrial company prosper.