Aurélia Maruéjol

16/04/2026

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, technical innovation drives every project. Today, we sat down with Rémi, tooling design engineer in our R&D office, to get a behind-the-scenes look at his role.

Can you describe your job?

« My job is to turn a client’s idea into a real, workable product. I design the tools needed for production and act as a bridge between the sales and manufacturing teams.

My role is to make sure the solution is technically feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with the client’s expectations. I’m constantly balancing industrial constraints with commercial requirements.»

Tailor-made engineering

What do you enjoy most about it?

« The exploration. Every new product is a chance to create something different and think outside the box. I love that phase of reflection and innovation.

And there’s also the human side: working with support teams, sharing ideas, guiding, helping… Solving complex problems and finding robust, lasting solutions is really rewarding. »

Your biggest daily challenges?

« Time, no question. Deadlines are often tight, but it’s important to take the time to fully understand everyone’s constraints.

And getting people from very different fields to understand each other—that’s a real challenge in communication and adaptability. »

What key skills are needed?

« A solid foundation in engineering, of course, but also curiosity, patience, and strong teamwork.

You need to be open to feedback, share both successes and mistakes, and lean on the right people. »

Any final thoughts?

« Simplicity. I discovered this job by doing it. It’s not something you learn in school, but it’s essential.

I’d love to share it more—with others, to grow together and find solutions that are even simpler, faster, and more efficient.»

Thank you, Rémi, for this inspiring interview!

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Aurélia Maruéjol

16/03/2026

When temperatures drop and roads become snowy or icy, properly equipping your vehicle is essential.
But should you choose snow chains or studded tyres?

Each solution meets specific needs. Here’s how to make the right choice depending on your usage, region, and constraints.

Are you looking for an occasional or a long-term solution?

If you drive occasionally in snowy areas (such as during mountain holidays or temporary snowfalls), snow chains are the most suitable option. They are installed directly on the driving wheels when the road is covered with snow.

However, they are not designed for use on dry or partially cleared roads.

By contrast, studded tyres are installed for the entire winter season by a professional, just like standard winter tyres. Once fitted, you can drive on all types of roads without the need for manual installation or removal.

Do you want to drive regardless of weather conditions?

If you drive regularly during winter, including on icy roads, partially cleared surfaces, or compacted snow, studded tyres offer a more versatile solution:

Excellent grip
Consistent performance
Smoother driving experience without repeated installation or removal

Snow chains, on the other hand, are only effective on thick snow. On dry or slightly wet roads, they are unsuitable and may damage both the road surface and your vehicle.

Specific and adapted
regulations

What speed can you drive with each type of equipment?

In France, regulations specify:

With studded tyres: speed is limited to between 50 km/h and 90 km/h, depending on the vehicle and applicable regulations
With snow chains: speed must not exceed 50 km/hAvec les chaînes à neige, la vitesse ne doit pas dépasser 50km/h

Even though these solutions improve traction, it remains essential to adapt your speed to road and traffic conditions.

Why are studded tyres widely used in Nordic countries?

In Scandinavian countries and regions with long, harsh winters, roads are not always fully cleared due to environmental and climatic considerations.

As a result, studded tyres are widely preferred because they provide:
– Reliable, permanent grip
– Smoother driving conditions
– Increased day-to-day safety

However, it is important to note that each country has its own regulations regarding studded tyres. Always check the applicable legislation before driving in France or abroad.

So, snow chains or studded tyres?

In short, your decision depends on three key criteria:

Frequency of use

Occasional use: Snow chains
Regular use: Studded tyres

Weather conditions

Occasional heavy snow: Snow chains
Frequent ice and poorly cleared roads: Studded tyres

Driving comfort

Occasional manual installation: Snow chains
Permanent and convenient solution: Studded tyres

It is also worth noting that these two technologies can complement each other. Ugigrip–Vallgrip collaborates with snow chain manufacturers with the aim of integrating studs into chains to enhance their performance.

Do you have more questions about studs? Check out our “Studded tyres: True or false?” article to learn more:

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Aurélia Maruéjol

19/02/2026

Have you ever heard that studded tyres are noisy? That they damage roads? Or that they are prohibited?

Let’s take a closer look at some common beliefs about studs.

Studs are noisy

FALSE – Today, a studded tyre is a winter tyre. Its rubber compound remains flexible at low temperatures, and its tread patterns are more pronounced than those of summer tyres.

This allows the stud to sit within the tread with a protrusion of no more than 1.2 mm (compared with 3 mm in the 1980s). As a result, they are far less noisy, particularly for the driver inside the vehicle. It is also worth remembering that the tyre itself can generate noise.

Studs damage roads

FALSE – Before the 1985 French regulation concerning anti-skid devices fitted to tyres, studs were heavier, larger and longer. The tungsten carbide tips protruded much further, which did indeed damage roads.
In addition, tyres at that time were thick and made from harder rubber compounds, unlike today’s comfortable, safe and quieter studded tyres.

Studs for safety

Studs make driving uncomfortable

FALSE – Much lighter than their predecessors, modern studs for passenger vehicles weigh around 1.4 g (compared with 4 g in the past), providing driving comfort comparable to summer conditions.

Studs slip on dry roads

FALSE – The construction of a studded tyre is designed to ensure safety and comfort in all conditions. In France, tyres now feature fewer studs, and they are not positioned on the central part of the tread, which prevents slipping on dry roads.

Studs add nothing to winter tyres

FALSE – In general, winter tyres are sufficient in France. However, studded tyres provide added safety on black ice and compacted snow.
Another advantage is that studded tyres reduce braking distances on wet, snowy or icy roads.

During manoeuvres (braking, starting or cornering) without studs, a vehicle may slide on black ice or compacted snow. This is due to the tyre heating the surface, melting the snow and creating a thin film of water — a phenomenon similar to aquaplaning, which typically occurs around 0°C, as is common in the French climate.

Studs fall out and damage tyres

TRUE and FALSE – Today, the tyre-and-stud pairing is carefully engineered. Studded tyres are generally stored unused for one month so that the rubber can conform to the shape of the stud and ensure optimal retention.
A running-in period of around 500 km is then required, at speeds between 70 and 90 km/h, without harsh manoeuvres.
A stud may potentially be ejected if driving is aggressive and smooth manoeuvres (gentle acceleration, braking and cornering) are not respected.

Our advice: adopt smooth driving habits. Every driver shares responsibility for safety and for preserving both vehicle and tyres.

Studs are designed to last as long as the tyre itself, ensuring grip and safety throughout their service life: on average 30,000 to 50,000 km, depending on driving conditions and tyre quality.

Speed is limited with studs

TRUE – Under French legislation, the maximum permitted speed is 90 km/h for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes, including on motorways.
This measure was introduced at a time when studded tyres were widely used, and road preservation was a priority.
It is worth noting that every type of tyre has a speed rating, indicated on the tyre sidewall.

Studs are prohibited in France

FALSE – French legislation authorises studded tyres from the Saturday preceding 11 November until the last Sunday of March of the following year (Decree of 18 July 1985 concerning anti-skid devices fitted to tyres). Drivers must also display a “studded tyre” sticker at the rear of the vehicle.

As with all products, quality levels vary. You will gain greater benefits by choosing high-quality tyres and studs. However, the primary guarantee of safety and performance remains the driver’s behaviour behind the wheel.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

12/02/2026

Whether it concerns a tyre stud, an industrial fastening component, a jeans button, a furniture rivet, a saddlery nail or a component for an outdoor sports product, the custom-made solutions we offer provide a response genuinely tailored to your context and specific needs.

So, when does bespoke truly become the best option?

Understanding the Difference Between Standard and Custom-made

A standard solution is designed to meet a generic application. It is readily available, cost-effective and perfectly suited to simple, repetitive requirements.

By contrast, a custom-made solution is developed specifically for a particular environment, use or constraint. It takes into account all project parameters: dimensions, materials, finishes, operating conditions, standards, and integration into an existing product or manufacturing process.

Bespoke is not intended to replace standard solutions, but rather to intervene when standard options are no longer sufficient.

Standard VS custom-made

When Standard Solutions Reach Their Limits

The first indicator is often the repeated failure of existing solutions. When several standard products are tested unsuccessfully, it generally means that the real requirement is not being met.

This frequently occurs in situations such as:

Non-standard dimensions or shapes,
Integration constraints (within a product, garment, object or machine);
Specific operating conditions (outdoor use, humidity, friction, intensive use);
Aesthetic requirements;
And more.

Whether for a tyre stud, an industrial component, a jean button, a furniture rivet, a saddlery nail or an outdoor sports stud, a custom-made solution provides a response genuinely adapted to the context and your needs.

Thinking in Terms of Total Cost Rather Than Purchase Price

A standard solution is generally less expensive at the point of purchase. However, it may generate indirect costs: frequent replacement, quality defects, customer dissatisfaction, limited performance, and so on.

Although a bespoke solution may involve a higher initial investment, it fits within a total cost approach:

Improved durability;
Reduced defects,
Higher perceived value,
Product differentiation.

Over the long term, it often proves more cost-effective — both economically and in terms of quality and market positioning.

A Strategic Choice Beyond the Technical Aspect

When reliability is a priority, custom-made solutions provide greater control over design parameters. Each component is engineered according to its actual use: strength, longevity, ergonomics, visual appearance, mechanical constraints, etc.

The objective is to guarantee optimum performance, whatever the sector of application.

Choosing a bespoke solution is also a strategic decision. It means investing in a product that integrates perfectly into its final application and supports performance over time.

In a context where personalisation and differentiation are increasingly sought after, bespoke solutions become a genuine lever for competitiveness.

Unsure Whether to Choose a Standard or Custom-made Solution for Your Project?

Our teams are here to advise you on the best option and, where appropriate, to support you in designing components tailored to your technical, aesthetic and functional constraints.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

13/01/2026

Like almost all industrial companies, we deliver the parts we design and manufacture.

But how are they packaged to ensure they reach our customers while maintaining their quality and compliance? And how do we contribute to a more sustainable environment?

Our Packaging Solutions

Once production is complete, our parts move to the packaging stage. Depending on the customer’s request and the quantity to be delivered, they follow one of two routes:

Cardboard boxes

For orders requiring smaller batch packaging, our parts pass through a dedicated machine. They are placed on a conveyor belt and distributed into boxes according to a precise weight. Each box is then checked on a scale to ensure gram-level accuracy, corresponding to an exact number of parts.

Once verified, the boxes are manually closed and carefully arranged on pallets, ready for shipment.

Wooden crates

For certain orders — and always at our customers’ request — we adopt a different approach. Each batch of parts is weighed before being grouped in bulk into sturdy wooden crates. These are suitable for secure transport and ready for delivery by road, sea or, more rarely, air.

Compliance and safety

The Advantages of Our Packaging

Short supply chain: both types of packaging are manufactured in France by local partners, such as Socarbois (wooden crates) and Seyfert (cardboard boxes).
Transport compliance: securely positioned in suitable containers, our parts can be transported and handled safely.
Recyclable: these containers are reusable or can be given a second life through repurposing.

Our packaging solutions allow us to combine efficiency, safety and flexibility. At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, packaging is far more than a final step — it is our promise of quality and reliability with every delivery.

Discover our packaging processes in our YouTube video “Episode 5: Production Launch”.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

09/12/2025

2025 in a few words

This year, our students came from different schools and with a wide range of motivations: discovering industry, understanding how a company operates, or simply exploring a completely new environment.

“I wanted to discover the world of business through different professions.” – Mathéo, February 2025

They all shared the same ambition: to observe, ask questions and understand how an industrial product comes to life.

A week shaped by observation and encounters

Visiting and discovering the company

From the moment they arrive, students are welcomed by the team with a breakfast reception, followed by a brief company presentation and a tour of the offices and workshops. For many, it was their first time stepping into an industrial environment.

“I wanted to discover jobs you don’t necessarily see elsewhere. And I’m glad I did, because you don’t imagine everything that goes on behind a single nail: administration, communication, sales, transport — and even designing the tooling.” – Liou, June 2025

Observing the different professions

They then begin their discovery programme, giving them insight into all the roles that make up our company. Students spend time with the production, engineering, sales, accounting, HR and marketing communications teams.
This hands-on observation enables them to understand how complementary these roles are and how essential teamwork is within the company.

Regular discussions with employees

All employees take the time to answer their questions — about safety, organisation, machinery and career paths.

“The people I met were incredibly approachable and explained everything clearly.” – Liou, June 2025

Immersion and testimonials

A meaningful experience: what they will remember

What surprised them most

The machinery and the pace of production
The diversity of professions
The warm welcome and team spirit

“What surprised me most is that there aren’t many people in the company compared to the number of parts produced.” – Mathéo, February 2025

“I was surprised at how kind everyone was and how they treated me as if I were part of the company.” – Maëlys, February 2025

What they enjoyed most

Watching the machines in operation
Feeling welcomed and supported
The structured discovery programme

“I really enjoyed the sales and administrative side because it’s office-based, you can move around, and you communicate with others. I like interacting with people and working on a computer.” – Nolane, November 2025

What they take away from the week

A first, concrete insight into the professional world, industrial careers and how a company operates — along with a strong sense of team cohesion and collaboration.

“I’m glad I discovered this profession — it opens up new possibilities for me to think about.” – Maëlys, February 2025

“I feel good — a bit more confident about work and what I want to do. It reassured me about my career aspirations.” – Nolane, November 2025

Conclusion: a wonderful year of exchange and discovery

2025 was marked by curiosity, energy and thoughtful questions from the students we welcomed. A big thank you to them for their enthusiasm!

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Aurélia Maruéjol

13/11/2025

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, quality is not just a requirement, it’s a core value that guides everything we do.
Our ISO 9001 certification demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards – not only for our finished products, but also throughout our manufacturing processes and working methods.

A structured and sustainable approach

Every year, an external audit is carried out to reassess our system’s compliance and renew our certification.

This annual evaluation is part of a three-year renewal cycle that ensures the continuity, rigor, and transparency of our quality management approach.

But beyond the audit itself, ISO 9001 is something we apply and live by every single day.

Continuous improvement

Ensuring continuous quality

Quality control starts on the ground.

Through established and well-mastered inspection procedures, our teams continuously verify the conformity of every production batch.

Some of our machines are equipped with vision inspection cameras and SPC (Statistical Process Control) systems, allowing us to monitor performance in real time.

These practices ensure full traceability and consistent reliability of the final product.

Standardizing processes and maintaining document compliance

ISO 9001 also relies on clear, documented procedures.
Every workstation has up-to-date instructions, every operator is trained, and each stage of the process is monitored using performance indicators.

Our system is built on strict document management: every procedure, work instruction, and form is identified, version-controlled, and regularly updated.

We use shared digital tools to make sure all employees have access to the latest versions of every document.

This discipline ensures consistency in our practices and reliability in our quality management system.

Engaging our teams in quality

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, quality is a team effort, every employee plays an active role in the process.

Regular meetings allow us to discuss objectives, achievements, and areas for improvement.

We also encourage suggestions for progress and recognize both individual and collective initiatives.

In fact, our 2025 company seminar focused entirely on the theme of continuous improvement at Ugigrip-Vallgrip.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

14/10/2025

Cold-forging and rolling are key manufacturing processes at Ugigrip-Vallgrip, enabling the production of a wide variety of metal components: screws, rivets, studs, spacers, nails and many more. These techniques offer numerous benefits in terms of performance, durability and environmental impact. Discover why they stand out as reliable solutions for your industrial needs.

A controlled production rate

Cold-forging and rolling are particularly well suited to medium and high-volume production runs, thanks to high output rates (around 200 parts per minute, depending on product complexity).

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, quality is never left to chance: our inspection process begins at the design stage, ensuring compliant, high-performance and durable components.

This high standard requires carefully controlled and optimised set-up and adjustment times, enabling us to deliver reliable products within the shortest possible lead times.

Attention to detail in service of the planet

Strong and reliable components

One of the main advantages of cold-forging and rolling lies in the increased strength of the parts produced. These processes preserve the natural grain flow of the metal and do not create fracture initiation points, unlike other techniques such as machining. This structural continuity enhances the mechanical strength of the components, ensuring long-term reliability and durability.

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, even the holes in drilled rivets or tyre studs are produced by cold heading rather than drilling, thereby maintaining the integrity of the material.

Each project undergoes a feasibility study prior to launch, ensuring that processes are perfectly tailored to the technical and functional requirements.

Environmentally responsible processes

Cold-forging and rolling are distinguished by their environmentally responsible approach. Unlike other methods such as machining, they generate little to no material waste. The part is formed by deforming a section of metal wire, without producing swarf.

There are a few exceptions, such as the manufacture of nails, whose tips are formed by rolling. In such cases, excess material is collected and recovered by specialised partners who remelt it to produce new metal.

Nothing is lost: everything is recycled.

To find out more about our expertise, explore our detailed articles on cold heading and rolling processes.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

15/09/2025

Assembly: the final step towards the finished stud

After the cold-forging stage — and rolling, where required — comes assembling: a key step that transforms the body into a finished stud ready for delivery to the customer.

This process involves inserting the tungsten carbide pin into the body previously produced using our two metal wire forming techniques. Assembling therefore joins the two components of the stud — the pin and the body — by means of shrink fitting.

Precision work

A precise operation tailored to each stud design

Each stud model requires specific tooling, defined according to its shape, size and the customer’s technical requirements. We therefore adapt our assembly lines to ensure perfect positioning of the components, using for example:

Vibratory bowls to correctly orient the parts;
Feed tubes to guide the pins and casings;
Presses to carry out the assembly operation, ensuring a strong and durable bond.

Essential expertise

As with the previous stages, precision and rigour are paramount. We carry out inspections at every stage of production, following dedicated procedures and using tools adapted to each type of component.

To guarantee consistent quality, each machine is equipped with monitoring systems, including control cameras and SPC (Statistical Process Control) devices, enabling the automatic detection of any deviation or non-conformity.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

11/08/2025

In certain French regions during the winter months it is obligatory for vehicles to be properly equipped.
Many people are however unaware that among the various equipments available for vehicles, studded tyres are an option.

Lets have a closer look at the law for more details.

French law on winter tyres

During winter, some French roads require the use of specific winter equipment such as winter chains, winter socks or studded tyres: these roads are sign-posted as « B26 ».

Even in regions where there is no legal obligation for vehicles to be equipped with winter tyres they can highly be recommended, particularly in regions where temperatures drop below 7°C.

Winter tyres offer better adherence and better resistance on wet, frosted and snowed-on roads.

All about the stud

Yes, studded tyres are allowed in France

Studded tyres are permitted between November 1st and March 31st the following year.

Studs offer better adherence on slippery roads with snow and ice. They are highly recommended in regions that experience extreme winter weather.

Ugigrip-Vallgrip offers a wide range of studs for any type of vehicles: check out our catalogue and our custom-made products to find out more.

What are the conditions laid out by law regarding studded tyres?

Before you equip your vehicles with studded tyres, here are a few things to know :

The speed limit is 90km/h for vehicles whose loaded weight is under 3.5 tons
The speed limit is 60 km/h for public transport vehicles and for certain types of vehicles that are exempt such as emergency vehicles, intervention vehicles, vehicles transporting essential needs, rare goods or dangerous goods, and vehicles ensuring winter safety
The obligation to place a sticker indicating the usage of studded tyres on the rear left side of the vehicle
Shapes and dimensions of studs are also specified but can be different in other countries: please make sure to check the law before travelling.

To learn more…

Ugigrip-Vallgrip collaborates with tyre manufacturers and distributors to adapt ranges of classic studs and custom-made studs, based on the laws for each country.

You can read the specific law decree here for more details (in French): « Arrêté du 18 juillet 1985 relatif aux dispositifs antidérapants équipant les pneumatiques modifié le 10 juin 2021 ».

Once again: please make sure to check the legislation for the country you wish to travel to in winter.