{"id":17724,"date":"2024-10-15T14:27:13","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T12:27:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsegroup.com\/?p=17724"},"modified":"2026-07-06T15:57:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T13:57:31","slug":"the-general-contractor-as-the-designer-builder-of-the-reindustrialisation-era","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsegroup.com\/en\/articles-en\/industry-en\/the-general-contractor-as-the-designer-builder-of-the-reindustrialisation-era\/","title":{"rendered":"The general contractor as the designer & builder of the reindustrialisation era"},"content":{"rendered":"\n



Reindustrialisation: France\u2019s infrastructure boom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In France, the industrial and logistics landscape is showing signs of healthy expansion, with the construction of industrial and logistics facilities up by a strong 8.6% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. A broad range of industries \u2013 from agri-food to life science, medical, biotechnology, fine chemicals and cosmetics \u2013 is in need of a variety of key infrastructures \u2013 including factories, warehouses and offices. The latest figures show that the additional floor space authorised for these industrial and logistics buildings totalled 8.5 million square metres over the twelve months to the end of June 2023, up by 11% year on year. In particular, around 60% of this space is allocated to logistics projects, including a significant increase in warehouses exceeding 100,000 m\u00b2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This trend is driven by a number of factors, including the growing demand for logistics hubs supporting the boom in e-commerce and the relocation of some industries to France. Technological innovations and environmental guidelines are also driving companies to modernise and optimise their facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In this dynamic environment, the figures speak for themselves. In 2023, France inaugurated 201 new industrial sites (not including warehouses), outdoing 2022\u2019s result of 176. In terms of net openings, the figure for 2023 stands at 57 new sites, up from 49 in 2022: an increase of 16%. In 2024, the outlook remains positive, with preliminary announcements of 95 openings for industrial start-ups and 63 for small and medium-sized industrial companies, signalling a favourable momentum in the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In such a boom economy, general contractors truly come into their own. As the primary orchestrators of the multiple sub-projects, they guarantee quality, deadlines and budgets, while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards. This comprehensive expertise is crucial if industrial construction is to retain its role as a catalyst, propelling companies to success and driving growth in the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What role does GSE play in supporting the reindustrialisation drive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Preparation and planning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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First, GSE considers and assesses the client\u2019s specific needs to identify feasible technical options for the project. This may include land prospecting, relying on dedicated tools to locate available brownfield sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The feasibility studies, covering the business, technical and environmental dimensions, are fundamental. One of their main objectives is to simplify environmental management, particularly of so-called polluted sites, thanks to the involvement of our Polluted Sites and Soils expert and our environmental engineer. They help us navigate through the regulatory framework, with a view to obtaining building permits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Resource management and logistics <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Managing raw materials and other resources is essential to ensure that deadlines are met. The general contractor ensures the effective coordination of deliveries of materials and equipment and the recruitment of the workforce required for the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This role includes coordinating & supervising every phase (construction process, foundations, building, etc.), establishing quality control protocols through a QAP, guaranteeing compliance with established standards, and overseeing rigorous safety measures to protect workers and minimise the risk of accidents in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In terms of technical solutions, prefabrication can optimise the construction process. 60% of GSE\u2019s projects rely on this approach, which involves constructing some of the elements off the main site. By manufacturing building components in a controlled environment, before transporting them for assembly on the site, prefabrication reduces construction times, increases the safety of operations and reduces the risk of accidents to workers. Off-site construction is also more sustainable: it optimises the use of materials and significantly reduces the amount of waste generated. In a context of growing demand for faster, environmentally-friendly construction methods, off-site construction is a promising solution for the industry in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our expertise is the ar<\/strong>t of engineering: consultancy, design and construction <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As a general contractor with multidisciplinary expertise, GSE offers customised buildings designed to maximise your production facility\u2019s efficiency. Your project should also embody your company\u2019s identity and contribute to your employees\u2019 wellbeing<\/a>. That\u2019s why our team ensures that the interior layout and features are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all users.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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