Jan Liebherr, President of the Administrative Board of Liebherr-International AG, was awarded the prestigious National Order of the Legion of Honour by French President Emmanuel Macron. The award, presented at the Elysée Palace in Paris, recognizes Jan Liebherr’s significant contributions to France’s economic growth, particularly in Alsace and Toulouse, where the Liebherr Group is a major industrial player and one of the largest employers.
The Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction, honors exceptional service in both military and civilian life. Jan Liebherr received the title of ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur,’ a recognition comparable to a knighthood. In his speech, President Macron highlighted Liebherr’s 60-year legacy in France, noting the company’s deep ties to the country, particularly through its sites in Alsace and Occitania. Liebherr’s investments, such as the recent purchase of a large plot in Nambsheim, Alsace, have had a significant impact on the local economy.
Liebherr’s presence in France dates back to 1961, when Jan Liebherr’s grandfather, Hans Liebherr, opened the company’s first French production facility in Colmar. Today, Liebherr-France SAS in Colmar remains a key hub for the company, especially for its mining sector activities. With around 3,000 employees in the region, Liebherr continues to expand its operations in Alsace with a major investment on a 47-hectare site.
The Liebherr Group also plays a leading role in air management systems for aircraft in Occitania, with sites in Toulouse, Campsas, and Montauban. In total, the company employed over 4,000 people across France in 2024, underlining its importance to the French economy.
