French leader Metalu Plast, based in Caen, wants to grow abroad
Through Gregory Maucorps
Published on
The company Metalu Plast exists since 1981, that is to say 30 years of know-how. Installed at Soliers, south of Caen, Metalu Plast is the chef english in the manufacture of team sports equipment (football, basketball, handball, rugby, etc.) based on steel or aluminum.
The manufacturer also offers touch shelters, equipment for multisports grounds or fences made on its other production site in Potigny, between Caen and Falaise.
We are a sports equipment manufacturer. This represents 94% of our turnover. Our vocation is to sell what we manufacture, not to buy to resell.
Stadiums equipped for the World Cup in Russia or for the CAN in Cameroon
The company equipped certain stadiums during the last 2018 World Cup in Russia, all the first division stadiums in Morocco or certain stadiums for the next African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
With 85 employees at its two sites in Calvados, Metalu Plast has “the largest manufacturing unit in the sector in Europe,” says Jean-Claude Behr.
After a turnover of 17 million euros in 2019, Metalu Plast suffered the Covid-19 health crisis in 2020. “Since the communities had closed access to sports equipment for four months, this had an impact very important for our business, ”notes Jean-Claude Behr.
“If we want to grow, it will be for export”
In 2021, on the other hand, the activity started again with a vengeance. “There was a catch-up effect, it’s a very good year,” says the president of the company. “Our strength lies in having a very large number of customers who trust us and call us back to replace the equipment,” adds Thibault Viguerie, technical director of the manufacturer based in Soliers.
Metalu Plast should approach 18 million euros in turnover this year, of which 20% is done internationally. An avenue to be explored for the French market leader. “If we want to grow, it will only be export,” says Jean-Claude Behr.
Africa, Europe and North America in the crosshairs
Established in North Africa, Metalu Plast wants to continue this development in Africa, Europe and North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. “There is real potential in North America”. The Calvados-based company is looking for distributors who have networks.
This approach is accompanied by training and development for the installation of our quality products, so it takes time, because we focus on quality and we see that the practice of sport is developing in some countries.
Metalu Plast aims to expand its international share to reach 35% of its turnover in four years. “What is very interesting is that you produce on site”, slips Minister Delegate Franck Riester, passing through Soliers, Monday, November 8, 2021. “To continue to grow internationally, you have to go all out “.
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