What was your background before joining ACC?

I went to Gustave-Eiffel technical high school in Armentières, where I obtained a technician's certificate in modelling and then a BTS (advanced vocational training certificate) in foundry work and cast alloy production. After leaving school, I was hired in 1995 by Française de Mécanique in the foundry department. I worked in foundry for eight years, which was a great experience. The environment was difficult, but there was a strong team spirit in a foundry. And I learned a lot about methods, a lot of methods. I worked on starting up parts (crankshafts and camshafts). I liked that job because it was creative; we started with liquid metal and ended up with solid parts. When the foundry closed, I was trained as a machinist, which I knew nothing about. I became a production technician on the crankcase lines. We solved all the problems with the production of cylinder crankcases. I did that for five or six years, and then I was offered a position as unit manager. I stayed at Stellantis for almost fifteen years as a supervisor in various sectors: crankshafts, cylinder heads, and engine blocks, with teams of 15 to 20 people.

Why did you apply to ACC?

During my career, I've done a lot of part start-ups in foundries. And in mechanics, when there were line start-ups, I was often the first supervisor to do it. I liked start-ups. When the opportunity arose to start new production at a new plant at ACC, I didn't hesitate. I positioned myself to be there at the beginning and learn the process. It's a new job and a new product. I spent three months in Nersac, where I was the first chemistry supervisor with a team of four or five people at the time. I arrived in Billy-Berclau in January 2023 to work in mixing, coating and calendering to get things started, and then my colleagues took over. After that, I specialised in coating. We had to create standards and control plans and teach people how to coat. It's been a great experience on a human level. It reminds me of the beginning of my career and starting to make parts from raw materials. Here, it's the same thing: in coating, we create the material. If we're not rigorous in coating, it affects the quality of the reels. I really like being a coater, with all the fine adjustments to the machines.

In two years, you've already progressed to become a production leader...

I was a supervisor for just under two years, then once the teams were trained, I was seconded to identify and resolve any underlying issues we might have with the process. Then at the end of the year, I was offered a position as process leader in chemistry, from mixing to calendering, for the start-up of the line in the new building. With the experience I gained in Block 1, it's a great opportunity for me personally and professionally. I'm being trained in operational meetings and one-to-one interviews, and I'm starting to see the machine installations, how we're going to bring in and integrate the staff there, and set up training.

How do you feel about what's happened since you arrived?

We've still managed to set up a great shop in two and a half years. I think we're being too modest. We can be proud of what we've done, and now we have to make sure the launch of Block 2 is a success. We're lucky to be starting a new factory. You don't get two chances like this in a career.

Do you have any hobbies or passions that help you accomplish your daily tasks?

I used to play football, I loved it, I need that team spirit, but I've reached an age where I can't play much anymore. I miss it a bit. So now I'm more into individual sports. I do trail running and cycling. I train three or four times a week. It's not just physical, it's also mental: it allows me to let go and think about other things. It does me good. And even if the goals are not the same as before because we've got a bit older, I still set myself challenges. For example, I did the Black Pyramids trail run. I told myself I was going to do it and I was going to finish it. I