SPIE furthers its commitment to industrial decarbonisation at GSK's strategic site in Évreux, France

Published on 04 March 2024

Cergy, 4 March 2024 – SPIE Building Solutions and SPIE Industrie, two French subsidiaries of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, are working with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a major biopharmaceuticals company, to set up a new production unit at its site in Évreux, France. SPIE, which has successfully completed two projects for GSK since 2018, was asked to set up this new production line dedicated to new-generation, low-carbon aerosol inhalers, with the clear and ambitious objective of reducing its carbon footprint.

SPIE is highly committed to reducing the carbon footprint of industry

GSK's Évreux site, which was established in 1968 and has close to 1,100 employees, specialises in the manufacture of inhaled medication for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With decarbonisation in mind, GSK is looking to replace the gas propellant used in its aerosol inhalers with a more environmental-friendly alternative, thereby reducing the product's carbon footprint by 90%. The pharmaceuticals company called on the experience and expertise of SPIE Building Solutions and SPIE Industrie to help it set up this low-carbon production line at its site in Normandy, France.

The study phase took place from March to December 2022 together with partners, integrating all the trades to respond to this turnkey project.

The implementation phase is being carried out within the framework of a temporary joint venture, which is managed by SPIE as legal representative.

In order to meet GSK's expectations and guarantee project and planning compliance, taking into account operational constraints, SPIE Building Solutions completed the structural, steel frame, flooring and sprinkler work in the form of an all-trades project, as well as the HVAC[1] work, which sought to guarantee a controlled production environment. SPIE Industrie is carrying out all the special fluids, instrumentation, electrical and automation work for the project.

This joint venture involves several strategic partners operating in other fields.

Innovation, flexibility and teamwork

A key factor in SPIE's success, aside from the technical expertise of its teams, is the flexibility it shows in working with its customers. SPIE demonstrated its expertise and commitment to working closely with GSK by quickly meeting the company’s expectations and adhering to a strict study timetable.

The work, which started in July 2023, is set to be finalised in Q1 2024.

"SPIE's involvement in this innovative GSK project illustrates our commitment to decarbonising industry. By combining our skills with those of our partners, we are able to make a real difference and change our economy for the better," explains Cédric Mazille, Climate Engineering Operations Director at SPIE Building Solutions.

"This GSK project demonstrates our ability to respond to complex industrial challenges, while shaping a future where industry partners can achieve great results without harming the environment," adds Christophe Dormois, Director of Business Development and Strategy at SPIE Industrie.

[1] HVAC: Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning

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