Okabois is opening a location in Ain
Okabois, an industrial framework manufacturer, is setting up a location in the Ain with the support of the Agency.
Their head office is in the Haute Vienne department, and their new production site in Nurieux-Volognat (Ain) will be dedicated to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, allowing them to grow and develop. Okabois was a joint venture by its two directors, Thierry Simon and Pascal Poulet, who each had 30 years’ experience in the national wooden structural framework industry. Their company specialises in the manufacture of industrial truss frames, traditional structures, wood-frame buildings, outdoor fixtures, large-scale buildings and custom solutions.
The Ain branch of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Entreprises assisted them in their new development in the Region (presenting the local wood industry and its advantages, site prospecting, visits, meeting local businesses). Eventually, Thierry Simon opted to rent a former 2,000m² sawmill on a plot covering around one hectare, in the Setalagne district in Nurieux-Volognat (Ain). The site includes a production facility and storage space for their raw materials – wood, accessories (PVC, nuts and bolts, laminate, solid wood) and finished products, which are loaded using a bridge crane. “This location allows us to get closer to growing construction markets in the Rhône, Ain, Isère and Savoie departments.” The site is managed by a production manager, Steve Donta, an experienced Okabois employee. He surrounded himself with a team of versatile and multi-skilled employees to launch the production facility, and is continuing to recruit new employees. Sales development is handled by Mr Vincent Bouchery, who is working closely with the production team: “One of our top priorities is to forge close links with the carpenters and joiners in the region who will actually be using our products. We also made a conscious decision to remain a local solution, dedicated to local builders, architects and project managers – these are the key players in the home-building market.” Eventually, the site will be home to ten or so employees, so for now the company is on the look-out for any new talent looking to join the wood industry.
Find out more : Thomas Colombari – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Entreprises –tcolombari@auvergnerhonealpes-entreprises.fr
Vincent BOUCHERY – Sales director Rhône-Alpes —vincent.bouchery@okabois.fr
