Safran factory in Ain: why did the company prefer France to the United States?

Safran has announced the installation of a factory in Ain for carbon brakes. Is this the beginning of the country's reindustrialization ? Yes, because France was competing with the United States and Canada for the establishment of this factory, which would produce carbon brakes for commercial aircraft.

Thanks to this choice - this French preference - the country is offering itself the promise of more than 450 million euros of investment, and ensuring the creation of at least 200 jobs in Ain by 2030.

First, it is the result of long discussions and negotiations, with the active participation of many political and economic players in the country. Initially, Safran was planning to move to America due to energy costs.

They represent 30% of the total bill, and the United States and Canada guaranteed low-cost energy, notably thanks to the intensive exploitation of shale gas.

France then activated its network and guaranteed the listed company a fixed price of 55 euros per megawatt-hour. This also reduced the connection time to the electricity grid to 45 months, compared to the usual 60 months.

Then, RTE—the electricity grid operator—guaranteed Safran completely carbon-free and stable energy. Unlike the Americans. So: guaranteed, low-cost, and carbon-free energy. Add to that €15 million in subsidies provided by the state, and €16 million contributed by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Our country knows how to attract world leaders, as President Emmanuel Macron rejoiced. That's all well and good, but does France really manage to attract everyone?

With the installation of the Safran factory, up to 200 jobs will be created, 450 million euros of investment will be invested, competitiveness will be restored... But it's a bit like the tree hiding the forest.

If we look at the details, according to a study by Trendeo, deindustrialization in France remains the dominant trend. Since the beginning of 2025, 23 factories closed in the first quarter, and 35 in the second quarter. That's two consecutive quarters in the red—something that hasn't happened in nine years.

Let's hope that Safran's announcement reverses the trend, allows the country to regain its strength, and that this marks a true revival. That, in any case, is what we should hope for.