The new site is currently producing mostly Kelly handbags and is expected to expand output to include the Constance and Bride de Jour, suggesting Hermès is maintaining a long-term production strategy despite near-term demand pressures.
The company’s leather goods plants, which make bags, belts and wallets, are all located in France and typically employ around 260 people. Each worker goes through an 18-month training programme before potentially getting a permanent position. A good artisan generally becomes fully autonomous within five years. Hermès’ leather shoes tend to be produced in Italy.
The investment reinforces a model that has historically helped Hermès remain more resilient than peers. The company continues to prioritise handmade production over industrial scaling.
The complexity of the Kelly bag makes it an effective training foundation, with each piece requiring roughly 15 to 20 hours of manual work. This approach could support brand positioning and pricing power, even as broader luxury demand remains under pressure.
Looking ahead, Hermès says it is committed to expanding its domestic manufacturing footprint, with plans to open three additional leather goods sites in France by 2030. The timeline for new facilities is typically set around four years in advance, indicating that current expansion reflects longer term planning rather than a reaction to recent market conditions.
