“This site will carry us for the next twenty-five years”: Ceva animal health moves into its new headquarters in Libourne

Some 400 employees of the veterinary pharmaceutical company have already moved into the 11,000 ^m² of workspace. A project worth several tens of millions of euros.

"Look at the plan of the building. It follows the shape of the Ceva logo..." Marc Prikazsky, CEO of Ceva Santé Animale , personally welcomes visitors into the lobby of the company's new headquarters, located on the banks of Lac des Dagueys in Libourne. More than a facade, it's a symbol of Ceva's relationship with living things, both humans and animals, at the heart of the company's raison d'être. Employees are taking possession of it in waves. Some 400 people gathered there this Thursday, June 5th for the first time. A milestone in the life of Ceva Santé Animale, which has continued to grow since its creation in 1999 , to become the 5th ^largest animal health company in the world.

Giving shape to this commitment was one of the challenges set to the Bordeaux-based architectural firm BLP & associés . The building, located in the immediate vicinity of Calinésie, spreads its 11,000 m² of workspace over four levels in a planted park. The watchword is hospitality, Ceva's commitments, between anchoring in the local ecosystem and international dimension, are reflected in every detail.

The demonstration spaces connected to the company's various sites are complemented by offices spread out in quadrants on several levels, with each department having its own space adapted to its activity. "Each quadrant has 650 m² and accommodates between 50 and 65 people," explains Marie-Dominique Piccoli, who led the project. A 240-seat amphitheater completes the layout, as does a company restaurant managed by François Duchet, a former employee of La Terrasse Rouge.

The site is nestled in a green setting, both outdoors where it adjoins preserved wetlands, with flora regaining its wild beauty as it approaches the lake, and indoors in the terraced patio. Or even on the 1,300 m² of roof garden, equipped with a space for aromatic plants and other varieties "to keep mosquitoes away". The building itself aims to be virtuous, in the choice of materials, but also in its power supply, with 100% of the electricity needs provided by the 4,500 m² of photovoltaic panels overlooking the parking lot, heating by a geothermal installation.

The finishing touches continue even as employees take possession of the premises. "We've favored local businesses," smiles Marc Prikazsky. "More than 80% are from the region. From Libourne whenever possible." The inauguration is scheduled for July 4th. Well, the manager could say, who was initially looking toward the end of... 2023.

"It's a project we've been thinking about since the end of 2017," he recalls. "Consultations were launched in 2019. Then there was Covid, then the war in Ukraine, inflation..." The bill, estimated three years ago at "several tens of millions of euros," was already threatening to balloon. "We questioned the wisdom of continuing. But the fact of being shared on the same site took precedence. Ceva is 25 years old. This site will carry us for the next twenty-five years."

Some 450 employees will be based there in the short term. At least as many will continue their work at the Ceva Campus, which includes the factory and the research and development department. What will become of the soon-to-be-vacant premises? Marc Prikazsky dreams of industrial activity for them, without disdaining the idea of ​​higher education. "The two are not incompatible." But not for two years. For now, he's enjoying the simple joy of moving into an exceptional location. The bonus? UBB, of which Ceva is a partner, is a European champion . What more could you ask for?