Thierry Plagué, manager of Guardtex, based in Sarzeau with 12 employees, is quick to point out: "All Transat races since 2014 have been won by boats equipped with our lazy bags." This showcase for Guardtex's expertise, which was an early adopter of digitalization, is part of the company's reputation: "Historically, boating is our core business with the SNA brand, particularly in the boat-cover segment, where we work with manufacturers and dealers. We export a lot to Switzerland and the United States. But we're also very active in offshore racing and for industry."
"You have to become the benchmark, otherwise you don't exist"
One thing led to another, and Thierry Plagué's team innovated with new products. The company created and patented luminous fabrics for the boating industry under the name Kanvaslight. Highly innovative and pioneering, the product is of interest to the American market, with which Thierry Plagué is already familiar, having already established a foothold in the export market. Since 2020, the decision has been to go both ways: Guardtex has set up a subsidiary in Florida, called Guardtex Inc.
From its base in Tampa, the design office designs and markets illuminating fabric sheets for American integrators such as Bering. Thierry Plagué explains: "We make carenages, outdoor canvases that fit all boats. The challenge in the United States, which is a very receptive but highly standardized market, is to become the benchmark. Otherwise, we don't exist." And in a very encouraging sign, orders are pouring in. Thierry Plagué takes care of each stage of the launch with his customers: "We're in the money-time for 2024."
Seasonalize business
To reinforce its policy of deseasonalizing its business, Guardtex is also diversifying into industry, particularly aeronautics. A typical example is the design of textile parts to cover protruding angles in aircraft. Other outlets include the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, with other, more miniaturized applications. For the managing director, who works with his wife Laurence Plagué to develop the company, this diversification offers new potential and feeds the design office at the parent company in Sarzeau, which is gradually expanding its workforce.
