France has been an active HDD market for years, with a steady mix of infrastructure, energy and utility projects. Ground conditions vary widely from region to region, which makes local experience essential. In this dynamic context, SiteTec now has an additional partner: BCM–Ditch Witch, the official Ditch Witch distributor in France with over 30 years of experience in underground equipment. With a strong nationwide presence and a focus on complete HDD setups, they bring valuable knowledge of ground conditions and project requirements across the country.
To understand how they see the market and our collaboration, we spoke with Laurence Maitre, Managing Director at BCM– Ditch Witch France since 2001.
What made you decide to partner with SiteTec?
“SiteTec is a leading European manufacturer that understands the practical constraints we deal with every day, especially when it comes to dimensions and transport. That is often a key factor on our jobs. Their product range and services are flexible and can be tailored to what our customers actually need.
Also, as part of the Zweegers Equipment Group, we have a clear ambition to expand further into niche areas such as mixing, recycling and support equipment. As there was already an existing relationship between the group and SiteTec, our partnership was a logical next step. At the same time, the size of the company – which is similar to ours – makes a difference as it allows for quick decisions and direct communication.”
How do you see SiteTec fitting into your current HDD offering in France?
“SiteTec adds a wide range of mixers, recyclers and auxiliary pumps to our portfolio. The availability of rental units is a big advantage, especially for contractors who need flexibility.
What also stands out is the ability to offer custom solutions. That allows us to respond to specific project requirements, something we can’t do with our current products. For highly technical projects, often with environmental constraints, SiteTec products will enable us to better meet our customers’ needs.
It also means we can support a wider group of contractors; not only those already working with Ditch Witch equipment, but the broader trenchless market in France.”
How would you describe the HDD market in France today?
“The market is evolving, both in scale and complexity. While part of the work still focuses on upgrading existing electrical networks and installing new ones, we clearly see a shift towards longer runs and larger diameters. This is particularly the case for high-voltage connections and cross-border interconnections. Looking at the developments ahead, we see four main areas driving demand: electricity, hydrogen and alternative fuels, water infrastructure, and Big Data.
A large part of the growth comes from electricity. France is investing heavily in offshore wind, with plans to reach around 18 GW of installed capacity by 2035 and up to 45 GW by 2050. Recent and upcoming tenders are expected to further drive demand for underground and subsea cable infrastructure. At the same time, nuclear remains important. Maintenance, modernisation and new reactors all require upgrades to transmission and distribution networks, with a particular focus on securing and burying power lines.
Hydrogen and alternative fuels are another key development. Our country is aiming for 6.5 GW of electrolysers installed by 2030, with a target of decarbonising industry. For this we need dedicated networks, the conversion of existing gas pipelines, and the creation of underground storage facilities such as salt caverns and aquifers, particularly in Île-de-France and Grand Est. Public and private investment – including around €7 billion – is expected to support this growth. The transition to biomethane and synthetic fuels also plays a role. It involves adapting existing gas networks and developing new transport and storage infrastructure, with regulations currently being put in place.
Water infrastructure remains another important driver, with ongoing upgrades to drinking water and sanitation networks, both in urban and peri-urban areas, and a growing focus on smart systems and monitoring. I would also highlight the role of Big Data, which will play an increasingly important part in how networks are designed and managed.
Overall, demand for underground network installation is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, with a shortage of skilled labour, challenging coordination between stakeholders, and the need to adapt existing infrastructure to new energy systems.”
What are the main challenges contractors face in France, and how can the right equipment make a difference?
“One of the biggest challenges is finding and retaining skilled operators. Equipment needs to be intuitive, reliable and easy to work with. That is what keeps the team productive on site and what helps build operator loyalty.
The current energy situation is another factor. Contractors are looking more closely at fuel consumption and more efficient or alternative solutions. And of course, jobsite profitability remains key. Reliable equipment with low maintenance requirements helps contractors stay in control of their costs.”
What are your expectations for this partnership moving forward?
“We want to expand our product offering, while improving the level of service we provide to contractors. By partnering with a European manufacturer that understands market needs and responds accordingly, we aim to take advantage of future opportunities together.”
Working with local dealers has always been a deliberate choice for SiteTec. Not just to be present in a country, but to work with people who understand the ground, speak the language and know how projects are run locally. France proves why that matters even within one country, differences can be significant. Together with Most France, our long-standing partner in France, and the new collaboration with Ditch Witch France, we are able to support contractors across the country with strong local expertise. Something we are proud of.
