Manufacturing in PB

Raw materials

The successful agricultural sector has created a large variety of agricultural goods.

Food processing industry

This wide variety of goods, ranging from arable crops to beef and lamb has led to the successful development of the food processing industry.

Example dairy processing

Dairy processing is well-developed in this region. Two of the top five global dairy companies are located in the Paris Basin (Lactalis and Danone). This is due to the great supply of dairy products in the region.

Use of dairy products

Some 65% of these dairy products are then exported to EU markets in varying forms, e.g. milk protein used in chemical and pharmaceutical companies, to produce vitamins like B-12, and minerals like calcium and potassium.

Wheat

Wheat grown in Beauce is processed into flour in order to supply patisseries in Paris. Pastries and breads in Paris are known world-wide for their quality.

Alcohol production

Barley grown in Beauce is used to supply local brewing, such as Kronenbourg, and apples grown in Normandy are used for producing ciders. Grapes grown in Reims also allow for the production of champagne.

Car manufacturing

Due to the large supply of iron and steel from the nearby Nord region, car manufacturing prospered here. Although this region has declined, headquarters and manufacturing plants of large brands such as Peugeot and Renault remain in the region.

Fossil fuels in the region

This region has limited deposits of fossil fuels, but pipelines were constructed to bring natural gas from the south of France to the Paris Basin. Pipelines link La Harve to oil fields in the Netherlands. This infrastructure has led to the important development of petrochemical industries.

Infrastructure in the region

Communications in this region are particularly well developed with efficient road, rail, port, airport, and broadband infrastructure.

Flat lands

This allows for efficient transport of goods. The natural flat landscape means transport links are easily constructed, leading to the development of straight roads and rail.

Paris city of transport

Paris is a focal point for transport, which greatly reduces the cost of the transport of goods. It also lowers journey times for companies, making this region an attractive place to locate a company.

Rail

The TGV is a high-speed passenger and freight service that connects Paris with internal markets, and also other EU countries, which broadens the markets for goods. It, and the metro, also allow for faster commuting times for workers, increasing productivity.

Eurostar

A high-speed rail service which connects the region to the UK, removing any need for air and sea travel.L

La Harve

The deep-water port here enables ship access to the region along the English Channel. Modern docking facilities and warehouses have been built along the River Seine.

Modern facilities

This has facilitated the development of oil refining and petrochemical industries in the region. These industries have settled close the river on the Canal.