French Government Proposes €150 Million Aid for Fibre Excellence Sites

The French Ministry of Industry offers €150 million in support to secure Fibre Excellence's operations at its Saint-Gaudens and Tarascon mills. This two-part plan, each valued at €75 million, responds to union, elected officials, and company appeals to prevent site closures.

The first tranche addresses immediate finances through carbon quota integration for Saint-Gaudens, interest waivers, and spreading public and social debts over ten years. The second provides a state guarantee covering 50% of an industrial investment plan for site modernization.

Fibre Excellence employs 670 workers across the facilities, producing 550,000 tonnes of pulp annually for paper, hygiene products, and packaging. The sites generate biomass electricity sold to the state.

Minister Delegate Sébastien Martin conditions aid on full shareholder commitment, warning of buyer searches otherwise. Earlier warnings cited rising wood prices and insufficient EDF electricity buyback rates. Fibre Excellence welcomes the proposals as a positive step toward long-term viability.​