The liferaft: the spearhead of Plastimo export
The nautical equipment manufacturer Plastimo achieved a turnover of ?26.4 million in 2018. From life rafts to compasses, watch clothes and air bags, the brand is present in many fields. The French domestic market represents 54% of the activity. In the 46% of exports, Europe accounts for the largest share. "Our largest markets are Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Scandinavia and Italy. Our historical distributors in Germany and Italy, Bukh Bremen and FNI have now joined the Alliance Marine group. Rafts and compasses really have a global image and distribution. We are particularly well positioned in the United States and Japan," explains Cathy Millien, Plastimo's communications manager. The brand is now distributed in 96 countries around the world.
Cathy Millien, Head of Communication at Plastimo
Develop proprietary products
In order to pursue export growth, Plastimo has focused on the development of proprietary products, designed and marketed under its own name. In 2018, the brand introduced new products in its ranges of life jackets, lanyards and watchkeeping clothing. "We surround ourselves with experts to design these products with the skippers but also with people from different backgrounds such as a designer from the ski industry for our clothes. These are important products because we can sell them anywhere in the world, unlike simple distribution," says Cathy Millien.
When the opportunity arises, Plastimo also works for industry or markets such as the professional or military navy, which smoothes the workload.
Distribution products, which represent 50% of the catalogue, complement the offer advantageously by allowing customers to have a single point of contact, while reaching attractive logistics volumes.
Plastimo compass under assembly
Alliance Marine's maritime safety centre
A member of the Alliance Marine group since 2012, Plastimo held a special place. It was the only manufacturer among distribution companies. Plastimo's position has been strengthened by the acquisition in 2018 of 3SI a specialist in safety equipment for navigators. "This is good news that safety has been identified as a guideline by Alliance Marine and that the industrial aspect is becoming more important," says Cathy Millien. "The brands remain, but our design offices are already talking to each other and working together."
Finding the talent
In a growing boating sector, Plastimo is building employee loyalty. "It's always difficult to find the talent and it's always long, but you get there. In the workshop, staff are trained each season and an attempt is made to smooth out the activity as much as possible to limit peak loads. We also manage to create loyalty among temporary workers," says Yann Cornec, General Manager of Plastimo.
