Legrand announces closure of four French sites and reduction of 178 positions by 2028 Legrand, the French electrical and digital building infrastructure specialist, announced on Tuesday that it will close four production sites in France and cut 178 jobs by 2028 as part of a plan to "adapt its industrial footprint" in Europe. The group, listed on the stock exchange and headquartered in Limoges, said the measures "aim to strengthen competitiveness and secure long-term activity" in its operations, while affirming its "commitment to accompany employees" affected by the restructuring. Legrand did not specify which four sites would be closed. The company said it expects to limit workforce reductions through internal mobility, retirements and voluntary departures, and mentioned potential support measures for employees. The announcement follows pressure on industrial manufacturers in France to restructure amid shifting demand and efforts to optimize costs. Legrand reported in recent years a strategy of concentrating production in fewer, larger plants to benefit from economies of scale. Unions and local elected officials are likely to scrutinize the plan and could respond with demands for safeguards for jobs and for maintaining activity in the regions concerned.

Paris – 5 June 2026: French electrical equipment giant Legrand has announced a major restructuring plan that will close four production sites and cut 178 jobs by the end of 2028. The affected sites are in Pont-en-Royans (Isère), Lagord (Charente-Maritime), Confolens (Charente) and Chalus (Haute-Vienne). Production from these plants will be transferred to other sites in France, such as Magrez (Haute-Vienne), Châtellerault (Haute-Vienne), Sillé-le-Guillaume (Sarthe) and Saint-Marcellin (Isère).

Legrand cites the ongoing crisis in the construction sector, competition from low-wage countries, the energy transition, digital technologies and the need for further investment in areas such as data centres as reasons for the restructuring. Despite the closures, the company plans to invest more than €80 million in France by 2028, of which €20 million will be allocated to support site relocations.

The union CGT has expressed concerns about the impact of the restructuring on jobs and the company’s future in France, calling for transparent communication and job security guarantees for affected employees.

Legrand is headquartered in Limoges (Haute-Vienne) and employs about 5,000 people in France. In 2025 it reported sales of €9.5 billion and net profit of €1.2 billion, and it expects growth of 10% to 15% in 2026.

The restructuring plan is currently under consultation with employee representatives, with proposals including internal transfers and voluntary early retirement. The company stresses that the restructuring aims to strengthen the competitiveness of “Made in France” and reinforce its business base in France.

The closures and job cuts are part of Legrand’s wider strategy to respond to changing market conditions and invest in promising future sectors. Final decisions will be taken after consultations with employee representatives are completed.

The CGT again demands transparent dialogue and job security for affected employees, emphasising the importance of sites in France and calling for measures to preserve employment and secure the company’s future.

Legrand already implemented a restructuring in France at the end of 2024 to address the crisis in the construction sector, which did not involve layoffs. The current measures are part of ongoing efforts to adapt to market changes and maintain competitiveness.

The final impact of the restructuring will be determined by the outcome of the ongoing consultations with employee representatives. The company pledges support for all affected employees and to provide solutions such as internal transfers and voluntary early retirement.