Arem, located in Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire, has been in business for over fifty years and is now the leading producer of smoke extraction fans.

The factory manufactures an average of 15,000 axial fans each year. © photo L. R.

 

Arem, located in Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire, has been assembling axial fans for the service and industrial markets for over fifty years.

From Indian metro corridors to the largest shopping centre in Dubai, from the Stade de France to the La Hague nuclear waste treatment plant, Arem fans have made a name for themselves in this niche but highly competitive market.

20% of production is exported.

“Our equipment protects car parks, shopping centres, all types of infrastructure open to the public. Smoke extraction fans account for 60% of our business,” comments Roland Robiliard, chairman of Arem since its takeover six years ago.

The rest of the production concerns fans used in particular in the food industry. “This type of equipment is used to dissipate temperature, as in the cold rooms of food factories,” he adds.

Each year, nearly 15,000 fans are manufactures in the Giennois region, 80% of which supply the French market. The rest of the production is exported, in particular to the European market.

Delivery in two weeks

“A fan that can be several metres in diameter weighs a certain amount … So it’s quite expensive to transport.”

Especially as the French manufacturer is aware that it is not the cheapest on the market, faced with competition from Bulgaria, Chine and Vietnam. “As a result, we need to be agile and flexible, while providing quality products. Each fan is made to order and is shipped within two weeks on average.”

This short delivery time enables Arem to stand out, even if the speed of execution is still not enough. “We have to find solutions to be even more efficient,” adds the chairman.

The purchase of machinery (see elsewhere) is part of the company’s development strategy. As is ongoing recruitment. The business with a turnover of 10 million euros is actively seeking new dealers.

To improve efficiency, flexibility, quality and competitiveness, the small business from Loirétaine has just invested 700,000 euros in a laser cutter. “For us it’s a large investment. But it’s a sign that we believe in the industry!” says chairman Roland Robiliard. Installed a fortnight ago, the machine will enable the sheet metal cutting tasks to be better distributed, as the old model was very busy.