Stellantis Rennes Plant
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive manufacturing |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Headquarters | Chartres-de-Bretagne, near Rennes , France |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Automobiles (Peugeot 5008, Citroën C5 Aircross) |
Number of employees | 2000 (2021) |
| Parent | Stellantis |
The Stellantis Rennes Plant stands as a prominent automotive manufacturing hub in France, having produced approximately 340,000 vehicles in 2005. After Peugeot acquired a controlling interest in Citroën in 1976, the facility became part of the PSA Group. As of 2021, it remains the largest private employer in the Rennes region, with a workforce of around 2,000. In January 2021, PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, resulting in the formation of Stellantis.
Location and site
Situated southwest of Rennes within Chartres-de-Bretagne, the plant occupies a 240-hectare area at Rennes-la-Janais, conveniently close to the local airport. A €50 million upgrade completed in 2010 enhanced production capabilities for the Peugeot 508, expanding the covered manufacturing space to nearly 500,000 m2. By 2008, the total covered area had surpassed 700,000 m2, although this was subsequently downsized to improve cost efficiency and logistics. The complex includes newer assembly buildings that have replaced some older structures. Until 1999, PSA also operated a rubber components factory in Rennes’ industrial zone, with employment data often reported collectively for both locations.
History
At the dawn of the 20th century, France was a leader in global automobile production. Established in Paris in 1919 by André Citroën—who introduced assembly line methods inspired by Ford—Citroën initially concentrated its manufacturing activities there. By the late 1950s, surging demand for models such as the 2CV and DS exceeded existing production capacity, leading to plans for a new greenfield factory outside Paris.
Selected for its plentiful labor supply and lower wage levels amid changes in the agricultural sector, the Rennes-la-Janais facility commenced operations in 1961 with President Charles de Gaulle presiding over its inauguration. Early production centered on compact models like the Ami 6, later including the Dyane and GS, marking Citroën’s expansion into the mid-size car market. While medium-sized vehicles became predominant at Rennes, older models continued production in Paris or were relocated to Portugal.
During the 1980s, under stricter financial oversight following a change in ownership, investment was restrained even as employment peaked near 14,000 workers. Competition intensified as PSA’s Vigo plant in Spain broadened beyond small cars during the 1990s. Increasing labor costs in France drove Rennes to adopt greater automation; nevertheless, Vigo outpaced Rennes by the early 2000s, leading to a workforce reduction to approximately 6,900 by 2009.
In 2004, the plant celebrated producing its ten millionth vehicle and began assembling Peugeot models with the successful launch of the 407, followed by the less popular 607. Declining demand for these models impacted production levels. By 2009, manufacturing of the Xsara Picasso had fully shifted to Vigo.
By 2010, Rennes concentrated on Platform 3 vehicles: specifically the Peugeot 407 along with Citroën C5 and C6 models. Preparations were underway for highly automated production of the new Peugeot 508, aiming for output rates between 45 and 55 cars per hour after summer enhancements.
Focusing strategically on C-segment vehicles has presented challenges for Rennes amid competition from premium brands like Audi and BMW, alongside consumer preferences shifting toward smaller family cars such as the Golf and 308. With recent annual production falling below 200,000 units, break-even points have been adjusted downward.
Since February 2014, a portion of the site has been dedicated to a major workshop for refurbishing high-speed trains (TGV), staffed by PSA employees seconded to France’s national railway company (SNCF).
Site layout
The facility is organized into four primary zones: administration, logistics (which encompasses general support), quality control, and production. The production area is the largest and is divided into four distinct sections:
- • Stamping: Heavy hydraulic presses are used to form metal parts for the body and chassis.
- • Body shop: Car bodies are assembled by welding panels together using robotic machinery.
- • Paint shop: The painting process is automated, involving dipping in paint baths followed by robotic spray application.
- • Final assembly: Painted bodies receive engines and sub-assemblies sourced from other PSA plants, along with specialized components from external suppliers. Managing these inputs represents a crucial logistics responsibility.
Production zones are interconnected by automated conveyor systems. Once vehicles are completed, they undergo testing before being shipped out.
More statistics
- The plant occupies 240 hectares and includes 80 buildings.
- Annual vehicle output surpasses 300,000 units; although the maximum capacity is 400,000, production has never exceeded 350,000.
Notable models manufactured up to around 2005 (approximate production numbers):
- Citroën BX (2,000,000)
- Citroën GS (1,980,000)
- Ami 6 (1,500,000)
- Citroën Xantia (1,000,000)
- Citroën Xsara (921,000)
- Citroën C5 (750,000)
- Citroën AX (600,000)
- Citroën Visa (561,000)
- Peugeot 407 (500,000)
- Citroën Dyane (373,000)
- Citroën XM (302,000)
- Citroën ZX (135,000)
- Méhari (10,000)
- Citroën 2CV (10,000)
Production
- Peugeot 5008 (2017–2024)
- Citroën C5 Aircross I (2017–2025)
- Citroën C5 Aircross II (2025–present)
The Barre Thomas Plant
Prior to 1999, PSA operated a second manufacturing facility in Rennes focused on producing rubber automotive parts. This site, known as "Barre Thomas," is situated in the industrial district west of Rennes. It was sold to an Italian firm in 1999 and has since changed hands; it is currently owned by the investment fund Silver Point. Founded in 1954, the plant employed more than 1,600 workers as of 2005 and supplied over 90% of its products to the PSA Rennes-la-Janais factory.
References
This article includes material from the French Wikipedia entry on Usine PSA de Rennes.