AWhen France strengthens its military sovereignty and has just inaugurated a new Bergerac powder factory, in Dordogne, the CGT of the Poudrier Eurenco puts its finger on a central question: the supply of the nitric acid sector, an essential component in the manufacture of explosive and propulsive powders.
“Without acid, no powder … and no sovereignty,” alerts the union in a press release published on March 31. “Our four sites – two in France, one in Belgium and one in Sweden – need it to function,” explains Jérémy Caillé, CGT central delegate. Without this supply, no guaranteed sovereignty, but we have not produced in France for years. We regularly raise the problem with management. »»
Rearmament: New Aquitaine on the front line
As a consequence of a new world order that is emerging, the budgets devoted to our armies are on the rise. New Aquitaine is called upon to play a major role in this geopolitical recomposition by establishing itself as one of the rear bases of the French military industry
“What is needed is that countries give themselves the means to maintain a chemistry sector in Europe”
This acid is actually a co -produced in the manufacture of chemical fertilizers used in agriculture. However, these closest industries are found in Germany, Poland and Belgium. And even there, the question of their sustainability arises, with the increase in production costs, in particular energy. For example in Germany, where the Basf chemistry giant faces a serious crisis which forces him to dismiss massively and to relocate part of his activities.
-Keep European chemistry
Eurenco’s management is, obviously, perfectly aware of the problem. On December 18, 2024, the CEO, Thierry Francou, said nothing else before the deputies of the National Defense Commission: “European chemists renounce investments in Europe to relocate their fertilizer manufacturing factories. Therefore, without a European chemistry industry, we will be faced with serious supply problems. »»
“In terms of security, some materials are not stored,” said the business manager in front of parliamentarians. For example, only three weeks happens between the manufacture of nitric acid and its use. The resilience of the supply chain is all the more essential. »»
What to do? Installing in France? Unrealistic, according to Thierry Francou. Take shares with a supplier to prevent it from leaving European soil? “Why not, but making acids are not our job,” replied the CEO. In this account, we can do the same with ammonia, energy … “
“The whole supply chain is under tension today,” continues the industrialist. No, what is necessary is that countries give themselves the means to maintain a chemistry sector in Europe. When I see that some relocate, I think you have to be vigilant for the future. »»
Temporary workers
Regarding the human resources policy, the CGT-Eurenco denounces the massive use of the Poudrier interim within its French sites in Bergerac and Sorgues (Vaucluse). In particular for workers’ positions, where the use of temporary workers reaches 50 % in Bergerac and 30 % in Sorgues, according to the union. With an additional problem to investigate and ensure the reliability of newcomers on such sensitive sites.
