Damien Harlé (grand-nephew of the famous naval architect Philippe Harlé, father of Muscadet) took the helm of the Ouest Composites company, parent company of the semi-rigid boat builder Pro Marine in Auray, in December 2017, with his associate Jean-Denis Barbigant. He comes back with BoatIndustry on his journey and his projects for the Breton brand.
Can you tell us about your personal and professional background and how it led you to take over Pro Marine?
I have a background as an engineer in construction. I have always wanted to become an entrepreneur in the industrial sector. This is what led me to take over Ouest Composites (editor's note: which produces composite parts for industry, such as bodywork for agricultural and construction machinery). With my partner Jean-Denis Barbigant, we both have a passion for sailing. We did a transatlantic sailing trip together in 2009. Pro Marine is a little nugget. The boats represent 7% to 8% of the activity within the Ouest Composites group. We want to take up the challenge of Pro Marine at the same time as that of Ouest Composites and make known a brand that deserves to be known.
What are your projects in terms of boats and new models?
Our idea is to animate the brand. This is done by redesigning existing boats and of course by launching new RIBs. It is important to remain dynamic in an ultra-competitive motorboat sector. There are no half measures possible.
What are your objectives for the marketing of Pro Marine boats in France and for export?
We did the Boot Düsseldorf show for 3 years, but we will not do it again this year. Our first objective is to restructure on the French market to be stronger later on in the export market. Europe is a subject that we differ a little in terms of communication. We need to give ourselves time to build a distribution network abroad with good local support. The short-term priority is to strengthen the Pro Marine dealer network in France.
