The Haulotte story is one of entrepreneurial gamble, successful family succession and constant adaptation to the challenges of a constantly changing market. To celebrate the group’s 40th anniversary, Pierre Saubot, the company’s founder, and his son Alexandre Saubot, the current CEO, share their perspectives on Haulotte’s past, present and future.
The daring beginnings of an industrial adventure
In 1984, Pierre Saubot bought Pinguely-Haulotte, a gamble he himself described as « insane ».
« I put all my savings into this venture, at a time when French industry was going through a deep crisis. Launching an industrial activity based in France, in the middle of an economic storm, was objectively unreasonable, » he recalls.
Yet his total commitment and daring enabled him to lay the foundations for a company that would become a major player in the aerial work platform sector. « I was passionate about this business, and I knew the team well, having been their competitor. With a healthy dose of semi-youthful recklessness, I felt capable of taking on any challenge, foreseen or unforeseen, » he recounts.
An IPO without losing its family DNA
In the 90s, Haulotte experienced dazzling expansion. The IPO in 1998 marked a major turning point, enabling the company to finance its development while retaining its independence. « All the advice I received at the time was along the same lines: keep the majority shareholding. It was crucial to show that we were still in control and that we had a long-term vision, » explains Pierre Saubot.
This desire to preserve the company’s family identity also guided the handover of leadership to his son, Alexandre. As early as 1999, Pierre was thinking about his succession: « I told myself it was time to ensure the company’s long-term future and prepare for a smooth transition. » After a progressive career within the group, Alexandre Saubot officially took over the management of the company in 2004.
A successful transmission
Alexandre Saubot acknowledges the rigor and clarity with which this handover was organized: « Everything was done to enable me to gradually assume responsibilities. My father first put me in charge of finance, and then let the staff get used to seeing me make decisions. »
When Pierre Saubot officially announced his departure, he applied a strict rule: « The evening I told our teams that Alexandre was their new boss, I didn’t make a single decision. There was to be no confusion. That’s the key to a successful transition. »
This clarity has enabled the company to continue its development smoothly, maintaining a strong guideline and consistent management.
Between continuity and adaptation
While Alexandre Saubot perpetuates Haulotte’s fundamental values, he has also succeeded in creating his own dynamic.
« Every manager has his own style. There’s continuity in our long-term vision and our commitment to our customers, but it was important to adapt the company to the new realities of the market, » he asserts.
One of the major changes under his leadership was the gradual renewal of the management teams.
« Many of my father’s close collaborators retired during this period. This enabled me to put together a team aligned with my vision and the challenges ahead, » he explains.
Facing new market challenges
Today, Haulotte is facing major transformations.
- Electrification and ecological transition: Decarbonization is a key issue. « We need to adapt our products to new environmental standards and reduce our carbon footprint. »
- Digitalization and artificial intelligence: « Haulotte is working on remote maintenance solutions and smarter machines, without sacrificing ease of use. »
- The rise of Chinese competition: the global market is changing rapidly. « To remain competitive, we need to innovate and strengthen our positions
In the face of these challenges, the company is continuing to invest in R&D, with a pragmatic and visionary approach.
Family commitment and preserved independence
Haulotte remains true to its philosophy of independence.
« We have always ensured that we retain a majority shareholding. Our decisions are not dictated by stock market fluctuations, but by our desire to ensure sustainable growth, » emphasizes Alexandre Saubot.
This stability is a guarantee of confidence for the company’s customers, employees and partners:
« A family business means a long-term commitment. It allows us to innovate, invest and guarantee the strategic continuity that is essential in a sector as demanding as ours ».
A message to employees and partners
In conclusion, Alexandre Saubot sends a strong message to those who contribute to Haulotte’s success: « I would like to sincerely thank all the employees and partners who have taken part in this adventure. Their commitment and talent are our greatest strength.«Â
Pierre Saubot, with obvious pride, looks back at the career of the teams and that of his son at the head of Haulotte:
« You can’t say it was easy during the 20 years I was at the helm. It’s even simpler now. And I have great admiration for the way in which, with the old team and the new one, Alexandre has mastered things. With the same boldness and perhaps a little more caution than I did. With the experience I’ve gained, I’m stunned by the way things are going – happily stunned. He was also keen to express his gratitude to those who supported him: « I’d like to thank all those who followed me and who are still here, there are still a few. And I’m very happy about that. Their loyalty to the company, to our project and to Alexandre is precious, and I sincerely thank them for it. »
Alexandre also stresses the importance of being demanding and adaptable in the face of future challenges:
« Benevolence doesn’t mean giving up on being demanding. We have to create the conditions for everyone to give their best. It is with this state of mind, combining ambition and humility, that we will continue to build Haulotte’s future. »
Haulotte is an example of a company that has succeeded in combining family heritage, long-term vision and innovation. From the audacity of Pierre Saubot to the forward-thinking strategy of Alexandre Saubot, history is written with ambition and determination.
By remaining true to its values while embracing the challenges of tomorrow, Haulotte confirms its status as a key player in the sector, ready to continue its ascent to new heights.