Founded in 1962 and specializing in the custom manufacture of furniture from wood panels, Lelong & Cie has been located in Lizy-sur-Ourcq, Seine-et-Marne, since 1987. The company, with its 3,600 m² workshop, serves various sectors including retail, hospitality, and offices.
Following its acquisition in 2021 by Denis Bourbonneux, the ambition is to continue development by leveraging historical know-how. The entrepreneur, who transitioned from intrapreneurship, advocates for gradual evolution, 'Chi va piano va sano,' to avoid destabilizing the company and its employees.
The main industrial challenge lies in skills. Facing a shortage of qualified profiles, exacerbated by the distance to training centers, Lelong & Cie is exploring apprenticeships and internal training. Developing expertise is seen as crucial for future growth.
The territorial base in Lizy-sur-Ourcq is strategic, offering a balance between affordable land and proximity to the Parisian activity hub. A significant relocation would risk losing key skills.
The company's social and environmental responsibility (CSR) is reflected in the use of panels incorporating recycled materials and in improving working conditions, particularly reducing the strain of handling heavy parts.
To prepare for the future, Denis Bourbonneux is considering external growth through the acquisition of a company with complementary skills, aiming to broaden the client offering. This strategy seeks to enhance Lelong & Cie's 'robustness' in an uncertain environment, rather than just performance.
Finally, preparing for business transmission is a major challenge. Denis Bourbonneux emphasizes the importance of anticipation for future sellers, to find buyers in a complex economic climate.
