 Industrial tourism, or economic tourism, is a fast-expanding new leisure activity.
In 2002, 10 million French people visited companies.
There are many reasons to open companies to the public: to promote the products and the industry (to local residents, school and university students, etc.), to enhance the company's image, to showcase the region, to demonstrate the company's industrial and technological know-how, to communicate to employees and opinion-makers, and simply to show the public a friendly face.The visitor's main reasons for coming are: to learn more about the products and services they consume; to find out more about the regional economy; general interest; to learn about industry, leading-edge technologies and how a company works or just to reassure themselves!
For several years now, Gascogne Paper, the world's leading manufacturer of machine-glazed natural kraft paper, has opened its Mimizan site in the Landes to the public, inviting them to discover how paper for packaging and numerous other industrial applications is made.
 Visits :
The visits start with a film about Gascogne group's organization, forest management and the paper pulp manufacturing process. Visitors then tour the production unit where they can see all the stages involved in turning wood into natural, fully biodegradable kraft paper. Beforehand, visitors are taken on a forest tour by a forester from Gascogne group's Wood Division.
These free, guided visits, commented by staff from Gascogne Paper are organized for groups (no individual visits) at 9am and 2pm every Thursday in July and August. Reservations at the Tourist Office (all visitors must be aged over 15 and wear closed shoes).
For more information and reservations, contact Christine Dupreuilh on 33 (0) 558 099 017. |
