Since 1984, INFACO has been constantly reinventing electric pruning shears, to improve the tool and make it as efficient as possible. After revolutionising pruning with the world's very first electric pruning shears (the Electrocoup), the Tarn-based family business is continuing to expand, driven by the wild audacity of its founder Daniel Delmas (known as Dany). In the previous episode, he talked about the difficult beginnings of setting up a tool that lacked reliability, and the trust that had to be gained in spite of that. In this third episode, we look at a mechanical invention that changed everything: the rack and pinion, followed by the arrival of a new face that marked a turning point for the company.
In the 90s, Dany quickly realised the limitations of the Electrocoup + cam system. The cutting action could not be controlled: once triggered, the blade went to the end of its cutting cycle, with no return possible. So, as is often the case, he tinkers. In his workshop, he designed a rack-and-pinion system to manage the movement more fluidly and precisely: "the difference was obvious", he admits in retrospect.
The idea was so innovative that it inspired the whole industry: today, the majority of professional electric pruning shears on the market use this system. And it's still an invention born in Dany's head and designed in the INFACO workshops.
In the winter of 1994-1995, on the strength of this famous mechanical innovation, the INFACO company launched a brand new model: the F3000. Inspired by the world of Formula 1 and its iconic racing cars, its name evokes speed and performance. The launch was staged through an unprecedented teaser advertising campaign: a "TOP SECRET" case with a simple cable coming out and the promise of an exclusive reveal at Sitevi.
The success was immediate. In just one year, the number of pruning shears in the field rose from 2,000 to over 5,000. The F3000 marked the start of a new sales dynamic, with a more powerful, more reliable and more accomplished product.
The F3000 electric pruning shears are opening new doors on the international scene, after failing to win over Australia a few years ago. In Argentina, people were interested in the tool for pruning maté: a wood that is reputed to be thick, hard and difficult to work. Dany had 5 machines sent over, but they were all stolen at customs! Undaunted, he flew to Argentina with a briefcase to demonstrate the tool on site. And it worked, the powerful tool won him over.
Other countries followed suit and were won over by the product:
As well as simply distributing the tools, the importers become true ambassadors, or even fully-fledged members of the INFACO family.
1996 marked a human turning point in the company with the arrival of Davy Delmas, the son of Daniel Delmas, aged just 16. Cleaning, dismantling, reassembling... he learned the trade from the ground up and with humility, for several years, before joining his father in the "offices". It was he who pushed his father to modernise INFACO, create a website, recruit and grow.
For Dany, reaching the 50-employee mark was a moral challenge. But thanks to Davy, they are entering a new phase of growth, without losing their authenticity. The pillars of the company were recruited at this time: Olivier in production, Greg in quality, Serge (now replaced by Vincent) in administration, Christophe in the design office... All of them still form the Management Committee today.
Even in retirement, Dany keeps an eye on the adventure. His opinion counts, and his family spirit continues to infuse the entire INFACO culture. As he puts it: "It's our soul. And that's indestructible.
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See you soon for episode 4 of our special 40th anniversary series, with an interview with Davy Delmas! To celebrate INFACO's anniversary, the company's key figures look back at its history, from the very first Electrocoup to flagship models such as the F3010, F3015 and F3020.
It's called "INFACO, the series" and it's broadcast all year round on our website and social networks in 10 episodes! Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content!