On the former military base of Saint-Loup (Allier), transformed in recent years into a logistics platform, the Transalpes Composite factory, specializing in the manufacture of composite poles, emerged at the end of 2021. Far from the group’s historic Ardèche headquarters, the 45,000 m² site has gradually become the sole French supplier of the Orange group.
Since then, the workshops have been running at full capacity, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, to meet the gigantic demand of the French operator.Orange is gradually replacing all its old wooden poles. Each year, this is 300 000 units. In total we have 15 millions to change in France. This should keep us busy for a few more decades!“, smiles Olivier Dondain, Orange regional delegate.
A real boon for Transalpes Composite (37 million euros in turnover) which invested 11 million euros in its production tool in 2021. Attracted here by the motorway junction allowing it to serve the whole of France and the proximity of the railway line, the manager Richard Molina was also seduced by the offer from local elected officials.It is not easy to find such a surface at such competitive prices.” Today, Transalpes Composite employs 80 people and produces some 700 poles per day, almost exclusively for the Orange market.
«Previously we were supplied by an Italian supplier, but we really wanted to have a production made in France. We met the director of Transalpes and we reached an agreement. Since then we have been working 70% with the Saint-Loup site. This is a ratio that will continue to increase to reach 90%.“, announces Olivier Dondain. Thus, the Auvergne company supplied more than 150,000 composite poles to Orange in 2023, including more than 8,000 for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Extension under study
Between the machines and the process, all the group’s technology is based on “in-house R&D”. The 7 and 10 meter conical posts are produced using resin, delivered every day by truck, at a rate of 22 tons per day. Added to this is a little fiberglass and imitation wood fabric for the final appearance.These poles have a lifespan of at least 80 years, assure Orange. They are also much more virtuous than wooden ones, emitting less greenhouse gases. They are more resistant to storms and snowfalls. And in the event of a collision with a vehicle, the shocks are much less violent.».
The business is doing so well that an extension of the site is already under consideration. In the coming months, some 1,500 m² more will be added to the current facilities, for an additional investment of around 3 million euros.From 2025, we will release a new, even more virtuous pole, already promises the site director. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint by 45% by 2023, with a target of zero emissions by 2040».
Source: www.usinenouvelle.com
