date of creation
1825
number of employees
About 5,700 people worldwide
Arc International is a French company specializing in glassware and tableware. Headquartered in Arques, in northern France, the group designs and manufactures products for both household consumers and hospitality professionals. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Luminarc, Arcoroc, and Cristal d’Arques Paris. Arc operates in numerous international markets and is historically recognized as one of the world leaders in glass tableware.
History
Founded in 1825 as a small glassworks, the company evolved significantly during the 20th century. Under the leadership of Jacques Durand, Arc became an industrial powerhouse, pioneering automated glass production and expanding globally. The firm’s development was closely tied to post-war mass consumption, offering affordable yet stylish glass products. Over time, however, globalization, competition from low-cost producers, and shifts in consumer habits placed pressure on the traditional business model.
Arc’s history has not been free from controversy. The company has faced criticism and social tensions related to restructuring plans, workforce reductions, and site reorganizations. Trade unions and employees have periodically expressed concern over job security and industrial strategy. Additionally, the firm’s financial difficulties have attracted attention regarding its long-term sustainability and dependence on energy-intensive production.
Key Figures
Arc International has experienced fluctuating performance over the past decades. The company employs several thousand people, primarily in France but also abroad. While it once dominated the global glassware sector, revenue and profitability have faced challenges due to rising energy costs, competition, and restructuring expenses. The group has undergone multiple financial reorganizations, including debt restructuring and capital injections by investors.
Leadership
Arc International is managed by an executive leadership team appointed by its shareholders. Over recent years, governance has shifted from family control to a structure involving external investors and turnaround specialists. Management priorities have focused on restoring competitiveness, modernizing industrial assets, and stabilizing finances.
Arc International’s CEO is Franck Pastor (2026).
Objectives and Strategy
Arc International’s current strategy centers on transformation and resilience. Key objectives include:
- Improving energy efficiency and reducing production costs
- Upgrading manufacturing facilities
- Strengthening premium and professional product lines
- Expanding internationally while protecting core French operations
- Integrating sustainability into product design and processes
The company also emphasizes innovation in materials, design, and environmental performance, aligning with broader industry trends toward circular economy practices.
Arc International embodies both the legacy of French industrial excellence and the structural challenges facing traditional manufacturing sectors in a globalized, energy-constrained economy.
