OPEN FORUM WITH FRANCK RETTMEYER, CHAIRMAN & CEO OF THE ALLIMAND GROUP
UPDATE ON ECONOMIC ACTIVITY MID-YEAR “BUSINESS IS ABOUT TAKING RISKS…!”
In an unstable international context of the political, economic and financial situation, the corporate world is looking for answers to the daily questions concerning its future. However, more than ever, Franck RETTMEYER, CEO of the ALLIMAND Group, designer and manufacturer of paper and fibrous materials machinery since 1850, continues the growth dynamic. He highlights the significant increase in order intake of 15 to 20% since the beginning of the year. Let’s take stock of the Group’s economic activity, mid 2016.
A LEVEL OF PARTICULARLY SUSTAINED ACTIVITY FOR THE ALLIMAND GROUP
Since 2014, France has lost its position as the fifth largest world economy, dethroned by the United Kingdom. The country struggles to emerge from the crisis, despite a rebound in GDP growth in 2015 (1.2%), supported by the recovery of public and household consumption. It is estimated that growth will be of 1.4% in 2016, below its pre-crisis level.
What is the level of activity of the Group ALLIMAND?
Franck RETTMEYER : We recorded this year a significant increase in our order books intake of 15 to 20 %. These orders include paper machine rebuilds for the packaging and board industry and complete paper machines in France, Asia and the United States. These orders mainly concern special paper machines, paperboard machines and nonwoven machines, two sectors that invest regularly worldwide.
JOB CREATING GROWTH…
Will this strong growth create jobs within the ALLIMAND Group?
Franck RETTMEYER : Yes and no. We have set up a 4 year employment plan, consisting of recruitment of new skills and qualified personnel. More specifically, we regularly hire each year paper engineers, process engineers, mechanics and technicians to operate the “latest generation” machining centers. A lot of candidates come from the Rhône-Alpes area, but we also hire people from all geographical origins.
ZOOM IN ON A GROWING NICHE MARKET: SOUTH AFRICA…
You have just returned from a trip in South Africa… As President of SYMOP (Union of production and technology manufacturers for the paper industry), you organized two conferences in South Africa to meet the papermakers of this country. Can you tell us more…?
Franck RETTMEYER : Whether in Durban for the first conference or in Johannesburg for the second, more than 140 paper manufacturers accepted the invitation from the French manufacturers, in a friendly learning atmosphere, to learn about the French offer. A great success, with the added advantage of the strong involvement of Madam the Ambassador of South Africa.
BUSINESS IS ABOUT TAKING RISKS…!
Franck RETTMEYER : In the world’s history, it is the first time that we have ever had such an opportunity: that of having the ability to market our products all over the world…! The future is for those with audacity. But the law based on the precautionary principle, no longer allows the French to start up businesses. It kills the spirit of initiative. Our best talent leaves France because they want to express themselves, where they have opportunity, without being thrashed by taxes. Now starting up means taking risks! A manufacturer must take risks. The group ALLIMAND continues to invest in the renewal of its machine tools park in Rives in Isère (38) and to develop new products for the paper industry.
What are the prospects for the ALLIMAND Group for the coming years?
Franck RETTMEYER : We have a major external growth project for paper with very high added value. It will complement the geographical coverage of the ALLIMAND group, present today in Europe and Asia. This information will be announced in preview in September.