Our Unilin plant at Bazeilles, since starting operation in September 1999, has met its promises on economic and community terms. The employment situation in the Sedan region being difficult at the time, the location was seen as a lifeline, particularly by local authorities who were deeply engaged with us throughout the decision and implantation process to encourage Unilin’s arrival and success.

Two competing sites had been considered with equally attractive forest resources and labor quality. However it was the motivation of the people of Champagne- Ardenne that made the difference. Our management, from the moment of our initial establishment recognized and appreciated the high level of cooperation from various departments and the responsiveness of stakeholders that met our demands and needs.

From the first contact in September 1997, it was a mere two years later that the first Unilin panels were emerging from the production line. This was a relatively short amount of time given the time necessary to apply for grants, seek required assistance, lay the foundations and construct the plant.

All these operations would not have been possible without the co-operation of the General Council of Ardennes, the region and Bazeilles community, which were convinced of the merits of the operation and whose expectations have been realized.

Today, Unilin Bazeilles employs over 235 people, many of them local Ardennais who were recruited at the start of our operations. Our plant here is among the most modern found in France. It relies on advanced technologies: no waste water discharge due to a water recycling process, thermal energy generation via burning biomass, continuous processing that isefficient and reliable, and a 100% fully automated saw.

Lastly, once more with the strong local cooperation and support, additional infrastructure was adapted for our benefit: a railway link was built, allowing the site to be supplied with the necessary resources and to deliver finished products by rail to some of our customers.