AXENS confirms its establishment in Saint-Saulve, Valenciennes region, northern France
At a press conference held on Tuesday April 29th, 2025 at the headquarters of the Valenciennes Métropole Urban Community (CAVM), AXENS formalized the acquisition of land for the MACARON project from the local authority. The Vallourec wasteland, an emblematic site of local industrial history, will host a new activity centered on electric mobility.Project for a battery cathode active materials plant in Saint-Saulve (59)
By setting up in Saint-Saulve, AXENS aims to create up to 400 direct jobs, by building on a labor pool oriented toward industrial professions.Ideally located near the Scheldt river and the port of Bruay-Saint-Saulve, the site offers logistical advantages that make it possible to consider a 100% river-based supply and thus, significantly reduce the use of road transport.
Satisfying 3% of the European market by 2030
With the MACARON project set to go into operation in 2028, AXENS aims to produce 28,000 tons of cathode active materials (CAMs) per year. The objective: to meet 3% of European demand by 2030 and contribute to the structuring of the European battery value chain, by developing a strategic link in the Hauts-de-France region.To carry out this project, AXENS is partnering with the Chinese group Minmetals New Energy Materials, recognized for its expertise in the production of CAMs, essential components of batteries for electric vehicles.
As part of this project, RTE, which is responsible for the electrical connection, plans to connect the plant to the Valenciennes substation by combining part of the existing overhead line and an underground line, that will run over approximately 1 km, using an overhead-underground pylon.
A public consultation to share the project with the territory
Having been announced in the press in the autumn of 2023, the AXENS project can now be presented to the inhabitants and stakeholders of the Valenciennes region. In view of the project's estimated investment of around €500 million, AXENS and RTE have jointly referred the matter to the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) in order to benefit from its guidance on public outreach and community engagement.The CNDP has appointed Mrs. Anne-Marie ROYAL and Mrs. Catherine JACQUART as guarantors of the preliminary consultation. Their mission is to ensure that the public has the opportunity to:
- Access all available information about the project;
- Ask questions to better understand the projects features and implications;
- Receive clear, relevant and well-contextualized answers;
- Provide feedback that will be considered in the consultation report
All the information and participation details are available on the website dedicated to the consultation: concertation-macaron.fr
Find the dates and locations of the discussions in the agenda below.
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Quentin DEBUISSCHERT, Chairman and CEO of AXENS : "The structuring of a European battery value chain is a strategic priority and a major industrial challenge, to which AXENS wishes to contribute, by providing its expertise. The public consultation that is beginning today with the residents and local stakeholders of Saint-Saulve and the Valenciennes region, is essential for the AXENS group. While our teams have been fully committed for months to the technical studies to meet this industrial challenge, the MACARON project cannot become a reality without being shared with those who will experience it on a daily basis. The discussion sessions that will shape this consultation, designed in collaboration with the guarantors from the National Commission for Public Debate, are intended to foster connections and enable serious, thoughtful dialogue about the project’s challenges and its impacts for the Valenciennes people.”
Laurent DEGALLAIX, President of the Valenciennes Métropole Urban Community : “Valenciennes Métropole was selected by AXENS in November, as the future site of a cathode active materials (CAM) production plant for electric vehicles, to be built on the former Vallourec site.
With enthusiasm, determination, and pride, Valenciennes Métropole is fully mobilized to support AXENS in bringing project MACARON to life. A significant milestone has now been reached, with the signing of a preliminary sales agreement and the launch of a public consultation process led by the National Commission for Public Debate.
This is the first project of its kind and scale secured in the electromobility sector. On behalf of all the elected representatives of Valenciennes Métropole, I am honored by decision taken by AXENS to invest here. It confirms the relevance of our economic diversification strategy and reinforces our position as France’s leading territory for mobility in all its forms.
AXENS joins a world-class ecosystem of manufacturing excellence already present in our region, including Toyota, Alstom, and Origine Cycles.
Yves DUSART, Mayor of Saint-Saulve: “The designated site is truly exceptional. It is deeply connected to the history of our city, its inhabitants, and our industrial heritage. We are delighted that the arrival of AXENS and the MACARON project can breathe new life into it with a future full of energy!”
THE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION SESSIONS
Monday 5 May 2025
Consultation opening
Tuesday 13 May 2025, 18:00
Public opening meeting
Salles des fêtes - Saint-Saulve
Wednesday 14 May 2025, morning
Local community meeting
Auchan Supermarket in Saint-Saulve
Saturday 17 May 2025, morning
Local community meeting
Market in Valenciennes
Tuesday 20 May 2025, 18:00
Roundtable
CAMs: A key link in the battery value chain
Espace Athena - Saint-Saulve
Wednesday 4 June 2025, 18:00
Workshop
Employment, industry development and regional attractivity: what are the benefits of the MACARON project for the people of Valenciennes?
Salles des fêtes - Saint-Saulve
Thursday 5 June 2025, morning
Local community meeting
Market in Bruay-sur-l’Escaut
Tuesday 10 June 2025, 18:00
Workshop
Water, safety, environment and grid connection: what are the challenges for project MACARON?
Salle polyvalente haut - Bruay-sur-l’Escaut
Tuesday 1 July 2025, 18:00
Final public meeting
Espace Pierre Richard - Valenciennes
Saturday 5 July 2025
End of the consultation
