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Who can benefit from the NFI services?

4 specific cases:
  • Foreign companies in all sectors looking to expand in Hauts-de-France
  • French companies with no site in Hauts-de-France
  • Hauts-de-France companies with a succession plan
  • Foreign-owned companies in Hauts-de-France with a development project
Our services are not intended for :
  • French or international self-employed entrepreneurs
  • French companies wishing to export
  • International companies seeking distribution networks only

Why as the help of Nord France Invest?

Nord France Invest provides you with completely tailored, free of charge and confidential support. We centralize all the information you need to analyze your project. We facilitate your process to find a site, partners or land. We organize site visits. We accelerate your networking with future regional partners. Find out more about the agency's services on this page.

What type of project can support you in?

The agency supports job-creating investment projects. The nature of projects varies according to 3 main categories:
  • Start-up projects
  • Expansion of existing sites in the region
  • takeovers of regional businesses by international companies.
Nord France Invest's services are not aimed at capital investments.
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Home»success stories»SKF expansion in hauts de france

The expansion of SKF

in Hauts-de-France

"The local authorities here have always been very supportive. They consistently help us with all our projects, with paperwork and sometimes funding." Gilles Ofcard, Factory manager of SKF's plant in Valenciennes.
Date de publication Published on 04.03.2018
Nord France Invest

SKF specializes in the production of ball bearings, used in particular in the aerospace industry. They have 103 production sites in 24 countries.

SKF’s expansion project in Hauts-de-France

Following its investment in 2016, SKF’s Valenciennes site has become a global center of excellence. In 2017, the company is reinvesting €5 million to create a test center and bring its site into Industry 4.0.

Why did SKF chose the Hauts-de-France Region?

“Our main reasons for investing in the region are:

  1. Excellent logistics. At the heart of Europe, a fast motorway network, and international airports nearby  to ship our products worldwide in record time.
  2. The industrial culture. It’s very strong in Hauts-de-France.
  3. A deep pool of skilled labor

Gilles Ofcard, Factory manager of SKF’s plant in Valenciennes.

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