Bernard De Champs de Saint Lever, managing director of Feljas & Masson.

Feljas & Masson was founded in 1962 and quickly recognized a demand on export markets.

“It was only two years after the enterprise’s foundation when the founders Mr. Feljas and Mr. Masson decided to enter markets abroad,” explains Bernard De Champs de Saint Leger, chairman and managing director of Feljas & Masson. “In 1988, Sonepar joined the company and became its major shareholder, positioning Henri Coisne as managing director. The latter took over Feljas & Masson in the course of a leveraged buyout and thus held 95% of the company’s shares.”

At the present time, Bernard de Champs de Saint Leger acts as owner and CEO, caused by an additional leveraged and owner buyout.

“Apart from our headquarters in Laval, France, we maintain a subsidiary in Rosnoblet, as well as foreign subsidiaries in Ethiopia and Algeria with 27 employees,” states the CEO. “We are also present in Gabon and Georgia, but these offices do not have the legal status of a branch.”

A water pump system in Harreza, Algeria.

All in all, the Feljas & Masson Group employs a team of 90 people. “In 2012, we were able to generate an annual turnover of 20 million EUR worldwide,” says Mr. de Champs de Saint Leger. “For 2013, we expect revenues of 23 million EUR.”

Despite decreasing investments caused by economic crises in European countries, Feljas & Masson sees a lot of potential on markets at home and abroad.

“There are over seven billion people in the world, and a large proportion of them still have no access to water, for the population or agriculture,” explains the CEO. “Therefore, being a specialist in the water industry, we provide ready-to-use solutions, for example water pump systems. In general, our core competences cover all imaginable areas of the water market, including the finding, pumping, storing, processing and distribution of water.”

The company specializes in turnkey solutions for the water segment.

In addition to drinking water products, the French enterprise also focuses on sewage and rain water systems as well as irrigation solutions.

“In terms of our services, we specialize in both the installation of new systems and in maintenance and modernization of existing structures,” states Mr. De Champs de Saint Leger. “Components of high value are manufactured or bought in Laval, the remaining parts are usually provided by local suppliers. By these means, our competitiveness is ensured.”

These comprehensive products and services are appreciated by numerous customer groups. “Some of our target groups include states which operate irrigation projects,” says the CEO. “Furthermore, municipalities that strive to develop the public water supply make use of our solutions. The same accounts for thermal or gas-fired power plants, agricultural facilities or a few private industrial clients, for example fertilizer manufacturers.”

Feljas & Masson installed a water system in Gravigny, France.

About 80% of Feljas & Masson’s revenues are generated on foreign markets. “We have references in more than 50 countries around the world,” explains Mr. De Champs de Saint Leger. “Often, these come about through international tenders.”

In the future, the French company strives to enhance its business even further. “We are confident and still have good years ahead of us,” states the CEO. “In the time to come, we want to become active in Central and South American markets. With our widespread competences, excellent references and abilities to optimize existing structures, we are optimistic about the future.”