Transforming Work Methods: An Imperative for the Construction Industry

The Need for an Industrial Revival

At the Rencontre des Entrepreneurs de France, Olivier Salleron, President of the French Building Federation, warned:

This observation highlights the sector’s fragility in the face of uncertainty and the lack of appropriate measures. Yet, off-site prefabrication and 3D concrete printing make it possible to optimize resources through automated workshop production, reduced on-site labor dependency, and better cost control.

Off-Site Prefabrication as a Lever for Efficiency

This approach is shared by Pascal Andries (Orisha Construction) and Cyril Perrin (ADVAE), who, in an interview with Batinfo (May 2025), emphasized that:

In practical terms, producing components in a controlled workshop environment improves quality, shortens lead times, and enhances job site safety. 3D concrete printing fits perfectly into this approach: it enables the production of technical walls, structural parts, or architectural elements in the workshop, which are then delivered directly to the construction site.

Accelerating the Adoption of Technologies

Adrien Bron, Construction Partner at Bain & Company, adds in La Tribune:

3D concrete printing directly addresses this need: it bridges digital design and physical manufacturing without the heavy, time-consuming steps of formwork. This saving in both time and resources paves the way for a more agile production process, capable of meeting the urgent demand to build faster and better.

Innovation Serving a More Competitive Construction Industry

For Benoît Coquart, CEO of Legrand, innovation remains the key:

These words directly echo the advantages of 3D concrete printing. Automation reduces physical strain, improves construction consistency, and cuts job site waste—by up to 30% compared to traditional methods.

Training the Next Generation

Finally, the human dimension is not forgotten. Joël Cuny, Director of ESTP, reminds us that:

3D concrete printing is thus becoming a leading educational tool. Schools and universities that incorporate it are already preparing a new generation of engineers and technicians capable of designing and managing these processes.

A Convergence of Perspectives

Whether from industry federations, manufacturers, or academic experts, the consensus is clear:

• Traditional construction methods are no longer sufficient to meet today’s challenges.
• Off-site prefabrication and 3D concrete printing offer practical solutions to industrialize and secure projects.
• Investment in innovation and training will determine the sector’s future competitiveness.

As Olivier Salleron sums it up:

Today, this momentum will depend on a profound transformation of work methods — and 3D concrete printing is one of the key technological building blocks of this change.

Toward an Inevitable Transformation?

The adoption of new work methods—particularly through 3D concrete printing—seems inevitable for the future of the industry. But what is still holding back this transformation? Is the construction sector ready to take the leap, or do cultural and structural barriers continue to slow down this essential evolution?