Whether cold or hot, meal distribution carts are at the heart of the logistics of collective catering establishments. For more than 50 years, Electro Calorique has been innovating and developing specific carts for its customers. A Made in France quality that is exported. Meeting with Jérôme Brossat, President of Electro Calorique.
Innovation and listening: the recipe for success?
From the very beginning of the company in 1919, and even more so in the 1950s when it specialized in the manufacture of meal distribution carts, Electro Calorique has placed innovation at the center of its development strategy with the mastery of different technological solutions that adapt to the needs of its customers. This unique technicality also allows us to develop specific products for precise needs and opens up international markets.
For more than 20 years, we have registered numerous patents, in particular for cold maintenance with different technologies such as glycol water, CO2 or cold by mechanical compression.
We also have an exclusive heating technology, the thermocontact. Electro Calorique produces more than 3000 carts per year, 1000 of which are custom-made for its customers.
A Made in France know-how that is exported!
The group has three production units in France, near Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand and Troyes. More than 90% of our purchases are made in the region. This attachment to local know-how is a strong value and a guarantee of quality. Today, 50% of our sales are exported to some twenty countries. We have just won a major contract in Germany, confirming our position as leader in this country in the hospital meal distribution market.
ELECTRO CALORIQUE IN 2021 :
– 35 million turnover for the Electro Calorique group (+ 15 %)
– 170 employees
– Leading position in Germany confirmed with a new market of 700 carts for 7 hospitals
– Opening of 3 subsidiaries abroad in the near future
Your development strategy?
Over the last 10 years, our activity has doubled to represent today a group turnover of 35 million euros. Our group has 170 employees spread over our three French sites and our subsidiary in Germany. To accelerate our growth abroad and remain close to our customers, we are developing new direct sales subsidiaries. Three branches in Spain, Portugal and Canada will open in 2022. Innovation remains at the heart of this development strategy to serve the best meal at the best time.
Journalist : Anne Fèvre | Article published in CAPITAL N°363 – November 2021
