IBM has just announced its decision to move its operations from its La Gaude site to Nice Meridia, in the heart of the Eco-Vallรฉe National Interest Operation, in the first part of 2015, upon the expiry of the lease for the La Gaude site.
This is a “redeployment” (as multinational companies call it) following the restructuring of its local activities, as the Nice Mรฉridia site is more logistically appropriate for its operations, with, as a key factor, a substantial reduction in cost.
This decision has sparked an exchange of “courtesies” between the Mayor of Nice and his socialist opponent. Indeed, while IBM cannot be blamed for pursuing its interests, the National Interest Operation should have other ambitions than simply acquiring companies already established in the area, albeit in a well-structured framework.
However, as they say in these cases, one must also know how to be content without … gloating. And perhaps let go of the “new models” flourishing in many other places, while IBM has simply focused on protecting its interests and taking advantage of local political competition where, beyond words, actions perfectly illustrate that everyone thinks for themselves.
If Christian Estrosi is pleased with this decision, which highlights the dynamism at work in this new sector of the Var plain at the forefront of innovation, he says: “By choosing the Mรฉridia technopole, IBM sends a strong signal since the company chooses a new model of technopole in an urban environment, which is still an unprecedented model.”
But Patrick Allemand’s reaction was swift: “The transfer of IBM from its historic building in La Gaude to Nice Mรฉridia is emblematic of what I reproach Christian Estrosi concerning the Eco-Vallรฉe National Interest Operation. He remains unable to build an economic strategy that creates value and net jobs. He merely continues to ‘prey upon’ others: the transfer of the regional offices of ERDF and Veolia, and now IBM La Gaude.”
In the same vein, Jacques Victor, general councilor from the communist group, stated: “Touting as a glorious result a move within the same inter-communal area that results in a reduction of the space occupied by the company by 8,800 mยฒ, nearly 70% less space, seems at least inappropriate. This already gives the Mayors of the Metropolis an idea of the conception Christian Estrosi has of inter-communal solidarity. Furthermore, regarding the reduction of the space occupied by IBM and also the announcement of the transfer to Bois-Colombes in Hauts-de-Seine of the ‘Client Center’, which is IBM’s showcase in the Alpes-Maritimes, it is hard to boast. Who will believe that such a scale-back will have no impact on local employment, not only at IBM but also among all subcontractors involved?”
