Arc, the world's largest producer and distributor of tableware, yesterday announced a definitive plan to
transform the operations of its flagship site in Arques, France through a collaborative partnership with
unions and other stakeholders. The plan would result in the strengthening of the site's profitability through
investments in plant and equipment which will ease work and improve productivity in the 200-year-old
site, Tim Gollin, the Group CEO, said.
"As our glassmakers reach the age of retirement, we need a way to transmit their knowhow to the next
generation," he said. "Through our transformation plan, we will pave the way for employees to pass on their
knowhow to a new generation." An apprentice program for 100-200 new employees per year will be a vital
part of the plan, he added. "In our city of Arques, our company is an integral part of the community. We
look forward to reviving the recruitment and development of new workers, which was for generations our
tradition."
The plan calls for a new external investment, provided from Arc’s shareholders and a group of sovereign
wealth funds, in addition to approximately E100 million already invested in the site since its acquisition in
2015 by an investor group led by Peaked Hill Partners and customary annual investment of E35 million,
which will continue, Gollin said. "We are delighted to continue the revitalization of the site and the region
demonstrating that French industry, with its deep technical knowhow and engineering expertise, can deliver
great products to our customers globally."
About Arc
Arc employs 10,160 people worldwide, including 5,260 in France. The Group, whose head office is located in Arques, in the French Pas-de-Calais region,
achieved gross sales of €849 million in 2015. Armed with its know-how in glassware, it developed globally and currently markets its complete tableware
ranges to more than 160 countries.
The Group covers the Consumer Goods and Food Service markets through a portfolio of brands – Luminarc®, Arcoroc®, Cristal d’Arques® Paris, Eclat®,
Chef & Sommelier® and Arcopal®. For over 40 years, the Group has also been serving professional customers – industrial groups, wholesalers,
manufacturers of semi-finished and finished products, service providers – with a wide range of tailor-made solutions to meet their specific needs (industry,
advertising, premiums, loyalty).
Arc is present in five continents with its production sites (France, United States, China, United Arab Emirates, Russia), distribution subsidiaries (United
States, Spain, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, South Africa) and sales offices.
The Group has adopted a strategy of sustainable development in order to balance economic requirements, social responsibility and respect for the
environment, and joined the U.N.’s Global Compact in 2003.
KARIM ZOUANEB
Tel. +33 (0)6 74 34 12 87
karim.zouaneb@goaconseil.com
SANDRINE MIÈZE
Tel. +33 (0)6 67 15 38 99
sandrine.mieze@arc-intl.com