The devastated site of the Le Froid factory, in Montravel, welcomed this Thursday an official visit from the member of the government in charge of the economy Christopher Gygès. The opportunity to discuss the future of the structure, which is still written in dotted lines.
It was the first industrial site to go up in smoke, during the terrible night of May 13 to 14, 2024. In this sense, the first official visit carried out on the devastated grounds of the Le Froid factory had a symbolic significance this THURSDAY.
Christopher Gygès, the government member in charge of the economy, not only noted the extent of the damage. Ruined machines, shreds of charred walls, piles of rubble… Reconstruction would cost between 10 and 15 billion francs.
“We want to reduce administrative procedures for all communities and provide additional aid so that reconstruction can be done better and more quickly. We have entrepreneurs who have confidence in Caledonia and our duty is to be at their side”indicated the elected official.
Will the factory be rebuilt? For the management of the Le Froid company, the answer lies with the elected officials. After losing 45% of its turnover, the company does not envisage rebuilding without help.
In particular, it is awaiting an exemption from the market regulation tax, put in place on product imports, on which it is more dependent than ever to continue to survive.
-“This is the key to reconstruction, the key to the survival of the company. Without obtaining these authorizations, there will be a complete cessation of activity”says Nicolas Troboas, the general director of Le Froid. And to emphasize: “We have 200 million products under customs control. For a company that has a week of cash flow, it seems extremely difficult to us to continue under these conditions”.
On the site, the first phase of securing and deconstruction has come to an end. “An exemplary approach has been put in place in terms of safety and the environment since we go beyond the requirements of the province. The goal is to maximize the use of the materials that can be on the site”explains Catherine Delorme, deconstruction and safety project manager.
But the work is still far from finished for Le Froid, whose visibility on a possible reconstruction remains limited. During his visit, Christopher Gygès spoke of joint announcements with the State to promote the reconstruction of businesses. The measures should be made official in the coming days.
Swiss
