Business news : Chomarat joins Rossignol skis and Arkema

Michel Cognet , Chomarat CEO

Chomarat textile industries in Cheylard , just join the chemist Arkema and ski manufacturer Rossignol, to launch the " Compacryl 2" project. Objective: To replace conventional composite materials by a revolutionary new resin, especially in the manufacture of skis. A project to sustain the activity of each company.

Chomarat textile industries , based in Cheylard , will participate in the project " Compacryl 2" , research and collaborative development . Combining such Chomarat specialist reinforcements for thermoplastic composites, the ski manufacturer Rossignol, and chemist Arkema , the project aims to replace composite commonly used in the manufacture of skis with a new acrylic resin . The latter in particular facilitate recycling gliding boards and reduce the volume of waste during manufacture . Advanced technology and innovative , which can be reproduced in numerous applications . The project, valued at € 6.18 million , is ambitious, but was able to convince the government, sought up to 2, 22 million.

ATTACK OF NEW MARKETS

For the technical prowess adds a promise: to sustain hundreds of jobs in Rhône -Alpes , whose 540 employees Chomarat in Ardèche.

Attacked in its traditional markets , particularly by Asian competitors Chomarat was shaken by a backup plan in employment last year. But the group was " still continued to invest in new technologies ," explains Michel Cognet , CEO of the group . He adds: " In a country like France , if we do not work on the topic of innovation, then it becomes difficult to continue in the long term." Chomarat therefore hopes to conquer new markets with high added value . Besides " Compacryl 2" , the company continues Boutières and other projects. In collaboration with American universities , she tries to change the composite materials, especially in aeronautics. A winning strategy according to its CEO : " We have contacts with big names such as Dassault aviation , but also in motorsport ," he said.

Chomarat The group in brief
Activity: production of technical textiles
Created: 1898
Implementation : The Cheylard in Ardèche ( historical site), Spain, Tunisia, the United States and China
Turnover: € 146 million in 2012
Employees: 1,500 employees worldwide, including 540 in Ardeche
Net income: NC
Allocation of capital : 100% owned by the family Chomarat

Source ledauphine.com by Amandine BRIOUDE