BERNIER Connect, French manufacturer of defence connectors, takes a decisive step forward. The company has integrated its own machining capabilities on its production site in Saint-Michel-sur-Orge [91]. The acquisition of an INDEX C100 lathe, carried out with the support of BPI and CETIM, is part of the accelerator programme for the industries of the future in Île-de-France. This investment strengthens the company’s autonomy and its ability to better meet its customers’ requirements.
A defence connector market under pressure
The connector market remains very tight, particularly in terms of lead times and quality. For players in defence, as well as aeronautics and space, supplier reliability is non-negotiable. Relying on external subcontractors for machining has become an increasing constraint, limiting both reactivity and process control. BERNIER Connect has therefore chosen to address this by integrating its own production capabilities.
Industrial sovereignty : a clear commitment
For Alexandre Huart, president of BERNIER Connect, this investment reflects a strong ambition: “a firm commitment to made in France and to strengthening our sovereignty, through greater autonomy: machines and skills.”
Sovereignty, control of R&D and the production chain are at the forefront of the identified challenges. The INDEX C100 lathe enables BERNIER Connect to secure its production flows.
The choice of manufacturer followed the same logic. INDEX, a European manufacturer, trains its technicians directly at its factory in Germany. Several criteria guided this decision: geographical proximity, availability of technical support, and long-term accompaniment.
A partnership with a European manufacturer, built to last
Beyond the acquisition of the machine, BERNIER Connect and INDEX have built a solid working relationship. INDEX and BERNIER Connect teams collaborated to define requirements, structure training, support skills development and oversee the production launch of the first parts received. CETIM also played a role during the consultation phase, providing expertise to frame the project and guide technical choices.
Cette autonomie en usinage de précision se traduit directement en avantages pour les clients de BERNIER Connect.
Shorter lead times.
With internal control of the machining process, BERNIER delivers faster. Reactivity is strengthened, even for connectors with demanding qualification cycles.
Controlled quality.
Every manufacturing step remains under the direct control of BERNIER’s teams. The reliability standards that define the company across its military and defence connector markets are fully maintained.
Agilty for innovation.
Engineering teams now have a tool to accelerate innovation projects and respond more quickly to customer needs.
Connectors for aeronautics, space and nuclear : towards new markets
This investment also opens up new development prospects. BERNIER Connect intends to leverage these new capabilities to address new markets, including aeronautics, space and nuclear. Sectors that share with defence an absolute requirement for reliability, and in which this production autonomy represents a decisive advantage.
