Christine Riou Feron, winner of the 2024 Chaptal Prize for Mechanical Arts

Photo credit: Pauline de Courrèges.

Christine Riou Feron, President of the family-owned ETI RIOU Glass, was honored with the prestigious 2024 Chaptal Prize in the Mechanical Arts category, awarded by the Société d'Encouragement pour l'Industrie Nationale. The distinction was presented to her yesterday evening during an official ceremony at the Hôtel de l'Industrie in Paris.

Created in 1801 and named after Jean-Antoine Chaptal, a scientist and promoter of French industry, the Chaptal Prize rewards individuals who have left their mark on their field through exceptional contributions. This distinction highlights the commitment of Christine Riou Feron, President of RIOU Glass, to social and industrial innovation as well as her major role in the sector of high energy and environmental performance insulating glazing. Under her presidency, RIOU Glass has established itself as an industry leader, while remaining true to its family and human values.

An innovative vision of value sharing

Christine Riou Feron has successfully combined industrial performance with social responsibility. A key achievement of her governance was the opening of RIOU Glass's capital to its 1,000 employees in France. In 2024, the company contributed more than half a million euros to enable its employees to become owners of their work tool. This approach illustrates a modern vision of value sharing and demonstrates a strong desire to involve teams in collective success.

A strategy that promotes the French glass industry

Since taking office in 2022, Christine Riou Feron is also pursuing an ambitious international development strategy, aimed at asserting RIOU Glass' position as the European leader in high-performance insulating glass while promoting France's expertise in exports. Among its recent external growth operations, the company has strengthened its position in Spain with the strategic acquisition of the Vidresif glass group.

"It is a great honour to receive the Prix Chaptal des Arts Mécaniques. This award is above all a recognition for my blood family and my family of senses. My colleagues mobilize every day to meet the challenges of our industry. It recognizes our collective commitment to an innovative, sustainable and responsible industry. I dedicate this award to Christophe Vergnaud, my daily partner, to each of my colleagues who make me grow, to my family for their support and to my shareholders for their trust" , said Christine Riou Feron.

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