Toulon, a city on France’s Mediterranean coast, is quietly becoming a powerhouse of industrial maintenance. While often unseen by the public, this sector is a critical economic driver for the Var department, supporting a diverse range of industries from naval fleets to yachting and even nuclear power. A recent gathering, the Meet-Up 2MF at the ISEN Toulon engineering school, highlighted the growing importance of this often-overlooked field and the need to cultivate a skilled workforce to meet future demands.
The 2MF forum, now gaining momentum, aims to connect businesses, educational institutions, and government bodies to strengthen the region’s maintenance ecosystem. It’s a response to a growing recognition that simply building and manufacturing isn’t enough; maintaining, repairing, and upgrading existing infrastructure and equipment is a vital – and increasingly complex – part of the modern economy. This focus on maintenance isn’t just about keeping things running; it’s about innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience.
Toulon: A Strategic Hub for French Maintenance
Toulon’s significance in the maintenance sector is substantial. According to forum president Jan Kubiller, the city is responsible for maintaining 70% of the French fleet. Info83 reported in 2025 that this includes a significant portion of France’s naval aviation maintenance, alongside support for the yachting industry and activities related to nuclear energy. Kubiller succinctly describes the region as a “very technological garage,” emphasizing the sophisticated skills and infrastructure required.
This concentration of expertise extends beyond national borders, with Toulon’s maintenance capabilities recognized internationally. The region doesn’t just build; it sustains, repairs, and transforms, creating a cycle of innovation and economic activity.
Growth and Professionalization of the 2MF Forum
The 2MF forum experienced a significant boost in 2025 with support from the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée. This backing allowed the event to expand, relocating to the Palais Neptune and attracting a larger number of companies, exhibitors, and visitors. As Kubiller explained, the forum transitioned from a networking event to a more professional platform, attracting greater industry interest.
This evolution positions the 2MF forum as a key driver in structuring the territory’s maintenance sector, fostering collaboration and identifying opportunities for growth.
Addressing the Skills Gap and Attracting Talent
A critical challenge facing the industry is attracting and retaining skilled workers. While educational institutions in the Var – including IUTs (University Institutes of Technology), universities, and engineering schools – offer relevant programs, these pathways remain relatively unknown to many potential students.
“Don’t choose blindly. Glance at these professions: they offer well-paid and meaningful jobs,” Kubiller urged, highlighting the career potential within the maintenance sector. The goal is twofold: to inspire a new generation of technicians and engineers and to keep those talents within the region.
Making the Invisible Visible
The overarching ambition extends beyond the annual forum. Organizers aim to raise the profile of the maintenance sector as a whole, recognizing that the expertise already exists but lacks widespread visibility. The 2MF forum serves as a networking and promotional tool, showcasing the region’s capabilities and attracting investment.
“The goal is to make this field of excellence, which is in our DNA, visible,” Kubiller stated.
Looking Ahead to December 2026
The next 2MF forum is scheduled for December 9th and 10th, 2026. Organizers are actively seeking participation from individuals and organizations passionate about advancing the maintenance sector. “We’re looking for hands, heads, and enthusiasts to join us,” Kubiller concluded, signaling a continued commitment to building a thriving industrial ecosystem in Toulon.
The future of Toulon’s economy is increasingly tied to its ability to maintain and innovate. The 2MF forum represents a crucial step in recognizing and nurturing this vital, yet often unseen, sector.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Location: ISEN Toulon (Meet-Up)
Next edition of the 2MF Forum: December 9 and 10, 2026
Audience: companies, students, institutions
Dissemination: events relayed online (YouTube):
FAQ – Forum 2MF
What is the 2MF Forum? It’s an event dedicated to maintenance professions aimed at structuring the sector and making it visible.
Why is Toulon a key territory? Because 70% of the French fleet is maintained there, as well as aeronautical, naval and nuclear activities.
Who is this event for? Companies, students, educational institutions and public actors.
What opportunities are there for young people? Local training exists and leads to qualified, well-paid and meaningful jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Toulon maintains 70% of the French fleet
- A strategic but largely invisible industrial sector
- The 2MF Forum aims to structure this ecosystem
- Local training programs are available (IUT, university, schools)
- Next edition scheduled for December 9 and 10, 2026
Read also:
Var aeronautical sector: the CCI du Var and ADI join forces
2MF 2025: a unique forum dedicated to Industrial Maintenance in Toulon
Info83, the Var close to you
The organizers of the 2MF forum will continue to build momentum leading up to the December 2026 event, seeking further participation from industry stakeholders and passionate individuals. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, further details will be available on the forum’s website as the event approaches.
Do you have thoughts on the future of industrial maintenance in Toulon? Share your comments below.
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