- Home
- News, Media & Fairs
- Press Releases
- Bobcat Celebrates 60 years of Pontchâteau, France Factory
Bobcat Celebrates 60 years of Pontchâteau, France Factory
Posted: 6 September 2023
Bobcat’s factory in Pontchâteau in France traces its history back to the early 20th century when Joseph Sambron transformed his school bench factory into a hub for farm machinery and bicycles. By 1920, the factory employed hundreds of workers and produced flour mills and cider presses. Following Joseph's retirement, his son Maurice ventured into mini-dumper production, selling over 50,000 units, and paving the way for the construction of the present-day Pontchâteau plant in 1963. The new facility specialized in off-road dumpers and forklifts.
Today, the factory is renowned for its production of telescopic handlers, which commenced in the early 1980s under the Sambron brand and was then acquired by the Fayat Group. Under the new ownership, Sambron became FDI Sambron and introduced hydrostatic telescopic handlers. In 2000, FDI Sambron was acquired by American corporation, Ingersoll-Rand, which also owned the Bobcat brand. Consequently, FDI Sambron transformed into Bobcat France. In 2007, Bobcat was acquired by the South Korean group, Doosan, and continues to operate as part of the Doosan Bobcat EMEA company.
Thirty thousand telehandlers made in France
In 2023, the French factory achieved an impressive milestone, when it manufactured its 111,000th machine. Out of this figure, around 30,000 of the machines have been telehandlers proudly carrying the Bobcat signature logo and typical white and orange colours.
“Our current telehandler line-up consists of 14 models in five platforms, with key markets in agriculture, construction and rental. Managing such a comprehensive portfolio is only possible thanks to our experienced engineering team, which is running all the European operations and contributing to global telehandler development activities. The majority of our production, over 80%, is targeted for export,” says Philippe Marescot, Pontchâteau factory manager at Doosan Bobcat EMEA.
Substantial regional employer
Employment has seen significant growth alongside production, with the workforce more than doubling to 420 employees in the last 10 years. The Mayor of Pontchâteau, Danielle Cornet, recognizes the factory's significance as a major regional employer, with over 50% of employees residing within a 20 km radius, and offering diverse job opportunities ranging from manufacturing to executive roles, administration and Research & Development.
Catherine Perio, an accountant at Bobcat in Pontchâteau, embodies the company's positive work environment. With an impressive thirty-six years of service, she credits her long tenure to the company's continuous growth, which remains fulfilling even after four decades. The supportive and friendly staff have also played a significant role in her journey.
The future of the Pontchâteau factory
"Over the past decade, significant investments, amounting to approximately 30 million EUR, have been made in human resources, research and development and facility enhancements. These structural investments have strengthened the Pontchâteau factory’s capacity to meet market demands and maintain a growth trajectory aligned with market needs," Philippe Marescot concludes with a positive outlook.
READ MORE
View all- Bobcat Wins Prestigious Red Dot Design Award for RogueX2 Loader Concept
Bobcat Wins Prestigious Red Dot Design Award for RogueX2 Loader Concept
14 October 2024
Bobcat has been selected as a Red Dot Award: Design Concept winner for RogueX2, an all-electric, fully autonomous concept loader. - Doosan Bobcat Employees Give Back to Communities Across EMEA Through Volunteer Time
Doosan Bobcat Employees Give Back to Communities Across EMEA Through Volunteer Time
30 September 2024
In 2024, Doosan Bobcat employees around the world – including throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) – are giving back by volunteering in their communities. - Bobcat - Creating The Best Match of Carriers & Attachments
Bobcat - Creating The Best Match of Carriers & Attachments
18 September 2024
Bobcat is dedicated to enabling its customers to carry out all their work quickly and efficiently. - Bobcat at GaLaBau 2024 - Wide-Ranging Product Display and Demo Zone for Trying Out Selected Machines
Bobcat at GaLaBau 2024 - Wide-Ranging Product Display and Demo Zone for Trying Out Selected Machines
11 September 2024
Bobcat will be presenting a comprehensive display of innovative and well-established products for landscaping, gardening and the horticultural industry at the GaLaBau 2024 trade fair in Nuremberg in Germany from 11-14 September 2024. - New Bobcat PG40 & PG50 Portable Generators for Europe
New Bobcat PG40 & PG50 Portable Generators for Europe
24 July 2024
Bobcat has launched the company’s new PG40 and PG50 portable generators, providing a leap forward in portable generator design. - Bobcat Breaks Ground for Mexico Manufacturing Facility
Bobcat Breaks Ground for Mexico Manufacturing Facility
17 June 2024
Bobcat, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, held a ceremonial groundbreaking on 13th June 2024 for its new 280-million EUR manufacturing facility in Mexico. - Bobcat Demo Days 2024 features more than 90 machines and innovations spanning manufacturer’s full equipment portfolio
Bobcat Demo Days 2024 features more than 90 machines and innovations spanning manufacturer’s full equipment portfolio
5 June 2024
More than 700 customers, dealers, suppliers and journalists from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are heading to Doosan Bobcat EMEA’s campus in Dobříš, Czechia for Bobcat Demo Days 2024. - Bobcat paves way for smarter, more sustainable and connected future with innovative INTERMAT 2024 equipment lineup
Bobcat paves way for smarter, more sustainable and connected future with innovative INTERMAT 2024 equipment lineup
24 April 2024
Bobcat is showing the international construction community how it is accelerating towards a smarter, more sustainable and connected future with its innovative lineup for INTERMAT 2024. - Bobcat debuts electric telehandler concept at INTERMAT 2024, proving sustainability and performance can go hand in hand
Bobcat debuts electric telehandler concept at INTERMAT 2024, proving sustainability and performance can go hand in hand
24 April 2024
Bobcat is using INTERMAT 2024 as a launchpad for its TL25.60e electric telehandler concept. - Bobcat Launches New Family of Rotary Telehandlers
Bobcat Launches New Family of Rotary Telehandlers
12 March 2024
Bobcat has launched a new range of Rotary Telehandlers for markets in Europe and the Middle East and Africa.