Charles, a historical actor of wood in the nautical industry
The Ratheau group, a wood specialist, bought the Charles brand in 1997. Since then, it has continued the activity of this well-known name in the boating and yachting industry. "It is a name known by all in the sector. We work with small marine carpenters as well as with large shipyards," explains Eric Dequatre, manager of the Challans branch. Two sites are dedicated to the nautical sector in Challans in the Vendée and in Six-Fours Les Plages on the Mediterranean coast.
From plywood panels to machined boat kits
Charles distributes all types of plywood for structural purposes or for fitting out the boat, as well as the material needed to make teak decks. "There are 2 formulas: either the sale of complete marine plywood panels with all varieties: all ply sapelli, okoumé or moabi... Or cut panels with a digital cutting service. This is a growing market for small shipyards and private yachtsmen" explains Eric Dequatre. The cutting is done in the Ratheau group's workshops in the Paris region or with local subcontractors to limit logistics.
Stock and reactivity
Thanks to its 2 locations dedicated to the nautical industry on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and to the support of the 9 other depots of the Ratheau group, the company can offer adapted logistics and a great reactivity to shipyards. The stocks of marine plywood allow us to respond to important requests. "We can deliver within 48 hours in Brittany, on the Atlantic coast or in the south. We can also respond to volume orders" concludes the manager of the Challans branch of the RATHEAU-Charles group.
