French computing company Bull has expanded its manufacturing facility in Angers, France, following an €80 million redevelopment aimed at boosting supercomputer production. The upgrade enables the site to assemble 12 computing racks per week, doubling its previous capacity, with potential to eventually reach 24. The modernized factory features a modular layout with precision workstations rather than traditional assembly lines. Additionally, the site incorporates sustainability measures, including 3,500 solar panels and a heat-recovery system designed to capture waste energy.
The expansion aligns with broader efforts to secure Europe's technological autonomy and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains. According to the company, European-made components now make up around 70 percent of the systems assembled at Angers, a significant increase from 20 to 30 percent five years ago. Bull relies on its patented direct liquid cooling technology to manage the heat generated by these high-performance systems efficiently. The company's strategic push has also led to substantial contract wins within the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking.
Alongside the physical expansion, Bull announced plans for an "Open Factory" initiative to support European tech startups. By opening its manufacturing infrastructure and engineering expertise, Bull aims to help emerging deeptech companies scale from prototypes to industrial production without bearing massive facility costs. The final details of the startup program are expected to be defined by the end of 2026, with outreach beginning in early 2027. This initiative comes as Bull continues to secure major European computing contracts.