Axens to set up in Saint-Saulve soon

for its cathode active materials production plant

A strategic partnership for economic stakeholders

Following announcements made in May 2024 at the Choose France Summit, Axens is moving forward with its project to establish a cathode active materials production plant for electric vehicle batteries, marking a
significant step toward its future site in the Hauts-de-France region. With the support of Business France and Nord France Invest, the regional economic development agency, Axens has assessed several potential locations for its facility. Today, the company has announced it is in exclusive negotiations with the Valenciennes Métropole Urban Community (CAVM) to acquire land on the former Vallourec industrial site in Saint-Saulve, in France’s Nord department.
This milestone aligns with Axens’ historical activity in catalysis and mineral chemistry in France.

This strategic industrial investment is estimated at a total of 500 million euros and is expected to begin production in 2028. The future plant will create 400 jobs and have a production capacity of 25,000 to 30,000 tons per year.

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A strategic location to structure the battery sector in France

Axens, a subsidiary of IFPEN and a leading player in the decarbonization of industrial processes, reinforces its strategic position in the battery market and contributes to the establishment of a French battery industry with this new plant.

The choice of Saint-Saulve is strategic for the group, as the “battery valley” formed in the Hauts-de-France region is a major driver of development. Future gigafactories will find in Axens a key local supplier of cathode active materials. By producing locally, Axens aims to help create a competitive national supply chain for batteries, as these components represent approximately 35% of battery costs.

This project will also reduce the carbon footprint of the emerging battery sector through combined use of river and rail transportation. The presence of the port of Saint-Saulve, the second-largest inland port in the region, along with its proximity to other European gigafactory hubs, particularly in Germany, provides crucial growth opportunities for the future facility of Axens. Additionally, the strong industrial culture of the CAVM is a valuable asset for developing operations.

Reactions from local stakeholders and the region

“We welcome Axens to the Hauts-de-France region, within the heart of the battery valley. This new establishment represents another
step forward in building the European battery valley. With companies like Axens, we are shaping the future of the industry in the Hauts-de-France region. Together, let’s continue to transform Hauts-de-France!”
Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France Region

“The prospect of seeing this project come to fruition in our area is truly gratifying. The announcement by Axens reaffirms the attractiveness and competitiveness of Valenciennes Métropole. It strengthens our diversification strategy and highlights our potential for reindustrialization. Naturally, the number and types of direct jobs, along with additional roles in maintenance and services, are key drivers of our efforts on this project. On a broader scale, this project is strategically significant for the state as it will help secure the supply chain for battery plants. At local level, we are fully committed to making every effort to secure Axens’ final investment decision.”
Laurent Degallaix, President of the Valenciennes Métropole Urban Community

“This negotiation with the Valenciennes Métropole Urban
Community is a major milestone in our project to establish a cathode active materials plant in France. It is also the result of cooperation with elected officials and local authorities who understand the strategic nature of our project and convinced us of the advantages of this region and site. The prospect of building this plant in Hauts-de-France, a region deeply connected to France’s industrial heritage, and contributing to the
industrial revitalization of the Valenciennes area, is both a motivation and a source of pride for the Axens teams.”
Quentin Debuisschert, CEO of Axens

Axens: a key stakeholder in the energy transition and green chemistry

The Axens Group (www.axens.net) offers a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass into cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics, natural gas treatment and conversion options, water treatment and carbon capture. Their offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services.

Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility studies to start-up and monitoring of units throughout their lifecycle. This unique position guarantees optimum performance and a reduced environmental footprint. Axens’ international offering is based on highly qualified human resources, modern production facilities and an extensive global network for industrial, technical support and sales services. Axens is an IFP Group company.