SMS group chooses Lyon to power the future of sustainable metals industry
A global leader in engineering for the metallurgical industry, SMS group continues to expand across Europe with a strategic new location in the Lyon region. This move comes at a time of major industrial transformation, where decarbonization, energy efficiency, metal recycling, and the circular economy are becoming key drivers of competitiveness. By strengthening its proximity to French clients, the group aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative solutions that support a more sustainable and high-performing industry.
A global leader in industrial engineering for the metals industry
Founded over 150 years ago, SMS group is one of the world’s leading companies in industrial engineering and the construction of equipment for the metals industry. Headquartered in Germany and owned by the Weiss family, the group designs and delivers machinery, production lines, and turnkey plants primarily for the steel, aerospace, automotive, and metallurgical sectors.
The group employs more than 13,000 people across over 100 locations worldwide and generates annual revenue of more than €3.6 billion. Its customer portfolio includes major international industrial players such as ArcelorMittal, ThyssenKrupp, and Stegra. Over its development, SMS group has integrated several leading companies in metallurgical machinery, further strengthening its expertise across the entire value chain of metal production and processing.
Addressing the challenges of industrial decarbonisation
The metals industry is currently facing major challenges in competitiveness, industrial sovereignty, and environmental transition. Reducing CO₂ emissions, improving energy efficiency in industrial processes, and developing circular economy solutions are among the sector’s top priorities.
For more than twenty years, SMS group has been investing in the development of solutions aimed at supporting this transformation. The group is notably working on recycling dust and sludge generated by electric furnaces, metal recovery, hydrogen integration into steelmaking processes, and battery recycling. These innovations address the growing needs of industrial players seeking to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining operational performance.
A strategic location in Lyon to support industrial clients in France
To support its commercial development in France, SMS group has chosen to open its first French office in Lyon’s Part-Dieu business district. This decision is based on a simple observation: despite the lack of a physical presence in France until now, the group already serves more than 300 active customer sites across the France-Benelux region, including over 100 in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area. This is complemented by a significant customer base in the South-West of France, particularly around Toulouse.
For Luc Weydert, Western Europe Sales Director, establishing a local presence had become essential to strengthen customer proximity, improve responsiveness, and reduce frequent travel from Germany. A French office also enhances the group’s visibility and credibility among national industrial stakeholders.
Why SMS group chose the Lyon region
Lyon quickly emerged as the most relevant location. The metropolitan area benefits from a strong industrial ecosystem, a central geographic position enabling efficient coverage of France’s main industrial hubs, and excellent national and international transport connections. The presence of major companies in aerospace, defence, nuclear, and metals industries also represents a key advantage for SMS group’s development.
The opening of the Lyon office marks a new milestone in the group’s growth strategy in France. The local team is currently composed of experienced professionals responsible for strengthening commercial and technical proximity with regional customers. In the medium term, the company plans to continue scaling its operations with gradual team expansion.
ONLYLYON Invest, a key partner in SMS group’s expansion in Lyon
As part of its establishment in the Lyon region, SMS group benefited from the support of ONLYLYON Invest, the economic development agency of the Lyon area.
ONLYLYON Invest supported SMS group throughout its investment project by presenting the economic strengths of the metropolitan area and its industrial ecosystem. The agency also provided real estate expertise by offering a selection of tailored solutions for the company’s needs, including coworking spaces and business centres, while also providing insights into the local property market and organising site visits to support decision-making and facilitate the group’s establishment in the region. In parallel, ONLYLYON Invest supported the company in organising its commercial seminar in Lyon, facilitating discussions with the venue and proposing a selection of suitable hotels and restaurants for the event.
This support enabled SMS group to quickly secure its establishment project and successfully set up in Lyon under optimal conditions. With this new presence in France, SMS group aims to further strengthen its relationships with clients, develop new industrial partnerships, and continue its commitment to a more efficient and sustainable industry.
More information: https://www.sms-group.com/