PUBLIC Prize awarded by the Dépêche Group

Based in Gagnac-sur-Cère since 1994, Rectif 46 is a rare company in the field of high precision mechanical grinding. With unique know-how and ambitious projects, this Lot-based SME, recently taken over by Petra Brotnei, confirms its key role in French industry.

Rectif 46, a specialist in mechanical grinding, works with materials as demanding as steel, stainless steel, titanium and even Inconel. Created in 1994, the company moved four years ago to new buildings located in the industrial zone of Gagnac-sur-Cère, offering a modern working environment and optimal conditions for a profession where every detail counts. “We are the last to touch a mechanical part, and our job is to give it perfect geometry, down to the micron,” explains Petra Brotnei, who took over the company in December 2023. With only five companies specializing in this field in France, Rectif 46 stands out for its expertise.

The ten members of the team, with an average experience of 20 years, work with specific grinding machines and grinding wheels with grains adapted to each material. This technical profession, formerly nicknamed “scratchers”, requires extreme rigor, precise reading of plans, and calculation skills. The parts processed vary from a few centimeters to 1.5 meters, intended for sectors as varied as aeronautics, space, defense, motorsport and even medical. “It’s an exceptional profession, at the crossroads of haute couture and engineering, but whose skills are lost due to lack of training,” regrets Petra Brotnei.

A new impulse

The arrival of Petra Brotnei at the head of Rectif 46 marks a turning point for the company. With turnover up 25% compared to 2023, without increasing production capacity, this “feminine touch” brings a dynamic and ambitious vision. One of the priorities for the coming years is to meet growing demand through new investments. A full order book until 2025 justifies the purchase of a new grinding machine, and hiring is also planned. But the real innovation will come from the creation of an internal grinding training center. “It’s a profession with a future, but it can no longer be learned at school. We want to pass on this rare know-how and guarantee the sustainability of our expertise,” says Petra Brotnei. Rectif 46 thus intends to strengthen its role in strategic sectors such as aeronautics and medical, while continuing to develop its activities in niche areas such as motorsport or retrofit (repair and modernization of parts).

A promising future for valuable expertise

By combining tradition and innovation, Rectif 46 perpetuates rare know-how while looking towards the future. With its expansion projects and the transmission of its skills, the Lot-based company is establishing itself as an essential pillar of high mechanical precision in France. In an industry where every micron counts, Rectif 46 proves that craftsmanship and high technology can coexist to push the limits of perfection.