A Hesion gas detector manufactured at Poissy Central Prison

In 2019, Hesion launched a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) action plan. Clémentine and Ayman, both already Hesion employees, were tasked with exploring ways the company could help improve society. From environmental issues to social challenges, many topics were considered. And in October 2019, the first Hesion vocational rehabilitation workshop was proudly opened at Poissy Central Prison. A Hesion gas detector has been manufactured there ever since. Here is a look back at this remarkable human experience.

How did this prison vocational rehabilitation workshop project begin?

Supporting vocational rehabilitation quickly emerged as an obvious choice for the Hesion team. Building on its success, the French company, whose gas detector manufacturing facility is in Achères, is facing the challenges of significant growth. Clémentine, Charles and Ayman's idea? Use this additional workload to provide jobs and training opportunities to people who do not always have access to them. An initial vocational integration workshop for workers with disabilities was launched under Virginie's leadership. With positive results achieved, a second workshop project took shape, this time aimed at supporting the vocational rehabilitation of people in prison.

An initiative that brings employees together and is valued internally

With the idea established, the project began to take shape in March 2019. After researching how to « become a concession holder » for a prison workshop, the CSR team visited Poissy Central Prison to see the designated work area. In April, the project was presented internally to Hesion employees. It was well received, with most employees finding the initiative worthwhile. A call for applications was then launched within the prison in August to find the person who would be responsible for producing the gas detector.

7 prisoners applied and 5 were interviewed. Attention to detail, precision and motivation were the essential qualities sought by Hesion's CSR team. The workshop was then set up in September, with Hesion responsible for supplying the manufacturing tools, protective equipment and stock needed to produce the gas detectors. The workshop opened in October. To continue building support for the project, interested Hesion employees were even able to visit the site and tour the workshop. Today, Charles, Ciprian and Florian are primarily responsible for training, quality control and logistics between the two sites.

Very encouraging initial results

Ciprian supervises the prisoner's work. After providing a full day of training, he visits Poissy Central Prison twice a week to offer ongoing support. He provides guidance and checks that each manufacturing stage is carried out correctly. The prisoner's work involves assembling and wiring a gas leak detection control unit. The product in question is the Distalarm Series 200 gas detector. After a month and a half of operation, the results look very encouraging! In addition to positive feedback from the prison, the first 22 products have been completed: 100% finished and tested! This even prompted a small in-house celebration at Hesion.

And what are the benefits for the prisoner?

This initiative gives prisoners experience to add to their CVs. Generally nearing the end of a long sentence, they can prepare for their release. Being able to find work is an important step towards successful reintegration. Through this professional experience in manufacturing gas detectors, prisoners can develop skills they can demonstrate after leaving prison. Hesion can certify these skills.

Having embarked on this CSR journey, Hesion has no intention of stopping there. Over the past 1 year, the team of Charles, Clémentine and Ayman has launched no fewer than two employment reintegration projects, a recycling programme and a day dedicated to the permaculture association ELLSA, which supplies a local community grocery shop. In 2020, the team is firmly committed to sustaining all these initiatives. The workshop at Poissy Central Prison could even become a fully fledged gas detector manufacturing hub. Increasing the number of prisoners involved could well be a future goal. Charles, Production Manager, is convinced: « it is really important to broaden the company's image! ».

Through this strong commitment to CSR, Hesion shows us that a company's reach now extends well beyond its four walls…