MGA MedTech, a New Eco-facility in France

Inaugurated on September 11, MGA MedTech’s new Mably facility is described as France’s first fully digitalized, robotized, and sustainable 4.0 factory in the medtech sector.

MGA MedTech, France’s first fully digitalized, robotized, and sustainable 4.0 factory in the medtech sector, is at the forefront of accelerating advancements in in vitro diagnostics and cellular and gene therapies. The company specializes in designing and building custom machines to support its clients in embracing the future of the medical industry. 

Inaugurated on September 11, the facility in Mably highlights MGA MedTech’s commitment to technological innovation and environmental responsibility. Attended by local officials, business leaders, and members of the MGA MedTech team, the event showcased the company’s vision for creating a sustainable future while driving progress in medical diagnostics and treatment technologies.

Located in the Roanne municipality, the new MGA MedTech building illustrates the company’s mission of fusing cutting-edge medical technology with eco-conscious architectural design, paving the way for a new era of responsible industrial development.

Reducing Reliance on Conventional Energy Sources

One of the most remarkable features of the new MGA MedTech building is its focus on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The building was designed with a strong emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and utilizing clean energy sources. Hervé de Malliard, President of MGA Technologies, explained the company’s dedication to sustainable practices during his speech: 

“We planted 319 trees on this site and installed geothermal heating with 11 wells drilled to a depth of 140 meters. This system provides natural heat for the building, and with the upcoming installation of 3,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels, we’re exceeding environmental norms by 25%,” said de Malliard. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that this building performs better than the required standards, even though we weren’t obligated to meet them.”

The geothermal system taps into the earth’s natural heat to warm the building, significantly reducing its reliance on conventional energy sources. In addition to this, the solar panels will generate a significant portion of the facility’s electricity, helping to minimize its carbon footprint further. The building’s rainwater harvesting system, with a 5-cubic-meter tank, ensures that water is used efficiently, supplying the building’s sanitary facilities and reducing the demand for local water supplies.

Sustainable Design and Architectural Innovation

The facility combines traditional industrial-style ridged roofs with modern construction techniques, utilizing south-facing solar panels to maximize energy production while allowing natural light to flood the workshops through north-facing glass panels. The building is constructed with a wooden frame and concrete elements for thermal inertia, and its green facades enhance its environmental credentials. Designed to exceed RE-2020 energy standards by 25%, the facility is a model of eco-responsibility.

The use of geothermal heating, as mentioned previously, along with the carbon-neutral design, aims to fully offset the building’s construction footprint by the early 2030s.

As Hervé de Malliard, President of MGA MedTech, put it:

“We’ve created a facility that not only embraces cutting-edge technology but also leads by example in sustainability. Our goal is to show that technology and ecology can come together to improve both health and the environment.”

Meeting Land-Use Challenges

The building is situated on what was once agricultural land, a choice that presented significant challenges for both the company and local authorities. Yves Nicolin, the Mayor of Roanne and the Metropolitan area of Roanne addressed these challenges in his inaugural speech, reflecting on the long-term vision and collaboration required to make the project a reality. He stated:

“We are on what used to be agricultural land, and it took 10 years of legal procedures to turn 100 hectares of farmland into 37 hectares of commercial space. Today, under current regulations, this could take up to 14 years. We knew this project would have a lasting impact, and we fought for it because we understand the importance of planning for the future. Projects like these are essential for economic development, but they also come with responsibilities.”

Despite the regulatory hurdles, the development of the site is a prime example of forward-thinking land use. The local government, under Nicolin’s leadership, ensured that environmental sustainability was prioritized, with eco-responsible measures and compensatory actions taken to protect local flora and fauna. Nicolin emphasized that the project was part of a broader effort to balance economic growth with environmental conservation, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier planet.

A Flexible Design, Adapting to Different Production Needs

Beyond its impressive environmental credentials, the building was also designed to be flexible and future-proof. During the tour of the facility, the architectural choices that support both sustainability and versatility were highlighted. The facility is built to accommodate a wide range of production processes, ensuring that MGA MedTech can easily adapt to changes in the medical technology industry. As one tour guide pointed out:

“The facility is designed to be a modular, full-digital site, capable of adapting to different production needs. Whether we’re manufacturing small instruments or large-scale equipment, the workspace can easily shift to meet new demands. This flexibility ensures that we can quickly adapt to emerging technologies, staying ahead of the curve in the medical tech world.”

The paperless system employed in the facility is another example of MGA MedTech’s commitment to innovation. Using a fully digital system, the production floor operates with minimal paper waste, streamlining communication and data management. Production information is directly integrated into the facility’s systems, allowing for real-time adjustments and reducing human error.

Moreover, the building’s focus on renewable energy doesn’t stop at the factory doors. Solar panel-covered parking structures provide shade for vehicles while generating electricity. This not only reduces the facility’s reliance on external energy sources but also encourages employees to transition to electric vehicles, with charging stations conveniently located throughout the parking area.

A Bright Future for the Region

The inauguration of the MGA MedTech facility is not only a milestone for the company but also a significant step forward for the Roanne region. The project has breathed new life into the area, which has a long-standing industrial heritage. Mayor Nicolin highlighted the broader economic and social implications of the project, noting that the new facility will contribute to the region’s economic growth and provide job opportunities for local residents.

“We’ve seen challenges in the past, but today we are experiencing an economic revival. This project brings jobs, innovation, and sustainable development to our community, and I am confident that it will serve as a model for future developments in the region,” Nicolin said.

The building is expected to create numerous job opportunities in the Roanne area, further strengthening the local economy. The collaboration between MGA MedTech and local authorities demonstrates how public-private partnerships can drive sustainable economic growth while respecting environmental concerns.

A Visionary Achievement

The inauguration of the MGA MedTech building in Mably is a clear reflection of the company’s visionary approach to both technology and environmental responsibility. Through its innovative design, commitment to sustainability, and forward-thinking leadership, MGA MedTech has set a new standard for industrial development. As Hervé de Malliard aptly noted: 

“We’ve created something here that we hope will inspire others. Our responsibility is not just to innovate in the field of medical technology, but also to lead by example in sustainability.” 

This new facility shows what can be achieved when innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, offering a glimpse into the future of industrial design and eco-friendly practices.