© Nantes Saint-Nazaire

IT reuse, industrial consultation, circular economy... The companies that have established operations since the beginning of the year reflect sectoral choices aligned with existing local value chains. Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement supports these projects at an early stage to secure their implementation.

Since the start of the year, several companies have opened operations in Nantes or Saint-Nazaire. Industrial consulting, circular economy, innovation, responsible fashion. Coming from other French regions or from abroad, all of these projects have been supported by Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement, the area’s economic development agency. From real estate searches and site visits to introductions to local economic stakeholders and assistance with administrative procedures, the agency works alongside entrepreneurs and project leaders at every stage of their development.

Printerre, a leading player in IT reuse, expands in Nantes–Saint-Nazaire

Among the most emblematic recent cases is the establishment of Printerre. Specialised in IT equipment reuse, the company currently employs around 185 people in France. Its move to the area directly follows a public procurement contract launched by Nantes Métropole covering the collection, secure data erasure and refurbishment of digital equipment.

To optimise its deployment, Printerre required premises suited to logistics and technical operations, as well as access to a qualified talent pool. The agency supported the company in identifying appropriate facilities and facilitated connections with local stakeholders active in the circular economy and digital sectors. Printerre plans to create around fifteen jobs within four years and to progressively install a full refurbishment cycle on site. The company, whose workforce includes a majority of employees with disabilities, is thus strengthening its territorial footprint.

Campardou: industrial consulting and decarbonisation

Campardou, a consulting firm specialised in stakeholder engagement and the acceptability of industrial projects, opened an office in Nantes after relocating from Toulouse. The firm works on projects linked to industrial transition and decarbonisation. Its arrival followed the identification of office space and connections with local economic actors. The presence of a dense industrial base and ongoing energy transition projects weighed in the decision.

Seelab: AI start-up and local integration

Specialised in AI-driven photography services, Seelab chose the area to structure its growth. The company cites high-speed rail connections to Paris and the strength of the local digital ecosystem among the deciding factors. Support focused on identifying office space and facilitating introductions within the digital community, enabling rapid integration into Nantes’ professional networks.

Tree Consulting: a firm from Montreal

Founded in Montreal, Tree Consulting also chose Nantes–Saint-Nazaire to develop its activity in France. The firm supports SMEs, mid-sized companies and large corporations on technological innovation issues, with a particular focus on the ethical integration of artificial intelligence within organisations.

An exploratory visit organised in advance enabled meetings with digital and innovation stakeholders and allowed the company to assess the fit between its business model and the local economic environment. Once the decision was confirmed, Tree Consulting quickly launched its first collaborations in the area, including AI awareness workshops and advisory assignments.

Plastic Odyssey and L’Unique Façon: leveraging an active ecosystem

Plastic Odyssey, engaged in the fight against plastic pollution, has strengthened its presence in the area to deepen collaboration with local circular economy stakeholders.

Positioned in responsible fashion, L’Unique Façon also selected the territory to benefit from a particularly dynamic textile and creative ecosystem.