Association of industrial and economic development in Auvergne
The Auvergne region is situated at the heart of Europe’s north/south axis and represents an ideal location for companies that want to develop their business in the European market.
The Auvergne region has a tradition of industry and has successfully optimized its expertise to win lucrative markets and attract international companies. These companies operate alongside dynamic small and mid-sized companies, some of which are leaders in their field. Many foreign companies have already set up their business activities in the region.
The Auvergne region offers a favorable business environment: there is a pool of motivated and qualified human resources, and an attractive real estate park. The rental cost of new office space can be 3 to 6 times cheaper in the Auvergne than in Paris, and two times cheaper than in Lyon. Similarly, the price of land per m² is 10 times cheaper than in Paris and 7 times cheaper than in Lyon.
The local economy is dynamic and benefits from a long tradition of industry, and the Auvergne has successfully developed specific fields of excellence including the life sciences, materials and agro-food sectors. These hubs of economic activity are particularly supported by a diverse range of educational establishments, a highly active research platform and several technology transfer centers: the Auvergne region is France’s leading region in the rubber sector, the 4th national hub for agro-food research and development and France’s 6th leading region in terms of non-iron metal production.
Three national clusters were officially registered in 2005: the “Innovation in cereals” cluster, the “Meat and meat products” cluster, and the “Via Méca” mechanics cluster, that brings together players in the aerospace and industrial equipment sectors from six different regions including the Auvergne.
Around fifty companies that are leaders in their fields are currently based in the Auvergne region. Alongside the major industrial groups, there is a network of small and mid-sized companies that has developed in key industries such as the aerospace, chemicals and agro-food sectors.
Major French and international companies have already set up their sites in the Auvergne region. These include: Michelin, Pechiney Alcan, Bosch, Valéo. LIDV (l’Oréal group), Aventis, Aventis Animal Nutrition, Danone, Bongrain Group, Limagrain, CS Transports, Omerin, Sagem, Siemens, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, etc…
