Founded at the very beginning of 2022, the sawmill La Scie d'Ici brings together mostly former workers from a local wood platform, whose methods they believed could be improved. So, when a factory for manufacturing pallets and packaging boxes goes up for sale in Egliseneuve-des-Liards, they take over the premises to create the company they dreamed of, where they would be much more than just employees. They choose to create a Scop, a cooperative production company, where everyone would have a say.
“In the Scop, we share responsibilities and tasks, it's much more horizontal,” explains Astrid Ursem. “There isn't really a boss telling us what to do. It's our company, all of ours. We are not just employees, we are more.”
Beyond the social approach, there is also an environmental commitment made at the time of the creation of La Scie d'Ici, with 80% of the wood used sourced from within 5 km. The sawmill tries to avoid clear-cutting, although this is not always possible, especially with Douglas fir. Therefore, they encourage customers to buy spruce, which is the most abundant in the area. The dryer is heated with wood waste, which is also available for sale, so the sawmill ultimately has no waste. A commitment “for the forest, for the planet, for us.”
“I would never want to work in another company,” insists Astrid Ursem. “For me, it’s a pleasure to come to work here. In most companies, it’s complicated to take an hour off because your child is sick. Here, there’s never a problem. We know that if someone takes an afternoon off, they will make it up another day. Almost all of us are also part-time.” This organization of work and adaptability creates a relaxed atmosphere.
This motivation and commitment also allow employees to engage in popular education, spreading the word, explaining to customers what lies behind their purchases, discussing the forest cycle, and the necessity of avoiding clear-cutting. The sawmill distributes an informative booklet in partnership with the regional natural park.
“It raises people's awareness around the issue of forest management,” explains Astrid Ursem. “We also work with some managers who view the forest differently and with several associations that advocate for sustainable forest management. We organize open days and discovery days to go directly to the field where we carry out reasoned cuts to raise awareness among our clients and the public. We give people the opportunity to buy their wood differently. There are almost no sawmills like us. I think there are only three in France. But at least, we are here.”
