4 November, 2025
PGS Group, the European market leader in the wood packaging industry, is launching a strategic partnership with the social enterprise Atelier Jean Regniers (AJR) in Wallonia. AJR, a specialist in the production of custom-made pallets among other services, will receive guidance from PGS to enhance logistical efficiency and strengthen operations. Through this collaboration, PGS reinforces both its presence in French-speaking Belgium and its social commitment. The partnership gives tangible form to social inclusion by providing stable employment opportunities for people who are distanced from the labor market.
A sustainable partnership
The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organizations. Jean-Philippe Gaussorgues, Sales Director Southern Europe at PGS, played a connecting role thanks to his previous experience at AJR, where he worked for seven years and gained firsthand insight into the strengths of the social enterprise.
“The combination of expertise in custom pallet production and a strong social commitment makes AJR the ideal partner to help us achieve sustainable growth in Wallonia,” says Gaussorgues.
Craftsmanship and efficiency
The 35-member pallet production team at AJR will continue to operate independently. PGS will provide AJR with technical and logistical expertise aimed at optimizing production processes. As a result, AJR will be able to increase output with the same team and strengthen its competitiveness. In addition, PGS will support AJR’s sales team to further enhance efficiency in this area as well.
“This collaboration is a recognition of our craftsmanship,” says Valérie Richard, Commercial Director at AJR. “In addition to our social objective, it strenghtens our position as a fully-fledged player in the packaging industry.”
Economic growth with social impact
The partnership demonstrates how economic growth and social engagement reinforce each other. For PGS, sustainability goes beyond environmental impact: social inclusion and creating opportunities for vulnerable groups in the labor market are also key components of its business operations.
Looking ahead
In the next phase, PGS and AJR will explore ways to combine their strengths beyond pallet production. Discussions are underway on how PGS’s logistical expertise can be leveraged to improve efficiency in other departments of AJR, including support in planning, distribution, and transport flows.
Moreover, both partners are exploring joint commercial initiatives. By combining their networks and expertise, new opportunities are emerging to tap into new markets and attract customers in Wallonia and beyond. In this way, the collaboration becomes a true cross-fertilization in which production, logistics, and social impact come together seamlessly.
About Atelier Jean Regniers
Atelier Jean Regniers is a Walloon social enterprise that has been active since 1968. AJR promotes inclusive employment by engaging around 300 employees in production and commercial activities in sectors such as detergents, office and school supplies, textile manufacturing, as well as providing packaging services and on-site work for external companies. The pallet workshop mainly produces tailor-made solutions for the region and northern France. www.ajregniers.be