In Cannes, the summer vacation season still feels vibrant. Yet, ministers are already keen to prepare for the new academic year. This is why Luc Chatel steps into the satellite manufacturing facilities of Thales-Alenia Space, located by the sea. A rigorous choice for the government spokesperson. An essential message to reassure the French and promote reforms. Christine Lagarde, Minister of Economy, engaged in the same exercise the previous day with the company Ekkyo, in Bouches-du-Rhône. In both cases, it is confirmed that the TEPA law, dated August 21, 2007, is proving successful for the industry and new technology sectors.
A Symbol
While growth in France is faltering, Luc Chatel tries to demonstrate, through Thales, the European leader in telecommunications satellites, that large French companies are fully benefiting from the measures taken on work, employment, and purchasing power. “Thales is the symbol of a winning future industry. Where the research tax credits, tripled, have helped create jobs and gain competitiveness,” he stated.
Thales-Alenia Space, a Franco-Italian company, indeed must not skimp on resources and shows that it has its work cut out. Patrick Fournié, Deputy General Manager, announced the signing of a contract with the Immarsat group, which could amount to 150 million euros for the EuropaSat project. The program includes the manufacture of a satellite intended for telecommunications in Europe towards mobile phones. A project of about three years that would employ 300 to 500 people. In the same vein, Thales, the world leader in order intake in 2006, then plans 21 satellite launches in 2008.
In Good Health
Concerning the space industry, the Secretary of State wants to emphasize the governmental policy supporting “a strategic activity for the country” as well as “a market in good health that impacts the French economy.” The Thales company is diversifying and varying its services in relation to a “global conquest” industry with multiple competitors. Mainly German competition focuses on weather satellites. A concerted effort is therefore seriously considered for the Meteosat third generation where, according to Patrick Fournié, “France must remain the prime contractor in a sector where we have been pioneers on a European level.”
Thales also invests in training its staff and proposes itself as a partner of several university centers on the Côte d’Azur. In Cannes, this means taking care of 180 interns. In this respect, Minister Valérie Pécresse, responsible for aerospace research, is expected in the coming weeks to review the situation.
