Aisne Development Agency
Key Competitive Attractions
The Aisne department has a strategic location at the economic centre of Europe. The area is close to the Paris Region and borders Belgium; it is within easy reach of a significant portion of northern European economic activity and markets. This central location is one of the key reasons for the strong logistics sector and high levels of foreign investment in Aisne: one in three industry employees in Aisne works for a company which belongs to an international group.
Agriculture and industry are particularly strong in Aisne, and other leading sectors in the area include: food-processing, metallurgy and mechanics, plastics, car industry subcontractors, packaging, cosmetics, clothing and eco-industries.
Aisne Development’s aims:
- To promote the Aisne area
- To attract investment
- To assist companies in all phases of their development
- To advise local authorities on the area’s economic development, and to maintain a strong partnership with the Aisne General Council
To meet these objectives, the agency is split up into three divisions:
1. Economic Intelligence & Communication
2. Business & Analysis
3. Company Creation & Territorial Innovation
Aisne Development works in collaboration with the following associations in order to assist companies and professional bodies in their economic development: Aisne-Initiative, AB2A, N&CO, Agrospheres and A2LOG.
Assistance and Support For New Business Investors
Aisne Development (AD) works to support new and developing businesses. AD offers a wide range of services that enable companies to succeed in the area.
Our services include:
- Defining your needs
- Finding a site or property
- Helping you with administration, statutory or fiscal procedures
- Submitting funding applications
- Identifying reliable subcontractors and putting you in contact with the right partners
- Helping you with the recruitment process and defining your training needs
All of the above steps are essential for the successful start-up and development of your company. For this reason, we have a skilled and dedicated team, whose core function is to support all businesses locating to the Aisne area.
By contacting AD:
- You benefit from the know-how of the location specialists team
- You save time thanks to our one-stop-shop
- You are accompanied in your strategic decisions
- You are assisted with the financial and technical aspects of your project
- You are put in contact with the right people
Example of Aisne Development's role in your project:
|
Aisne Development |
Your company |
| Business location project | |
| Selection and proposal of locations | Approval of the location |
| Contact with institutional and economic players | Authorisation of application |
| Identification of available financial assistance | |
| Selection of subcontractors | |
| Selection of employees | Construction |
| Training programme for employees | Setting-up |
AD will work with you from the start until the completion of your project.
Our services are free of charge and strictly confidential.
Existing Business Base
Historically, agriculture has always been the core of Aisne’s economy. Today, it remains the area's most significant sector, with cereal crops and sugar beet production the two leading sub-sectors.
Sectors in Aisne by area:
- Food and Drink Production: Guise is the agricultural centre of northern Aisne.
- Textiles and Clothing: silk, wool and cotton weaving are traditional industries that continue to flourish in several towns, including Saint-Quentin.
- Saint-Gobain isfamous for its production of mirrors, which dates back to the 17th century.
Newer sectors that have become established in the area are plastics, chemicals (including cosmetics), car components and logistics.
Aisne has attracted foreign investors from all over the world. Some examples of international organisations are present in the area:
Belgium: Frans Delva NV, Duferco Belgium, Etap, Galloo, SCR Sibelco
Germany: Bayer Cropscience, BOA Group, Groupe Borgers, HM Heizkorer, Groupe GEA, Volkswagen
Finland: Metso Paper OY
India: TATA Steel
Ireland: Kerry Group, Smurfit Kappa Group
Italy: Cavatora, Nespoli Group Spa, CSP International, Quentinplast, Expo Acciai Inossidabili SRL
Japan: Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd, NTN-TE
Netherlands: Aquanova, Maxeda, Nutreco Holding N.V.
Norway: Nörsk Hydro Produksjon AS, Nörsk Hydro Nove AS
Spain: Cepap, Saica
Sweden: Alfa Laval AB, Sirius Machinery AB, Sandvik, SCA Packaging
Switzerland: Nestle, Ldi Loisirs Developpement, Holcim, Zehnder
UK: GKN, Tarmac, Vapormatic Co. Ltd
USA: Chromalox (JP Morgan), KRAFT Foods, Duff Norton Group, Safe Guard International, West Pharmaceutical Services
