Jean-Pierre Blatché joined INFACO in 2006, with 22 years' experience in agricultural machinery distribution. His objective was clear: to join a manufacturer capable of listening to the needs of the field and developing its products. His career path is a perfect illustration of the company's philosophy: proximity, listening, innovation and loyalty. Whether with distributors, importers or end users.
From France to abroad: the challenge of expansion
When he arrived, the company was already well established on the French market and was starting to expand internationally. One of Jean-Pierre's main challenges was to revitalise the distributor network and increase the company's export presence, particularly in the fruit-growing sector. His in-depth knowledge of the national network enabled him to strengthen local relationships while providing a strategic vision for the international market.
Building importer loyalty through service
For Jean-Pierre, winning the loyalty of importers meant more than just selling a machine. He had to provide them with the methods and tools they needed to install and operate the brand's products in their countries: follow-up on servicing, extended warranties, technical support and training. This approach has been decisive in developing exports and reinforcing the reputation of INFACO products as premium, reliable equipment tailored to the needs of professionals.
Listening to the field and human relations, the pillars of development
Jean-Pierre stresses the importance of listening to feedback from the field. Distributors and users are the real ambassadors for our products. Unlike some major manufacturers, where user feedback is often ignored, INFACO puts proximity and responsiveness at the heart of its strategy. As Jean-Pierre points out: " It takes twenty years to have a loyal customer, but 10 minutes to lose one. Over time, these professional relationships have developed into solid friendships. The historic distributors still accompany the company to trade fairs and play an active part in passing on our know-how. This human bond is a key factor in the company's success and international reputation.
The history of the tying machine began with the A3Mv1 and then the A3Mv2. Designed to meet specific market needs and improve wood-pulling machines, it enabled INFACO to test new technical solutions and pave the way for the next generation.
In 2016, faced with the limits of the development of the wood drawer, the company decided to launch a new model: the AT1000. This tying machine was immediately adopted by winegrowers, seduced by the correction of competitors' imperfections and the improved quality of use. As Jean-Pierre recalls: " We immediately saw the smiles on our customers' faces. The AT1000 is a perfect illustration of the brand's DNA: listening to the field, responding to users' real needs and incorporating feedback from the field into the innovation process. This model is the perfect addition to our range of electric pruning shears. It demonstrates the company's commitment to developing reliable, ergonomic, high-performance tools for professionals who attach.
Jean-Pierre Blatché's experience shows that the success of an industrial company depends as much on people as on technology. Proximity to the network, listening to the field, constant innovation and quality are the pillars that enable INFACO to remain a world leader in electric pruning shears and professional equipment for vineyards and arboriculture. Jean-Pierre is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement and remains one of the company's key figures.
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Look out for episode 10 of our special 40th anniversary series very soon, with a joint interview with Angy Delmas and Fabien Resplandy! To celebrate our 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 11 episodes!
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In 1984, Daniel Delmas, founder of INFACO, invented the world’s very first electric pruning shears: the Electrocoup. Since then, INFACO has continued to innovate, with emblematic models such as the F3015 and F3020 pruning shears and technological advances such as ever more powerful lithium batteries.
Choosing an INFACO pruning shear means opting for a long-established French company that pioneered battery-powered pruning shears with the very first Electrocoup in 1984. It also means benefiting from a recognised after-sales service, available spare parts, products designed to last and a network of continuously trained distributors. From the compact kit to the medium kit, each tool is designed to optimise cutting, improve ergonomics and ensure high work capacity with reduced weight. INFACO stands for commitment, loyalty and performance.
The link between INFACO and its distributors means that we are as close as possible to the end customer. It is they who feed back expectations, constraints in the field and suggestions for improvement. These exchanges feed into the internal teams (after-sales service, design office, quality) and enable us to design pruning shears such as the F3020 or F3015 that are ever more adapted. It is this constant dialogue that has been the strength of the INFACO brand for over 40 years.
INFACO relies on ongoing training, demonstrations in the field and local technical support. Each distributor benefits from teaching resources and after-sales advice, and can offer their customers optimum use of the brand’s electric pruning shears. Whether it’s the F3020 model or its accessories (waistcoats, gloves, poles, etc.), the company is committed to guaranteeing the best user experience over the long term.
Distributors and users are involved at a very early stage in the innovation process. Their feedback from the field is analysed by the quality department and incorporated into new developments by the design office, so that we can offer tools that are truly adapted to their needs.
In 1984, INFACO invented the world’s very first electric pruning shears: the Electrocoup. Since then, the company has continued to develop new generations (F3010, F3015, F3020) incorporating the latest technologies such as lithium and brushless motors, always in direct response to the needs of the field and always a step ahead of the competition.
These are the three safety systems currently available on the F3020 pruning shears. Here are their specific features: