When ESBs are counted FLEURETTE

On April 10, Cyprien SIMON (ESB 78) invited us to visit FLEURETTE (Groupe RAPIDO), where he works as production manager for the "Vans and Vans" workshop.

The event brought together a dozen alumni from neighbouring departments (44, 79 and 85), and enabled them to discover a fine company that has been expanding rapidly for the past 15 years. Part of the RAPIDO group, FLEURETTE CONSTRUCTEUR manufactures leisure vehicles under a variety of brands, including the famous German brand WESTFALIA. This sector of fitted vans (less expensive than motorhomes) is developing strongly.

First and foremost, CEO Michael Langouët welcomed us, taking a long time to chat with us about our backgrounds and the company's history. He was very keen to establish a link with our association, and we thank him for that.

"From the design office through to assembly and finishing, FLEURETTE CONSTRUCTEUR advocates 100% integrated, French manufacturing. Since 1967, the recipe has remained invariable: a blend of cutting-edge techniques and craftsmanship, with recent major investments in production tools".

We began our visit with the components and hardware store, part of which is automated with a magnificent picking robot. We were able to discuss the different ways in which parts are made available: by order, by list, and by kanban. To follow the flow of materials, we then moved on to the joinery workshop, where panels are machined (some of which are pre-machined) and sub-assemblies for furniture (kitchens, sanitary units, etc.) and bodywork are assembled. Production here is organized according to the (also German) TAKT TIME technique, with the aim of harmonizing the rhythm with that of the assembly workshop, and making it as easy as possible to install the sub-assemblies in the vehicle.

The perfect opportunity for alumni to exchange views on production issues encountered in our respective companies.

We then followed the whole process of fitting out the vehicles (on VW, Mercedes or Ford chassis), starting with stripping (removal of bench seats and siding) and cutting out the bodywork, in particular the roof, to receive... the roof and lift-up bed assembly, so typical of fitted vans!

And finally, the installation, on a towed chain, of each component, from the floor to the furniture, including the heating, water and electricity networks, to finish with the review of the quality control system for each vehicle at the end of production.

We rounded off our visit with a look at some of the site's van, camper and van models.

To round off the day, we all gathered in Fontenay-Le-Comte (the most beautiful town in the Vendée, according to our President) for a pot de l'amitié hosted by the AIESB and a convivial dinner.

The day ended on a note of sharing and the organization of future visits.

Discover them in the AIESB diary!

TheAIESB would like to thank Cyprien Simon (ESB 78) for proposing and organizing this event, as well as his favorite "childhood manager": Agathe SIMON (ESB 79), his wife!