Dependent on business investment, the French machinery industry has experienced a particularly gloomy year 2009. The turnover of this sector has plunged 15% to 97.9 billion euros, returning to its 2005 level.

Compared to its European competitors, French industry is doing rather well. "The activity of other countries fell by an average of 19%," said Yvon Jacob, president of the Federation of Engineering Industries (FIM). The French exception is explained in part by the support that was received by French manufacturers.

The recovery plans, the state aid measures such as scrapping bonus, or the continuation of regional investment activities have supported activity. The role of the state does not explain everything. Companies based in France have taken advantage of the health of certain sectors such as construction, aerospace, energy and railway industries."Moreover, thanks to social shocks, household consumption remained at a good level," says Yvon Jacob. The social situation remains tense engineering industries (650,000 jobs) lost 5.5% of their workforce in 2009. The FIM also fears of new staff reductions, and does not expect improvement until the end of the year. The activity should indeed be further reduced by 5% this year. "If the recovery occurs in 2010, it does not benefit us immediately, says the president of the Federation, as investments leave last.