DEF-TEC

18 September 2009: DEF-TEC sets up operations in Bourguignon in the Doubs department

Specializing in the manufacture of dust extraction systems for the agri-food and wood industries, in March 2009 DEF-TEC set up a sheet metal shop to produce filter and ventilator parts.

In competition with Châteauroux in the Department of Indre for its central location, the final decision was made in favor of the commune of Bourguignon, in the Doubs. Located midway between Toulouse and Strasbourg, the workshop will serve the DEF-TEC companies located in these two cities.

After 6 months in business, the Bourguignon site employs 9 people and has a turnover of €600,000. The company has invested a total of more than €300,000 in equipment, including two travelling cranes, a cutting machine, press brake and pipe-forming bell, a band mill, washing booth, paint booth, 8 welding units, etc.

Business creation supported by public authorities
After finding the right premises, Joe Beaufils quickly turned to the Franche-Comté Regional Development Agency (ARD) in order to find "a contact who would enable us to approach the right organizations in our search for financial assistance."  Vincent Donier arranged a meeting with Bernard Paulin from Développement 25. DEF-TEC should therefore benefit from several forms of assistance: a job creation grant of €25,000 for recruitment of the first manager (General Council of the department of Doubs), an investment grant of €39,000 for the purchase of machines (Regional Council) and a job creation grant of €50,000 (BPI-FAURECIA Agreement).

Testimonial from Joe Beaufils
"The work involved in submitting grants is arduous, time-consuming and laborious, but at the end of the day, if all of these grants are paid out, they will facilitate the development of the sheet metal shop. We have also made requests to banks but they are particularly cautious about lending money. We have obtained a loan of €200,000:  the machines are pledged as collateral, OSEO is covering 50% [French organization providing financial support for SMEs] and I’ve had to give a personal guarantee for the remaining 20%! This is why, together with my colleagues and associates, I would particularly like to thank the Region, Développement 25 and BPI. The ARD has supported our applications in a highly professional and efficient way."