\n
Mechanical engineering:<\/strong> This sector plays a major role in Eastern France, accounting for 20% of industrial employment in the region. Eastern France ranks among the top in France for employment in the automotive, machinery and equipment, metal products, and electrical equipment industries. With 25,679 industrial companies recorded in 2024, this dense network is based on a strong tradition in the automotive, rail, and aeronautics industries. The sector is a particularly promising market for robotics and mechatronics solutions aimed at modernizing and automating production lines.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Chemical industry:<\/strong> The chemical field in Grand Est represents 16,000 employees in 400 companies. This sector combines large groups, R&D centers\/centers of excellence, and innovative SMEs. Almost 48% of jobs in the field are related to production activities. These activities are particularly well developed in plant chemistry, the bioeconomy, rubber, plastics, recycling, waste recovery, and industrial gases. This concentration of expertise makes the region a leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials.<\/p>\n<\/div>Other industrial fields in the Region<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Aerospace industry: <\/strong>The aerospace industry has grown significantly over the last decade in Eastern France. This dynamic has been driven by major companies such as SAFRAN, THALES, LISI, LEACH International, AMPHENOL, and Aresia. This constantly growing ecosystem benefits from a dense network of SMEs and specialized subcontractors. It also benefits from recognized expertise in aerospace parts production, maintenance, engineering, R&D, and support services. This structure strengthens the region’s competitiveness in national and international aerospace markets.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Plastics industry:<\/strong> With nearly 300 companies and more than 12,650 employees, the plastics and composites sector in the Grand Est region accounts for around 11% of the national workforce. Highly diversified, it operates in key markets such as automotive, construction, packaging, cosmetics, and, to a lesser extent, aeronautics and medical. Companies in the sector rely mainly on players in the materials and polymers chemistry sector. These two sectors are essential for product innovation and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhoto Credits :<\/strong> \u00a9Plaxer<\/p>\n<\/div> French and international industry leaders based in Eastern France<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Automobile manufacturer<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Bus manufacturer<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Railway equipment manufacturers<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n
Aerospace – Defense – Security<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n
Industrial equipment manufacturers<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n
Automotive equipment manufacturer<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n
Pharmaceutical industry<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Automotive equipment manufacturer<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n
Pharmaceutical industry<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n
Automotive equipment manufacturer<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Chemical Industry<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n
Automotive equipment manufacturer<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n
Automotive equipment manufacturer<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Eastern France: A region with an international perspective<\/h3>\n\n\n\nOne of France’s top exporting regions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n The region’s industrial strength appears in its export performance. With \u20ac67.7 billion in exports in 2024<\/strong>, after peaking at \u20ac71.8 billion in 2023<\/strong>, Grand Est accounted for 11.8% of French exports<\/strong>, confirming its key role in national foreign trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIts strengths are based on very diversified : chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agribusiness, textiles, and materials processing<\/strong> are among the sectors that drive the region’s momentum. Several departments\u2014notably Marne, Moselle, and Ardennes\u2014have significant trade surpluses, reinforcing the region’s export focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
25,800<\/div>\n
industrial companies<\/div>\n
in Eastern France<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
11,8%<\/div>\n
of the country’s exports<\/div>\n
in Eastern France<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\u20ac67.7 billion<\/div>\n
in exports<\/div>\n
in 2025 in Eastern France<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n
A welcoming environment for foreign companies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n The Grand Est region has become one of France’s top destinations for foreign investment. Between 2021 and 2025, more than 800 international projects<\/strong> have been announced. These should generate 22,500 jobs<\/strong> and over \u20ac8 billion in investment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn 2025, industrial and production projects accounted for nearly half of all foreign direct investment in the region<\/strong>, confirming the area’s attractiveness for high value-added activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOver a longer time-range, between 2016 and 2025, Eastern France has welcomed 1,159 international projects<\/strong>, illustrating a solid and sustainable investment dynamic.<\/p>\n\n\n\nToday, the region is home to more than 2,500 subsidiaries of foreign companies<\/strong>, employing 135,000 people<\/strong>, which represents 18% of regional employment\u2014a major economic force that strengthens Eastern France’s position as a strategic hub in Europe. These international companies, representing more than 50 different nationalities<\/strong>, are from all continents, mainly from Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe main countries of origin of foreign investors are:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
+<\/span>Germany \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Germany is Eastern France’s leading economic partner. The region shares a long industrial, cultural, and cross-border history with the country. These ties are strengthened by structured cooperation in the areas of innovation, mobility, energy, and industry. The Grand Est region has even adopted a roadmap to intensify the cooperation with Germany from 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2192 Today, more than 800 German companies are established in Eastern France<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
+<\/span>The United States \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
The United States takes an important place in the region’s industry thanks to a long-standing presence of major players in healthcare, technology, logistics, and agri-food. Eastern France enjoys a strategic location that is very attractive for North American companies seeking direct access to European markets (France, Germany, Benelux).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2192 Approximately 210 American companies are located in the region.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
+<\/span>Belgium \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Belgium has a direct and historic relationship with Eastern France thanks to intense economic exchanges, particularly with Moselle and the Ardennes. The region’s recent successes also include several large-scale Belgian projects in the bioeconomy and innovative industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2192 More than 140 Belgian companies are present in Eastern France.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
+<\/span>Italy \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Economic relations between Italy and the Grand Est region are based on long-standing industrial flows (mechanical engineering, materials, agri-food), reinforced by Eastern France’s geographical position on the Great Britain-France-Italy axis, particularly around Reims, a strategic crossing point that is very appreciated by international companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2192 More than 70 Italian companies are based in the Grand Est region.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
+<\/span>Japan \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Japan has a strong technological and industrial relationship with the Grand Est region, particularly in the fields of healthcare, chemistry, optics, precision engineering, and agricultural equipment. The region is home to several R&D centers and production units belonging to major Japanese companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2192 42 Japanese companies are present in the region.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEastern France: A Land of Expertise and Excellence<\/h3>\n\n\n\nAn Abundant and Skilled Workforce<\/h4>\n\n\n\n With over 300,000 industrial jobs<\/strong>, Eastern France stands among the nation\u2019s leading industrial regions. This strong economic base has fostered a highly qualified workforce<\/strong>, shaped by a long-standing tradition of industrial know\u2011how and a deeply rooted industrial culture. Looking ahead, more than 138,000 positions will need to be filled by 2030<\/strong>\u2014a challenge that underscores both the vitality of the region\u2019s strategic sectors and the growing need to attract new talent. Here, industry represents nearly 16% of regional GDP<\/strong>, compared with 10% nationally. To support this momentum, companies and professional organizations are working closely with public stakeholders to design targeted training programs, promote the appeal of industrial careers, and ensure the long-term renewal of essential skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
300,000<\/div>\n
industrial jobs<\/div>\n
in Eastern France<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
35<\/div>\n
engineering schools<\/div>\n
in Eastern France<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
116,000<\/div>\n
students<\/div>\n
in Eastern France<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n
A significant pool of talent in the region’s engineering schools and universities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n The Grand Est region is home to 5 universities, 35 engineering schools, 100 vocational high schools, and 2 European campuses<\/strong>, making it one of Europe\u2019s leading hubs for higher education and professional training. This high\u2011quality academic ecosystem is driven by strong synergies between public research institutions, laboratories, and the business community<\/strong>, positioning Eastern France as a center for innovation and applied research with high added value.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Universities of Lorraine and Strasbourg<\/strong>, two of the largest in France, together welcome over 116,000 students<\/strong>. This dynamic academic community forms a rich pool of highly qualified talent<\/strong>, ready to meet the evolving needs of companies across the region and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe region is also home to several prestigious engineering schools that are recognized in France, Europe, and around the world:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
CentraleSup\u00e9lec \u2013 Campus de Metz (Metz \u2013 Moselle, 57): <\/strong>Born from the merger between Centrale Paris and Sup\u00e9lec, the Metz campus has become a major player in engineering education in the Grand Est region. Located at the heart of the Metz Technop\u00f4le, it benefits from a high\u2011level scientific and industrial environment.physical engineering, computer science, and general engineering<\/strong>, as well as for its strong culture of research and innovation<\/strong>, supported by several internationally recognized laboratories.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Mines Nancy (Nancy \u2013 Meurthe\u2011et\u2011Moselle, 54):<\/strong> Ranked among the top engineering schools in the Grand Est region, Mines Nancy enjoys a strong national reputation for its academic excellence and its close partnerships with industry. The school is particularly distinguished for its generalist engineering programs<\/strong> and its expertise in advanced engineering fields<\/strong>, making it a highly sought\u2011after institution for both students and companies.Photo credit : <\/strong>\u00a9Raoul Gilibert<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
ECPM \u2013 \u00c9cole Europ\u00e9enne de Chimie, Polym\u00e8res et Mat\u00e9riaux (Strasbourg \u2013 Bas\u2011Rhin, 67): <\/strong>ECPM is recognized for its strong expertise in chemistry, materials science, and polymer sciences<\/strong>. The school has a pronounced international outlook and attracts students from around the world. Its close ties with research laboratories and industrial partners strengthen its strategic position in cutting\u2011edge technologies<\/strong>.Photo credit : <\/strong>\u00a9Lilia Zanetti<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
UTT \u2013 Universit\u00e9 de Technologie de Troyes (Troyes \u2013 Aube, 10) <\/strong>:UTT also ranks among the top institutions in the region. Its project\u2011based learning approach<\/strong>, strong connection to applied research<\/strong>, and wide range of specializations (including computer science, industrial systems, and materials) make it a school highly valued by recruiters.Photo credit : <\/strong>\u00a9Christophe Manquillet<\/p>\n<\/div>Eastern France : at the heart of Europe and a pioneer in decarbonization<\/h2>\n\n\n\nA region with abundant, carbon-free, and inexpensive resources and energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\nA region with abundant resources and energy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n The Grand Est region produces nearly 13% of all renewable energy in France<\/strong>, making it the 4th\u2011largest French region<\/strong> in terms of renewable electricity generation in 2025. The region is also a national leader in the development of several low\u2011carbon power generation infrastructures<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nSolar thermal energy:<\/strong> +16.5% installed capacity in 2022<\/li>\n\n\n\nWind power:<\/strong> 2nd region in France in both installed capacity and electricity production<\/li>\n\n\n\nBiogas:<\/strong> 1st region in France for installed capacity, electricity generation, and biomethane injection<\/li>\n\n\n\nWood energy:<\/strong> the region\u2019s leading renewable energy source<\/li>\n\n\n\nBiofuels:<\/strong> 1st biofuel\u2011producing region in France<\/li>\n\n\n\nDistrict heating networks:<\/strong> 130 networks covering a total of 781 km<\/li>\n\n\n\nNuclear energy:<\/strong> 3 active nuclear power plants in operation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nAffordable energy for industries<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIn 2024, France will be among the countries with the lowest MWh prices in the EU 27. The price per MWh will be \u20ac165\/MWh in 2024, while the European average reaches \u20ac177.70\/MWh. In the first half of 2025, the SDES recorded a further 2.4% drop in the price per MWh for businesses in France, reaching \u20ac161\/MWh in July 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\u00a9SDES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAt the heart of logistics networks<\/h3>\n\n\n\nAt the crossroads of European freight<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Located at the heart of Europe\u2019s freight networks, the Grand Est region offers exceptional connectivity<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n2nd\u2011largest exporting region in France<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n70% of European inland waterway traffic<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nThe Rhine<\/strong>, Europe\u2019s leading navigable waterway<\/li>\n\n\n\nStrasbourg<\/strong>, the 2nd\u2011largest river port in France<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n2nd inland waterway region in France30 multimodal hubs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n25% of European freight<\/strong> passes through the Grand Est<\/li>\n\n\n\n30 hydrogen refueling stations<\/strong> planned in the region by 2030<\/li>\n\n\n\nA wide variety of infrastructure spread across the entire territory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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