As a token of support for the Valdunes relaunch project, abandoned by its Chinese shareholder Ma Steel in May 2023, SNCF agrees to take a symbolic stake in the capital of the last French manufacturer of train wheels and axles, for 1 million euros.
This, as part of the recovery plan carried by Europlasma, the final details of which were finalized this Monday, during a meeting organized by Roland Lescure, Minister Delegate for Industry and Energy.
That is, two days before a hearing scheduled for this Wednesday by the Lille commercial court.
The latter placed the railway equipment manufacturer in receivership in November 2023.
Europlasma, specialized in the treatment and recovery of hazardous waste, is committed to taking over the two Valdunes sites: the Leffrinckoucke forge, near Dunkirk, and the Trith-Saint-Léger machining workshop, next to Valenciennes.
The plan provides for 35 million investments over three years, distributed "
in a balanced manner between Europlasma, to the tune of 15 million euros, and by the State, for the same amount, in the form of loans
", specifies. we are at the office of Roland Lescure.
Local authorities, including the Hauts-de-France region, have committed 5 million euros.
Europlasma's project provides for a rapid return to financial balance, based on Valdunes' current order book, i.e. some 25,000 wheels, by refocusing production on the most profitable markets and "greening" it.
The project provides for the recovery of 178 employees out of 309. The State is committed to ensuring that the job protection plan is exemplary for the 131 employees left behind.
And the Hauts-de-France regional council will finance the necessary training.
Roland Lescure also wrote a letter to Ma Steel asking her to participate in financing the PSE.