Christophe Chambet and the Pracartis group: engineering at the service of sustainable machining

Having become an entrepreneur in 1999 at just 28 years old, Christophe Chambet is now in 2025 at the head of the Pracartis group, a major player in precision machining and industrial engineering. A graduate of a dual engineering degree from the Fachhochschule in Münster and ESIEE Paris, he first learned the ropes at Alcatel Espace and Motorola Semiconductor before turning to entrepreneurship. Despite major crises such as the subprime crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, which shook the industry, Christophe Chambet was able not only to resist but to transform these periods of turbulence into real springboards for innovation. Under his leadership, Pracartis consolidated its development by acquiring and grouping together ten French industrial SMEs and a Swiss subsidiary, and by diversifying into areas such as cutting tools, spindles, electrospindles, automation on numerical controls and digitalization 4.0. The group is thus positioning itself as a leader resolutely committed to the modernization of industrial processes, with a strong emphasis on sustainable industry and the transmission of knowledge.

From engineering to entrepreneurship, it was only a step!

Christophe Chambet's career path demonstrates how engineering can evolve into a successful entrepreneurial adventure. Frustrated by the inertia of the large industrial groups in which he worked, in 1999 he seized the opportunity to take over the activities of his uncle, who ran two companies. Aware that his engineering background would not be enough, he completed his training with a master's degree in SME-SMI management. This course allowed him to develop a broader vision of the inner workings of a company: "One day, we take care of finances, another day of production, accounting, human resources... It was this variety that appealed to me," he explains.

According to him, an industrial entrepreneur must possess certain essential qualities: be passionate about his product, have the ability to interact with his partners and collaborators, and above all be ready to take risks. He says that one of the triggers for his career was the boredom felt within large structures: "What it takes two years to do in a large company, you could do in three months in an agile group". His advice to young engineers wishing to start a business? Don't ask yourself too many questions and have confidence in your abilities.

Transforming crises into growth opportunities

Like many companies, Pracartis's journey has been marked by two major crises, notably the subprime crisis in 2009 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Faced with these upheavals, Christophe Chambet was able to react and develop an industrial strategy based on two pillars: the diversification of business sectors and the creation of turnkey solutions for precision machining.

“When a crisis occurs, you have to look at what changes and understand that nothing will go back to the way it was before,” he emphasizes. In 2009, the crisis forced client companies to refocus on their core business, thus outsourcing certain activities. Pracartis was able to seize this opportunity by integrating new services such as R&D and test centers.

The Covid-19 crisis presented similar challenges, but this time with the addition of new technological and environmental changes. The ecological transition and new production methods have redefined machining needs. “We must now offer solutions that not only meet quality and cost standards, but also allow our customers to reduce their carbon footprint,” explains Christophe Chambet. Today, Pracartis is positioning itself as a strategic partner, no longer just a manufacturer, but an integrator of innovative and sustainable solutions.

Transmission of know-how and CSR commitment: the pillars of the future of Pracartis

Precision machining is a sector in constant evolution, and Christophe Chambet relies on the transmission of know-how to perpetuate essential skills. At Pracartis, training is mainly done through apprenticeships, because a lot of specific knowledge is not taught in school: "The trades of grinding, cutting, sharpening, rebuilding of machining machines, assembly of electrospindles... all of this is learned in-house". Before becoming independent at Pracartis, an employee must complete between 3 and 5 years of in-house training, under the supervision of an experienced tutor. This approach guarantees a rigorous transmission of skills and a gradual increase in expertise.

Environmental commitment is also a major strategic focus. Machine retrofit, electrospindle repair and tool reconditioning activities are fully in line with a circular economy approach. Innovation therefore involves optimising the machines themselves. Rather than systematically purchasing new equipment, Pracartis modernises its equipment, which is sometimes 20 to 30 years old, by replacing its strategic components: new digital controls, improved clamping systems and integration of robotic systems. This approach not only extends the life of the machines, but also reduces the carbon footprint linked to the manufacture and transport of new equipment.

Pracartis also supports its clients in the decarbonization of their activities by offering more efficient and less energy-intensive solutions.

The group is also investing in sustainable machining by exploring new techniques with the aim of reducing the ecological impact. For example, by favouring the use of lighter materials such as carbon, composite fibres or ceramics, in addition to aluminium and titanium, in order to limit energy consumption and optimise the performance of the parts produced. The company is also moving towards innovative processes such as dry machining or cryogenics (CO2 in a supercritical state, between gaseous and liquid), which eliminate the need for polluting lubricants.

These advances in sustainable machining are not only a response to environmental challenges, but also a factor of attractiveness for younger generations. Indeed, the sector attracts more and more talents, seduced by the technological innovations and prospects offered by this sustainable industry. "There is something magical about machining: we manufacture parts that can be used in fields as varied as aeronautics, medicine, precision watchmaking, etc. It is extremely rewarding and motivating," he concludes.

Christophe Chambet's career path perfectly illustrates the ability to transform challenges into opportunities and to develop an industrial group with agility and vision. His inspiring career, between engineering and entrepreneurship, demonstrates that innovation and commitment to sustainable industry are the keys to success. Pracartis, by integrating R&D, training and digitalization, is paving the way for a more efficient and responsible French industry.

Pracartis