Luxury goods company Hermès has begun construction on a new leather goods manufacturing site in Charleville-Mézières, located in the Ardennes region of northeastern France.
The facility, which is scheduled to open in 2027, is expected to create 250 jobs, reinforcing the company’s long-term investment in local employment and craftsmanship.
The new site, named Maroquinerie de Charleville-Mézières, will become Hermès’ 26th leather workshop in France and the third within the Ardennes area.
It will operate alongside existing workshops in Bogny-sur-Meuse (opened in 2004) and La Sormonne (opened in 2023), forming a growing hub for Hermès’ leather goods production.
In line with Hermès’ artisanal manufacturing model, the company plans to recruit and train local workers to become leather artisans. Most incoming employees will be trained at the École Hermès des savoir-faire, a dedicated training school established in Charleville-Mézières in 2021.
The school, in collaboration with France Travail, supports certification in leatherwork and cutting techniques and plays a key role in workforce development for the region.
The training program is designed to equip employees where many of whom may not have prior experience in craftsmanship with the technical skills needed for high-quality leather production. These include techniques such as saddle stitching, polishing, and precision cutting, which are central to the brand’s product standards.
Hermès emphasised that this expansion reflects its continued commitment to producing all its leather goods in France, despite rising global competition and pressure to outsource. By concentrating production locally, the company aims to maintain quality control while contributing to regional economic development.
The project also includes the redevelopment of the former Deville industrial site, preserving elements of the region’s industrial heritage.
Located in the town centre near the railway station, the site will be accessible by public transport and is designed with sustainability in mind. The new building will incorporate energy-efficient materials, solar panels, and green landscaping, in line with Hermès’ corporate social responsibility goals.
Hermès’ investment in Charleville-Mézières is part of a broader national expansion strategy. The company is also developing new workshops in L’Isle-d’Espagnac (Charente), Loupes (Gironde), and Colombelles (Normandy).
All new sites are expected to follow the same model of local recruitment, training, and long-term employment.
With this project, Hermès continues to position itself not only as a global luxury brand but also as a contributor to regional development and job creation within France.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
