Colas creates Nexstone, one of the French leaders in construction materials

Colas is launching Nexstone, a new company that brings together all of its construction materials production, recovery and recycling activities in France. The aim is to increase the visibility of these activities, a strategic focus of Colas' development. By simplifying and harmonizing the operation of these businesses, Nexstone is improving their performance, serving customers and stakeholders.

A unified local network for a response tailored to customer needs

Nextone brings together the activities previously carried out by four companies[1], each covering part of French territory.

Nexstone relies on a dense, structured and unified network to meet the specific needs of its various customers. In total, 36 million tons of natural or recycled aggregates and concrete are produced each year on more than 400 sites (quarries, recycling platforms and ready-mix concrete plants) spread throughout the territory.

These points of sale allow Nexstone to offer a wide range of construction materials, from its own production or from trading. By favoring the use of local materials, Nexstone offers its customers accessible solutions while limiting the environmental impact.

Nexstone also aims to be an innovative player in its sector, particularly by accelerating its digitalization. Nexstone offers its customers personalized support through the implementation of a digitalized customer area that makes their materials purchases easier. In addition, in 2023, Colas acquired Rockease, an independent online sales platform for construction materials, to facilitate the connection between customers and suppliers.

A strong commitment to the circular economy and recycling

To meet current environmental challenges, Nexstone places the circular economy and natural resource management at the heart of its activities. The company plans to expand its network of 200 Valormat platforms to more than 400 in 2027. Valormat platforms ensure the recovery and recycling of materials from development and deconstruction.

In 2024, via its Valormat platforms, Nexstone produced 8 million tonnes of recycled aggregates. The company aims to increase this production by 50%[2], to reach 10,5 million tonnes in 2027.

As proof of Nexstone's commitment to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and promoting transparency, a large number of its quarries are labelled Cap Environnement – Unicem (formerly Charter Environment), thus affirming its commitment to sustainable and ecologically responsible development. Nexstone aims to extend this certification to all of its quarries in the coming years.

Finally, Nexstone confirms its commitment to putting each quarry at the service of the territories, through a guide to quarry redevelopment solutions intended for all stakeholders.

For Thierry Méline, President of Colas France: "Nexstone is accelerating the development of our natural and recycled materials business. Unifying our network of sites allows us to better serve our entire customer base, responding to the need for proximity of artisans, while simplifying the experience of major accounts."

Nexstone has nearly 1.100 employees and plans to hire around sixty new talents this year.

[1] Quarries and Materials Grand-Ouest, Quarries and Materials North-East, Quarries and Materials Normandy, Quarries and Materials South-East