Riou Glass is strengthening its organization to meet the challenges of tomorrow

Driven by a long-term vision of its president, Christine Riou Feron, this evolution is accompanied by an ambitious investment program responding to a dual objective: to continue the modernization of its industrial tool while accelerating the environmental and societal transition of its model.

Since September, the French industrial group, an expert in flat glass processing, has implemented a new strategic organization within its network of glass processing plants in France. This reorganization reflects the long-term vision of its president.

For Christine Riou Feron: “The global economic situation is experiencing unprecedented turbulence. The building sector, a pillar of our national economy, is directly affected, consequently impacting the entire glass industry. A major player in the sector for over 45 years, Riou Glass is adapting and anticipating future growth, while remaining true to its values ​​and identity. We have a long-term vision of a high-performing, responsible, and people-centered French industry.”

Creating synergies to increase efficiency

Previously organized by site, the new structure is now based on four main commercial zones: North, South, East, and West, encompassing Riou Glass's 16 flat glass processing plants in France. Each zone is headed by a regional delegate: Philippe Catel for the North, Daniel Foucher for the South, Guillaume Morand for the East, and Rodney Litou for the West. This regional structure aims to strengthen commercial, industrial, and logistical synergies between the plants in order to increase efficiency and responsiveness across the entire country.

It also supports the Façade unit, created in June 2024, which operates across all of the group's French sites. Entirely dedicated to this market segment, it was initially led by Philippe Melon, former head of Diffuver (acquired by Riou Glass in 2023), and Olivier Cifani, a façade expert. It is now headed by Damien Sirou, who has also been appointed Sales and Marketing Manager for France. Philippe Melon and Olivier Cifani will continue to provide their expertise in support of Damien Sirou.

Investing to support growth

The implementation of this new organization is accompanied by an ambitious investment plan aimed at modernizing the group's manufacturing processes and improving its technical and environmental performance. As part of this strategy, Riou Glass notably completed two major investment projects in 2024, totaling €6,3 million, at the Riou Glass VIO (Parné-sur-Roc, Mayenne) and Riou Glass VIR (Pia, Pyrénées-Orientales) plants.

• Riou Glass VIO has invested €3,3 million in expanding its automated glass tray sorting and storage center, increasing its capacity from 300 to 450 positions. The investment also enabled the commissioning of a new 75-meter automated double-glazing assembly line, incorporating a major innovation: Thermoplastic Spacer Application (TPA) technology. This process relies on the automated application of a thermoplastic spacer directly onto the glass, unlike traditional methods using metal spacers.
• Riou Glass VIR, for its part, invested €3 million. 50% of this sum was allocated to expanding the automated sorting and storage center for glass sheets, enabling the supply of a second production line dedicated to the construction market. The other half financed the installation of a laminated glass assembly line, intended for applications such as floor panels, railings, and bulletproof glass. Operational since early 2025, it strengthens Riou Glass's presence in this promising market segment.

AI for the benefit of customer relations

Riou Glass is also continuing its digital transformation to enhance customer relations. In 2026, the group will deploy a new AI-powered quote and order management tool across all its factories. This tool, developed by the startup Monce, a software publisher specializing in solutions for industry leaders, will be interfaced with the group's ERP system. It will enable the company to respond more efficiently and precisely to customer requests by automating low-value tasks and offering even more personalized glazing solutions.

Decarbonizing within a circular economy framework

Finally, the future will depend on continuing the group's energy and societal transition. Riou Glass will launch a new CSR program, structured around two main pillars:

• To sustainably reduce its carbon footprint by improving the energy efficiency of its sites and by recycling glass waste,
• Strengthening its positive societal impact by supporting territories, associations and human initiatives close to the company's values.

In this context, the Eurofloat plant in Salaise-sur-Sanne (Isère), 50% owned by Riou Glass, has been the first European float glass plant to utilize local biomethane in the production of flat glass since October. This commitment to the environmental transition is also reflected downstream in the supply chain, through the development in France of the MENREC network for recycling end-of-life window and door frames, of which Riou Glass is a partner. The cullet collected by MENREC is recycled and reused by Riou Glass in the manufacture of new glass products, following a circular economy model.

According to Christine Riou Feron, President of Riou Glass: “The future belongs to those who have the courage to transform themselves without ever denying their identity. This conviction guides each of our decisions. Because French industry is strong and resilient, Riou Glass will continue to move forward with high standards and confidence: the confidence to be an independent French industrial player, firmly rooted in its local communities and committed to a performance model that is both sustainable and humane.”