May 7, 2026
In Erstein, Equans France is supporting the transformation of the Würth logistics hub
In the Grand Est region, France’s third-most industrialized region, adapting factories to increasingly stringent safety and energy efficiency requirements has become a key challenge. In Erstein (67), Equans France is supporting Würth France—a multi-specialist provider of fastening products and services, tools, and workshop supplies for professionals—in modernizing its logistics platform to support the growth of its business.
Classified as a low-threshold Seveso site due to the storage of flammable products, the facility faces several challenges: regulatory compliance, working conditions, and decarbonization. The project, launched by Equans France in late 2024, is scheduled to continue through 2027, under the supervision of the DREAL and with project management provided by the engineering firm OTE INGENIERIE.
A site that must comply with multiple regulatory requirements
Würth France has two logistics centers in France: one in Montélimar and the other in Erstein. Covering an area of 73,000 m², the Erstein site comprises several buildings dedicated to logistics operations, as well as technical facilities, administrative buildings, and a museum.
Classified as a low-threshold Seveso site due to the storage of flammable products, the facility must meet high standards for industrial safety and regulatory compliance.
In fact, stricter restrictions on PFAS, the challenges of energy efficiency, and increased focus on workplace quality are driving a broader rethinking of infrastructure.
The challenge is therefore clear: to modernize the site—whose oldest building was constructed in 1967—without interrupting operations. To meet these challenges, Equans France, through three of its entities—Axima Fire Safety, Axima’s teams specializing in HVAC engineering, and Equans Building & Infrastructure Services—is mobilizing complementary areas of expertise.
In the historic section of the warehouse, the ongoing renovation combines the reinforcement of the fire protection system, upgrades to the heating, cooling, and air-handling systems, as well as the maintenance of technical installations.
Drone view of the Würth logistics platform in Erstein ©Würth France
A Customized Modernization Program Focused on Safety, Energy, and Maintenance
Axima Sécurité Incendie is overseeing the complete renovation of the fire suppression system, with more than 7,100 PFAS-free sprinklers covering 16,000 m². This upgrade enables Würth to stay ahead of European regulatory changes (EU 2025-1988), which mandate a ban on fluorinated foam concentrates in fire suppression systems by 2035 at the latest. Fifty fire hose reels and 15 new fire hydrants complete the system to strengthen the network’s water supply.
At the same time, Axima’s teams specializing in climate engineering are redesigning the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to enable not only heating but also cooling and improved air treatment throughout the year. The project specifically involves the large logistics halls, some of which have specific constraints, such as areas with low-oxygen atmospheres to limit the risk of fire. The installation of four air-handling units will enable Würth France to improve operator comfort and ensure safe operating conditions, thanks to 230,000 m³ of treated air per hour.
Finally, Equans, Building & Infrastructure Services handles the maintenance of HVAC systems and technical equipment. Among these, the compressed air production system plays a strategic role: as the true nerve center of the logistics platform, it supplies several kilometers of automated conveyors, which are essential for the movement of bins, order fulfillment, and the distribution of products among the approximately 25,000 SKUs stored on-site.
Würth Museum in Erstein ©Würth France
An unexpected detail: a museum in the heart of the industrial site
Würth France is also home to a museum of modern and contemporary art, with a collection of 20,000 works.
For the past 7 years, the teams at Equans France have been maintaining the HVAC system, which is essential for keeping temperature and humidity levels stable to ensure the proper preservation of the artworks.
For example, certain rarer paintings require that the museum’s temperature be maintained at 21 °C ± 1 °C, both in summer and winter.
The next phase, scheduled for summer 2026, will involve connecting the museum and an additional logistics hall to the site’s district heating network. Ultimately, this upgrade could reduce the museum’s energy consumption by 30 percent.
“The project we’re carrying out with Equans France allows us to significantly enhance site security, improve our employees’ working conditions, and make tangible progress toward our energy efficiency and decarbonization goals—all without interrupting operations. This transformation illustrates our commitment to long-term investment in responsible and high-performance infrastructure, for the benefit of our customers and our teams. ,” emphasizes Philippe Zimmerer, Deputy Chair of the Executive Board and Director of Training at Würth France.
“This project illustrates Equans France’s ability and synergy to mobilize its expertise—from installation to maintenance—with dozens of employees working alongside Würth France. A flagship project in the Grand Est region, it is also the region’s largest project in terms of revenue for our fire safety business. “We are proud to have been supporting Würth France since 1997 and to continue this long-term partnership,” says Jérome Bonnet, Regional Director at Equans France.
