Space sector
& High-precision Engineering

The group headed by Bénito Pisani - EMM/EMS/CYTECH – is comprised of three complementary entities, all based in Pégomas in the Grasse region. EMM specialises in the engineering, manufacture and assembly of precision mechanical parts. For the space sector, EMM designs complex tooling for the satellite assembly and test phases. Its sister company EMS specialises in stainless steel sheet metal and precision sheet metal work. EMS manufactures components with ultra-specific characteristics and these components are used for test equipment, particularly in clean rooms, this controlled environment designed to limit particle contamination and guarantee optimum conditions of purity. In the space industry, this is crucial in the handling of sensitive components. The third company, CYTECH, is an engineering firm renowned for its expertise in materials characterisation and thermal and mechanical testing, and in conditions that reproduce a vacuum. This three-pronged approach is essential for guaranteeing the quality of materials used in the space environment and ensuring their resistance to the extreme conditions of space.

What specific contributions do you make to the space industry?

CYTECH Ingénierie is particularly involved in the characterisation and qualification of materials used in the composition of satellites, in particular composite materials and adhesives. As part of our engineering projects, we rely on mechanical and thermal tests carried out under real temperature conditions, simulating a vacuum, in our own test laboratory.

In the space sector, we work in partnership with a number of leading players, including Thales Alenia Space, CNES, Ariane Group, Hemeria, Spirit Technologie and Expleo. Recently, we collaborated with Thales Alenia Space on specific tooling for the assembly of observation satellites. This equipment includes holding structures and thermal test benches, ensuring that the components are fully functional before they are put into orbit. We are also working with CNES on the qualification of critical parts making up the rover that will equip the next Mars mission.

We are also producing specific sensors and test equipment that simulate space conditions.

With EMM and EMS, we are mainly involved in the manufacture of complex tooling for our partners. In particular, we have produced holding systems for satellite solar panels and handling tools for the assembly phases.

Can you describe your approach to manufacturing these high-precision tools? Why do you favour complex tooling over flight parts?

Each tool is designed specifically to meet a customer's precise requirements. We make systems that are capable of holding large components in a clean room, to extremely fine tolerances. We recently delivered a system for holding solar panels several metres long, enabling these critical components to be handled and tested before being integrated into a satellite.

The flight parts market is extremely competitive and often focused on small series production. Our strategy has been to specialise in unique projects and complex tooling, where added value and technical expertise are essential. This choice allows us to stand out and avoid competition based solely on price. It's what sets us apart from the competition. Our ability to offer complete, made-to-measure solutions, from engineering to parts qualification, means we can meet very specific needs. We have chosen to prioritise quality and innovation in our processes. This clearly sets us apart from our competitors, who have chosen to focus on mass production.

We have state-of-the-art machinery and a team made up exclusively of highly qualified technicians. Our machines are all connected to a centralised computer network, enabling us to manage projects digitally. We use CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software to convert our customers' 3D drawings directly into machining programmes. This ensures that every part manufactured is as precise and reliable as possible.

What are the challenges of recruiting in such a specialised sector? What are your future objectives?

Recruiting qualified technicians, particularly in metal working and digital machining, is a real challenge. These are professions that require modern IT and machine programming skills, far removed from the outdated image we might have of them. We're looking for people who are passionate about technology and precision. Today, I have around twenty employees and there's a real need for additional labour...

Our medium-term plans are to strengthen our market position in the field of space tooling, while further developing materials qualification with CYTECH Ingénierie. With the space market growing strongly, we are investing in new equipment to meet the increasing demand for high-precision technical solutions. We are proud to contribute to the French space industry and to be involved in major technological projects. Our unique expertise in high-precision tooling and materials qualification enables us to support our partners in their most demanding projects.

Born in La Ciotat in 1968, the son of a naval metal worker and a childminder, Bénito Pisani graduated from the Polytech Marseille engineering school in 1992. After starting out as a project manager and then design office manager in refrigeration and refrigerated furniture, he moved on to the automotive and marine industries before buying EMM in 2008 with the ambition of transforming it into a cutting-edge industrial company. Since then, the group has expanded with the creation of EMS in 2011 and the integration of CYTECH Ingénierie in 2022, strengthening its expertise in precision mechanics, sheet metal work and materials characterisation.