PAGE 14 Investments to accelerate innovation and upgrade sites In 2017, the Group announced the implementation of a three-year investment plan worth 35 million euros, to accelerate innovation and upgrade its sites in France. Thanks to the investment, the Group is acquiring new technologiesandboostingtheproductioncapacitiesof its different French businesses, including thermoplastic films for the automotive and construction sectors, and glass and carbon reinforcements for composites. New weaving machines and equipment will lead to productivity gains of up to 30%. The plan is also enabling the development of new, lighter materials with higher performance for the aerospace and automotive markets. These material investments come with Group-wide “Six Sigma” and “Lean Manufacturing” training for employees. Focus on France Chomarat invests €35M in the future of its French sites Chomarat is also a partner to French Fab, which embodies the re-establishment of French industry as an innovative, exporting industry that is open to thechangesbroughtaboutbythedigitalrevolution, new technologies, and the green economy. Did you know? The investments in carbon fibre reinforcements are part of a strategy that has been in place since 2010, and are enabling Chomarat to pass another technological milestone.