2023-08-29 10:18:20
“We have experienced very interesting progress over the past three years”, rejoices Thomas Cardinal, co-manager ofUWL Surfboards with his brother, Renaud. In 1991, these two Rochelais founded this high-end surfboard manufacturing company, unique in its kind in Charente-Maritime.
Installed since 2001 in Angoulins, in the agglomeration of La Rochelle, the managers and their 13 employees are cramped. “We make around 1,000 boards a year. In these premises, we are at the maximum of our capacities”, specifies Renaud Cardinal.
However, demand is there for this family business, which works in particular with major luxury brands such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent as well as brands from the LVMH group (owner of the Parisian – Today in France). “They represent approximately 60% of our turnover,” adds the manager.
Four million euros invested in a new site
UWL Surfboards also sells products of its own brand. “We bring in every year shapers (artisans who make surfboards) from around the world who come to share their knowledge and create with us. Their boards are popular. We have created a Shapers Club with an international reputation,” says Renaud Cardinal.
The company, labeled Living Heritage Company in October, is expanding, to the point of investing four million euros in a new 1,800 m2 building in Marennes, near the island of Oléron. It is due to open in July 2024.
Workshop, surfshop, bar, snack bar, coworking, skatepark… “It will be a real place of life dedicated to the culture of surfing”, smiles the co-manager, who assures that he will recruit several employees in due time to bring this place to life.
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