A century-old French sawmill is looking for a buyer or fresh investment after a change of ownership failed to restore its financial position. Weak trading, equipment breakdowns and difficulties rebuilding its sales operation have left the business facing an uncertain future.<\/p>\n
Ateliers Grouazel, based in Saint-Sauveur-des-Landes near Foug\u00e8res in Brittany, has been in court-supervised restructuring since September 9. The business currently employs 28 people.<\/p>\n
The search for a buyer or investor had been extended until November 23. Director Alain Daniel said there had been expressions of interest, although any proposals would have to be examined by the commercial court.<\/p>\n
A hearing is scheduled for November 25. The court\u2019s opening judgment provides for a review of whether the business can continue its recovery process or should enter liquidation if a turnaround proves impossible.<\/p>\n
Daniel attributed the difficulties to a combination of market conditions and problems within the company. Sales activity weakened, while recruitment difficulties prevented the business from building the commercial team needed to develop new business.<\/p>\n
Ageing machinery added to the pressure. Significant breakdowns disrupted production and accelerated the deterioration in the company\u2019s position. Daniel said the scale of the changes required had proved greater than management could complete in the time available.<\/p>\n
The difficulties emerged soon after a major change in ownership. Founded in 1910, the sawmill remained under Grouazel family control until June 2025, when Les Ateliers du Douet became its majority shareholder. The association supports people with disabilities and intended to combine the existing timber business with a wider employment and inclusion project.<\/p>\n
The sawmill has occupied its 9.5-hectare site beside the A84 motorway since 1992. Under the new ownership, the plan was to maintain its existing activities while bringing work from the association\u2019s adapted employment business into the premises.<\/p>\n
Daniel, who also heads Les Ateliers du Douet, said the project had succeeded in integrating workers with disabilities into sawmilling and joinery activities. Commercially, however, the business had been unable to make the changes needed to sustain the operation.<\/p>\n
Interested buyers or investors are being directed to judicial administrator AJIRE, which is handling the sale process.<\/p>\n
The difficulties also affect SAP, the association\u2019s adapted employment business. Its board has decided to cease operations on December 31, 2026, according to Daniel. The planned closure affects 14 employees with disabilities and four supervisory staff.<\/p>\n
SAP had already been financially fragile for several years. The Grouazel project was intended to give it access to new activities and reduce its dependence on bedding production, but that diversification did not develop as planned.<\/p>\n
Daniel said safeguards established when the sawmill was acquired were intended to protect Les Ateliers du Douet itself from the consequences of Grouazel\u2019s financial difficulties.<\/p>\n
The association is now working on alternative employment arrangements for SAP staff. Some may find positions within its existing services, including its ESAT supported-employment facility. Others are receiving assistance to explore jobs with outside employers, with individual support planned during the transition.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A century-old French sawmill is looking for a buyer or fresh investment after a change of ownership failed to restore its financial position. Weak trading, equipment breakdowns and difficulties rebuilding its sales operation have left the business facing an uncertain … Continue reading