Meta shipyard seeks investors to secure its future

The Meta shipyard, renowned for its expertise in aluminum boat building, was recently placed in receivership. This procedure, while worrying, opens up prospects for development and the search for investors to ensure the company's long-term future. We spoke to Philippe Brabetz, the company's managing director.

Origins of financial difficulties

The Meta shipyard, based in Tarare, has recently been placed in receivership. This was due to a number of factors, including losses on certain projects, in particular the construction of a scientific launch for INRAE, which resulted in a substantial loss for the 2024 financial year. This loss contributed to a suspension of payments, even though the company won a tender to build two passenger shuttles for a community of communes in eastern Paris, a contract valued at 5âeuros¯million euros. However, administrative delays delayed the official notification of this contract, prolonging the wait for the first payments.âeuros

Future prospects and the search for investors

Currently in an observation period, Meta is continuing its activities with two current projects: a monohull and a travel sailboat, the yard's historic specialty. The company is also a finalist in another tender for the city of Geneva. At the same time, Meta is seeking to finance its development plan, in particular its move to Port-Saint-Louis-du-RhÃ'ne.âeuros

A landmark project in aluminum construction

Founded in 1963, the Meta shipyard is renowned for its expertise in aluminum boat building, thanks in particular to its patented "Strongall" process. The company has left its mark on nautical history, building such iconic vessels as Bernard Moitessier's "Joshua". Despite the current difficulties, Meta has significant assets and potential for development, particularly with its recent success in tenders.âeuros

The site is therefore looking for investors or buyers to consolidate its financial situation and ensure the continuity of its activities. The aim is to stabilize cash flow while awaiting the completion of current and future contracts. Discussions are underway with several players in the sector, and the company remains optimistic about the outcome.

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