Our Story
For over a century, Fonderie Mécanique Lensoise (FML) has been a key player in the French drinking water supply industry. But beyond its technical expertise and recognised know-how, FML is above all a cooperative company where people play a central role.
A renaissance
By and for the employees
In 1984, the Lesaffre et Bataille company (established in 1907) experienced a major crisis and closed its doors. Faced with this ordeal, a group of employees refused to see their profession, their work, and their know-how disappear. Driven by an iron will, they took their destiny into their own hands and chose to relaunch the business under a new form: a Cooperative Enterprise (SCOP).
FML was founded in February 1985, driven by a unique model in which each employee is an equal shareholder in the company. This status not only gives them a voice in strategic decisions, but also a shared responsibility for the company’s success.
FML was founded in February 1985, driven by a unique model in which each employee is an equal shareholder in the company. This status not only gives them a voice in strategic decisions, but also a shared responsibility for the company’s success.
“At FML, we are not just employees, we are committed cooperators.”
From Lens to Bully-les-Mines: A location rooted in the local area
A strong presence rooted in the region
In 1987, FML moved to Bully-les-Mines, in the Minopole Light Activity Zone. This choice symbolised a new beginning, while remaining true to its roots in Hauts-de-France, a region where social cohesion and teamwork are deeply rooted values.
A history
punctuated by highlights
1907
Creation of the company Lesaffre et Bataille.
1984-1985
Following the bankruptcy of LESAFFRE et BATAILLE, the employees took over the business in the form of a SCOP (cooperative enterprise), creating FML.
1987
Relocation to Bully-les-Mines.
2013-2019
Modernisation of equipment and expansion of the site through the purchase of a 1,500 m² space in Bully-les-Mines, earmarked for development as a retail store.
2023
Strategic partnership with BAYARD® to strengthen the commercial offering.
2024
Investments in environmentally friendly, innovative, and user-friendly tools.
The advantages
Of a SCOP
FML’s SCOP status makes it much more than just a business. It’s a collective project, founded on robust values:
Autonomy and responsibility: Every major decision is made democratically, with equal voting rights where every voice counts.
Social cohesion and fairness: Profits generated by the company are primarily reinvested in its development or distributed fairly among the members.
Human commitment: As shareholders, employees are motivated to make an active contribution to the company’s sustainability.
Autonomy and responsibility: Every major decision is made democratically, with equal voting rights where every voice counts.
Social cohesion and fairness: Profits generated by the company are primarily reinvested in its development or distributed fairly among the members.
Human commitment: As shareholders, employees are motivated to make an active contribution to the company’s sustainability.
Autonomy
and responsibility
Every major decision is made democratically, with an equal vote where every voice counts.
Solidarity
and fairness
The profits generated by the company are primarily reinvested for its development or fairly distributed among the cooperators.
Human
commitment
As shareholders, employees are motivated to actively contribute to the company’s sustainability.
This business model, rare in the French industrial landscape, has enabled FML to remain agile in the face of challenges and build a resilient, supportive, and sustainable company.
Our core values
Fundamental
Human commitment
Human commitment
As a cooperative enterprise (SCOP), FML places its employee-shareholders at the heart of its decisions. This cooperative structure promotes solidarity, autonomy, and responsibility.
As a cooperative enterprise (SCOP), FML places its employee-shareholders at the heart of its decisions. This cooperative structure promotes solidarity, autonomy, and responsibility.
Innovation and quality
Innovation and quality
With over 100 years of experience, FML has modernised its processes to offer ever more efficient solutions adapted to the needs of its customers.
With over 100 years of experience, FML has modernised its processes to offer ever more efficient solutions adapted to the needs of its customers.
Environmental respect
Respect for the environment
FML is deeply committed to an eco-responsible approach: recycling materials, optimising energy, and reducing our carbon footprint.
FML is deeply committed to an eco-responsible approach: recycling materials, optimising energy, and reducing our carbon footprint.
