At ESAT Civergols, people matter more than the company's bottom line. That's precisely why this workshop produces products of exceptional quality and precision every week, made by people with disabilities who carry out their work with dedication and pride.
There are still places where it is not numbers or the pursuit of profit that take precedence, but trust, proximity and a concrete social commitment. One such establishment, of which there are around 1,500 in France, is located in the department of Lozère, in an isolated hamlet where people with disabilities live and work. What is done here goes far beyond a traditional workshop: it is a place of inclusion and industrial production that focuses on sustainability, humanity and precision. Around 100 disabled employees develop, manufacture and assemble products, with the support of specialists, modern machinery and a philosophy that puts people before pure profitability.
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Recognition in the factory
‘Are you satisfied with me as a manager?’ asks Patrice Rousset, production manager, to a colleague in passing. The colleague smiles broadly, doesn’t hesitate for a second and replies, ‘Yes, of course!’ – a brief, almost insignificant moment. And yet it says a lot: about the atmosphere in the workshop, about mutual respect, trust and the feeling of being seen. It is precisely this attitude that characterises everyday life here, surrounded by modern machinery but far from the usual pressure of production.
In the various workshops, you can feel the concentration at work. The pace is calm, adapted to people rather than the speed of machines. Everyone has their own task, whether it's folding, assembling or packing. And each of these tasks clearly contributes to the whole. This gives meaning and self-confidence. ‘You can see it very clearly when parents or relatives come to visit us,’ explains Mr Rousset.
Our employees are very proud to be able to show what they do.
Here, technology is a means to an end: it helps, simplifies and lightens the load without replacing people. People are at the centre, not processes. Their work is not only productive, it is also deeply meaningful. This is what makes the difference and ensures the success of this exceptional production site.
Flagship product: My Mosquito Box
One product that epitomises the uniqueness of this company is ‘My Mosquito Box’. It is made to order for customers: its design is simple and elegant, its functionality perfect, and its finish refined and precise. What is surprising is that around 120 pieces leave the workshop every week. And almost all employees contribute to their manufacture. Each step is carried out with care, calm and precision.
‘The mosquito box is a real flagship product. It perfectly illustrates how all our departments work in synergy, how everyone works towards the same goal, to achieve a high-quality result together,’ explains Patrice Rousset. ‘The customer wants a functional, well-designed product, and that's exactly what we provide. With dedication, passion and expertise.’
‘Ma boîte à moustique’ is therefore much more than just a beautiful object. It symbolises effective collaboration, inclusion, quality and an exceptional form of industrial cooperation.
A workshop without commotion
The atmosphere in the modern production workshop is calm and respectful. Men and women work there in equal numbers, focused, independently and as a team. Arguments or accidents? Not at all. ‘It's a huge pleasure to work with these people. There are hardly any problems – many of them smile all day long and simply enjoy being able to work and be surrounded by friends,’ explains Patrice Rousset with palpable enthusiasm. ‘This workshop is not a traditional industrial company. But it is a model for something that is often forgotten: work should not only be about performance, it can also create a sense of belonging, esteem and meaning,’ explains Mr Rousset, who has been working at Esat Civergols for 30 years, the last 15 of which as production manager.
As Philippe Garcin of Bystronic France explains, Mr Rousset played a decisive role in modernising the workshop and improving working conditions: "Patrice Rousset has been my key contact for many years. He has always been the driving force when it comes to finding new solutions, exploring other avenues and breaking away from conventional production to test new processes. His idea has always been to offer users of our equipment great ease of use and optimal ergonomics, while ensuring a certain degree of autonomy and interest for people.
It is a noble mission, and I believe that Bystronic can contribute to and support it.
Craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology
In the specially constructed production hall, modern technology has made its mark with the ByStar Fiber laser cutting system and the connected ByTransCross automation system. An Xpert Pro bending machine with a bending aid is also connected and running at full speed during our visit with Patrice Rousset. The high-tech systems integrate seamlessly thanks to their intuitive operation and reliability. Even though this impressive installation is operated by experts, it allows people with very different skills to be involved and assigned useful tasks. ‘Automation, for example, runs all night. This allows production employees to continue their usual work in the morning. The goal is not to be faster, but to improve and facilitate the working conditions of our employees,’ explains Mr Rousset.
A community that goes beyond work
What is being created here goes beyond conventional work; it is a dynamic society, a living environment. Most of the employees live on site. They eat together, chat and also spend their free time together. ‘I think they do more in their free time than I do,’ laughs Mr Rousset. "Most of the activities are organised by us, such as football matches or excursions during the holidays. They have a very rich social life. " And this is reflected in their work: people feel safe, useful and respected. They enjoy coming to work and perform very well, with enthusiasm and precision.
A model for the future
The workshop continues to expand, new projects are being planned and collaboration with customers such as Pattyn and Ma boîte à moustique is constantly developing. But despite all this progress, one thing remains unchanged: here, the priority is not productivity, but people. And that is precisely what makes this place so special. This workshop impressively demonstrates what can be achieved when social responsibility, industrial expertise and genuine humanity come together. It is not only a success story, it is an example to follow.
ESAT Civergols
ESAT Civergols is a social economy establishment located in the French department of Lozère, where people with disabilities live and work. ESAT stands for ‘Établissement et Service d'Aide par le Travail’ (Establishment and Service for Assistance through Work), i.e. an establishment that enables people with reduced working capacity to participate in social life, to be self-determined and to integrate professionally through adapted jobs.
In various workshops and fields, professional-quality products and services are provided to external customers. The focus is not on efficiency or profit, but on the individual: each person is assigned a task that matches their abilities and gives them meaning and structure.
There are around 1,500 ESATs throughout France, employing a total of more than 120,000 people with disabilities. They are an integral part of social and employment policy in France and make a valuable contribution to inclusion in practice.
