FOB

24 September 2009: FOB is founded in Sauvigney-lès-Pesmes in the department of Haute-Saône

The FOB, Francomtoise d’Ossature Bois, is the story of a meeting between Christophe Mirbey, who has excellent knowledge of the wood industry, and Philippe Bossanne, founder of the company Huttopia, which operates a network of nature-friendly campsites in 14 locations in France and also has 14 campsites in Canada in the National Parks.

In a difficult economic climate, in autumn 2008, the decision was taken to found the FOB. By February 2009, the production plant was operational following an investment of €180,000 in an ultra-high-performance machining centre and the recruitment of 10 employees.

In order to keep up with the rapid expansion of Huttopia, the FOB is already planning to enlarge its current workshop. Work for Huttopia keeps the company busy from February to June and from September to November, as "we plan for the construction of individual dwellings or made-to-measure group facilities." A second company will also be set up to carry out on-site assembly and the marketing of "made-to-measure buildings". The first projects are already in the pipeline.

Business creation supported by public authorities
The first contacts were the result of a meeting between Philippe Bossanne and Vincent Donier from the ARD at a conference organized by the CNER in Paris where Philippe Bossanne spoke and presented the Huttopia Group: "The ARD plays the role of facilitating implementation of the procedures involved and this was done with great efficiency". The ARD called on the services of Action 70 and the ADIB so that they could work together on setting up the project backed by Christophe Mirbey. Local authorities are able to provide a wide variety of support, ranging from information on existing tax and welfare mechanisms, contribution of a 15% subsidy for investment in equipment, and creating contacts with local schools and colleges.