The site is still under construction, but, exceptionally, the former tobacco production plant, Altadis, taken over by Oxylane, opens its doors. 1300 privileged were able to visit the future "wonderful world of cycling". Altadis closed in 2005. The battle to maintain industrial activity finally paid off. Far from cigarettes, the "b'Twin Village" will be a unique place in the world, an innovation center dedicated to cycling. 400 people will work there. The inauguration is scheduled for November 18. The commentary on images of the b'Twin village alternates with interviews with visitors and Olivier ROBINET, international director of b'Twin.
Decathlon chose Lille and the former site of Altadis, to install in 2009 the world headquarters of its bike brand, the B'twin village. Enthusiasts will be able to test and see the products. There will also be a research and development dimension. The new Lille site will include research and development activities, currently hosted on the Villeneuve d'Ascq campus and the first bike assembly plant in Decathlon. Eventually, these stone sheds should again house up to 500 employees, including 300 newly created jobs.
Some already call it the "Disneyland" of the bike. 18 hectares on the former site of the cigar maker Altadis dedicated to the cycle in all its forms. With shop, manufacturing plant, gym, but also laboratory and research and development center. A unique place, it seems. And then innovation is to be able to test, in situ and before purchase, the technical advantages of its future car. 450 cycling enthusiasts work here for the Oxylane Group. On the public side and on the backstage side, the 12 current models of the brand are elaborated in the greatest secrecy. The b'Twin Village inaugurated this evening in Lille-sud, opens tomorrow morning to the public at 9am... 300,000 visitors are expected the first year...
The first 5 workers arrived at b'Twin, in the former Altadis factory, to work on the production line of bicycle wheels in the test phase. 300 bicycle wheels are made per day. The commentary on images of the production line alternates with interviews with new recruits, Patrick MALARDIER, production manager b'Twin, and Jérôme RIBADEAU, director of the factory b'Twin.
In the village Oxylane, near BETTON, they are 80 mentally disabled (children and adults) to taste the joys of sport. Motor and sensory activities to learn to coordinate their gestures, feel good in their bodies. This is the fifth edition of these sporting events, called "the beautiful challenges". The French Federation of Adapted Sport co-organizes them and thus allows disabled people to find the sport that suits them. Comments on images of these sports events alternate with interviews with people with disabilities, and Julie SICOT, medico-psychological help in Betton.
The frames and forks of the bikes of the Ag2r team were designed at the design workshop of the Decathlon store in Villeneuve d'Ascq, according to a very precise specification. The supplier has been working with the French team for two years. These bikes that will be on the Tour de France are also on sale in stores. The commentary on bicycle images alternates with interviews with Andrew LORENZI, frame and fork designer, Yves TOMASINA, mechanic team Ag2r-Prévoyance, and Dominique BROUTIN, product manager, partnership coordinator.
Decathlon has undertaken an eco-design approach. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions during manufacturing and reduce water and energy consumption. Working conditions at suppliers are also closely monitored. The commentary on images of store shelves alternates with interviews with Rachel DAMAMME, environment project manager, David MAILLARD, environment project manager
The INA Galaxy 
