ABB France to sell an activity in its Chassieu factory

This activity, inherited from the Entrelec company bought in 2001, produces "terminal blocks", kinds of large dominoes for industrial use allowing cables to be connected.

It faces very specialized competition, explained Mr. Mulbert during the inauguration of the company's new headquarters in the Lyon region.

Already present in France, the buyer is a former division of the American conglomerate Tyco International, now based in Switzerland.

The sale is expected to be completed this summer.

The Chassieu factory, which has a total of around 300 employees, remains for ABB a global center of competence in contactors. The group plans to invest 5 to 6 million euros to develop this activity.

ABB France employs half of its 1.600 French employees in its five units in the Lyon region.

Located around twenty kilometers from Lyon, the new headquarters in Beynost (Ain) is the group's largest site in France, with its 5.700 square meters, even before its Paris headquarters. It accommodates 320 people.

Due to the Lyon firm Z Architecture, it aims to be a showcase for the technologies of the Swiss-Swedish group, particularly in terms of energy management and connectivity. "We will use it as a showroom for our customers," said Mulbert.

Without allocated offices, but comprising a multiplicity of meeting rooms, it must allow the group "to modify its working methods".

The building was carried by the Lyon promoter Cardinal who sold it to the Périal real estate company which rents it to ABB.