Why is this seemingly ordinary street named Allée Pierre Burelle? It is more than just a street. It is a tribute to a visionary entrepreneur. We are standing at Allée Pierre Burelle in Levallois-Perret. This location connects us to the story of Pierre Burelle and his profound impact on French industry.
Pierre Burelle founded the Plasticomnium Group in 1946. He was a chemical engineer with a belief in the future of plastics. His company initially started on Rue du Louvre in Paris. In 1952, the company moved to Levallois. This is near where we stand on Allée Pierre Burelle. Plasticomnium began specializing in plastic parts for the automotive industry. This was a key moment in the company’s history.
In 1957, Pierre Burelle created Burelle SA. This was a family holding company. It reflected his long-term vision. Later, in 1965, Plastic Omnium expanded into environmental services. This happened when it acquired UMDP. Pierre-Emile Burelle, Pierre’s grandfather, founded UMDP in 1876. The company focused on sanitation.
Allée Pierre Burelle is located close to the headquarters of Plastic Omnium. The headquarters were inaugurated in 1989. The location highlights the link between the company and its founder.
Pierre Burelle was known for his determination. He also had a remarkable ability to inspire others. He attracted talented individuals. He successfully galvanized them. Burelle SA continues to uphold his entrepreneurial spirit.
The company’s history is marked by innovation and strategic expansion. In 1986, Plastic Omnium entered the plastic fuel tank business. It acquired Landry Plastiques and its subsidiary Techni-Plaste Industrie. These companies specialized in blow molding technology. Burelle SA was listed on the Lyon stock exchange in 1987.
Jean Burelle became Chairman and CEO of Plastic Omnium in 1987. The company continued to grow internationally. Subsidiaries were established in Spain, Germany, and the United States. Plastic Omnium acquired Reydel Industries in 1995. Reydel specialized in automotive interior equipment.
In 2000, Plastic Omnium merged its fuel systems with Solvay. This created Inergy Automotive Systems. Both groups owned 50%. More than half of Plastic Omnium’s sales came from international markets.
Jean Burelle became Chairman and CEO of Burelle SA in 2001. Laurent Burelle became Chairman and CEO of Plastic Omnium. Burelle Participations was created as a subsidiary.
Plastic Omnium acquired Inoplast in 2006. Inoplast specialized in composite parts. The company strengthened its services with the acquisition of Signature. Signature was a European leader in road signage. Plastic Omnium also acquired Sulo. Sulo was a leading waste container manufacturer.
In 2010, Plastic Omnium took full control of Inergy Automotive Systems. The company divested from road signage gradually from 2012 to 2014. Automotive facilities expanded in high-growth areas. A global center for fuel systems, α-Alphatech, opened in France.
Plastic Omnium reinforced its global leadership in exterior systems in 2016. It acquired Faurecia’s bumper and front-end module activities. Sofiparc’s real estate portfolio grew with new acquisitions and constructions.
Burelle SA celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2017. Plastic Omnium celebrated its 70th anniversary. Laurent Burelle became Chairman and CEO of Burelle SA in 2019. In 2020, he became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Plastic Omnium SE.
Allée Pierre Burelle represents a lasting legacy. It is a tribute to a man who shaped an industry. As you walk along Allée Pierre Burelle remember Pierre Burelle’s vision.