The THEBAULT Group, a leading manufacturer of plywood, has set itself apart with a new strategic location in the Parc d'activités Sud Auvergne, in Lempdes-sur-Allagnon, Haute-Loire. With a 25,000 m² plant, this new production facility marks an important step in the company's development. It is part of an expansion strategy aimed at strengthening the Group's presence in the Auvergne region and supporting the local economic fabric.
Construction of the THEBAULT Group's new plant is well underway, with a completion rate of 60%. Work underway includes the installation of the first machines, including lathes and dryers, which are essential to the plywood panel production line. This sophisticated equipment is at the heart of the THEBAULT Group's innovative manufacturing technology, which places efficiency and sustainability at the top of its priorities.
Completion is scheduled for September 2025, enabling the Group to launch the first production of LVL/Lamibois panels as early as October of the same year. LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) panels, or Lamibois, are key components in the construction industry due to their robustness and energy efficiency, and this plant will significantly increase their production.
The manufacturing process at the new Lempdes-sur-Allagnon plant is based on the processing of pectin fir logs, a wood species that is abundant within a 100 km radius of the plant. This proximity guarantees responsible sourcing and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport. The logs undergo several processes, including debarking, cutting and peeling into long strips of wood, before being transformed into Lamibois panels, a technological feat that symbolizes innovation at the service of the wood industry.
What's more, the THEBAULT Group is actively involved in developing the regional economy through well-advanced supply contracts with local suppliers. This local synergy not only promotes the economy, but also ensures a stable and sustainable supply chain.
The plant also emphasizes the adoption of innovative technologies to improve production efficiency and quality. Among these, the use of lathes that transform logs into ribbons of wood evokes a familiar image of unfolded toilet paper rolls, revealing the transformative potential of these machines in the modern manufacturing process.
In a recent interview, Antoine Thebault, Group CEO, shared his thoughts on the progress of the project and the strategic vision for the new facility. He stresses the importance of integrating technological innovation into every phase of development to guarantee high-quality, sustainable production, while reinforcing the Group's regional identity.
With this new plant, the THEBAULT Group positions itself as a key player in sustainable industrial development in the Haute-Loire region, building on its expertise and commitment to innovation and local economic collaboration.
