Huchez increases production capacity for international expansion

The investment will improve productivity and efficiency with quicker response times thanks to the layout and configuration of the premises, equipped with workshops and test benches (including one which handles very heavy loads), for overhead cranes as well as a paint shop.

The family-owned firm, which saw a turnover of €8m in 2020, celebrated its 70^th anniversary last year and the construction of the new facility has taken two years, with all employees now grouped together in a single building. It plans to maintain growth by focusing its development on international markets. 45% of its turnover is generated from export.

"Over the last 70 years, Huchez has always invested to secure its future and reach new markets. In our previous cramped premises, our facilities limited us when it came to making new projects a reality, and the working conditions were no longer satisfactory. I am delighted the new facility remains in Ferrie`res, a village to which the family is very attached, and allowing us to retain our employees whose qualifications and expertise are so precious to Huchez," said Antoine Huchez, who has been the manager of the company since 2005, the 4th generation of the family business.

The modernisation of the logistics infrastructure meets the need for synergy between functions, from the receipt of raw materials to the shipment of finished products, and the optimisation of material flows enable shorter lead times and a better quality of service to customers.

Huchez has been designing, developing and manufacturing manual, electric, hydraulic, petrol or diesel winches for lifting or pulling applications since 1950. Its workshop gantries and jib cranes, hoists, from a few kg to several tons are marketed each year to meet the needs of large companies in activities including; engineering and construction, building, nuclear, agricultural, rail, marine, and entertainment. It was awarded the INPI Innovation Trophy in 2013.