RISE Group, a manufacturer specializing in glass technology, acquires Novaxion in Noves

The group integrates new skills and also strengthens its export positions

Bottles, vials, glasses and jars... to make these everyday objects, the glass industry calls on firms that specialize in hollow glass technologies.  RISE Group was formed in 2016 with the acquisition of Rondot, a Lyon-based company that manufactures the equipment and accessories used to produce glass. With the purchase of robotics company Novaxion in June 2019, the group continues to grow, adding another string to its bow. RISE Group operates in 11 countries around the world and is strengthening its export positions as it incorporates new areas of expertise. Economic development agency Provence Promotion is no stranger to the sale of this small manufacturer based in Noves, which designs robots for use in the hollow glass industry.

The future is bright for the hollow glass industry as it enters a phase of growth and transformation on a scale not experienced in decades. The know-how of French companies is piquing the interest of worldwide leaders in the sector. Three years after the transfer of the family-owned Rondot to the RISE Group, it has now acquired Novaxion, a Provence robotics company working out of Noves in the northern Bouches du Rhône region.

In the very small circle of hollow glass production, RISE Group caught wind of the potential sale of this industrial start-up. 

"Novaxion makes robots that integrate with the industrial production line, robots that collect glass drops used for entertaining and decorating (objets d'art, crystal vases) and two robot models that lubricate glass bottles. Now more than ever, we believe in glass as a noble, recyclable and environmentally friendly material. Today, more than 70% of glass bottles in Europe are made from recycled glass. Robotics are the future of hollow glass. This technology makes it possible to eliminate manual tasks that continue to be cumbersome, repetitive and dangerous. The robots assist operators looking for variety in their work on hollow glass manufacturing lines," explains Carlo Mobayed, an engineer in the field and Chairman of Rise Group.

The transaction was completed with the support of Provence Promotion through its "Go Between in Provence" program, which facilitates sales of businesses. The economic development agency helped Christophe Duplan, the chairman and founder of Novaxion, by advising him in his decisions. At a "Go Between in Provence" workshop, a meeting with consulting firm MB Transition proved decisive in ensuring the longevity of the business.

Buoyed by growth, Novaxion is moving to Saint-Rémy de Provence

Now at the head of Novaxion, Carlo Mobayed is aware of the growth potential for this young, dynamic business on the world market. To fulfill that ambition, RISE Group will move Novaxion in late 2019 to the Massane industrial park near Saint-Rémy de Provence. "The site will be far more spacious, paving the way for bigger production facilities. We want to cement our presence and develop our activities in France because we believe in this country and its future. As the world leader in robotic applications for hollow glass, Novaxion has an impeccable reputation in its market and we will, of course, retain and even strengthen that brand," notes Carlo Mobayed. Novaxion will work through Marseille-Provence airport for most of its international export, a next stage monitored by Provence Promotion which enabled it to find its new location in Provence.

Just a few months after acquiring this small manufacturer with 10 employees, the Chairman of RISE Group intends to pursue additional external growth opportunities to integrate similar technologies and to inject value added in the hollow glass industry.

RISE Group was formed in 2016 when Rondot was bought by ISE, the Swiss engineering firm founded by Carlo Mobayed, backed by three investment funds: Siparex, MBO Partners and Carvest. Three years later, RISE Group makes €50 million in annual sales, employs a staff of 180 and aims to climb to the top echelons of French SMBs with robust international operations.  The group, whose headquarters are in Lyon, has five industrial sites (three in France and two in Great Britain). The company has offices in 11 countries, including France, United States, Germany, China, Spain, Great Britain, Mexico, Thailand and Italy.