Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “BTP: Eight News Stories That Shaped the Building”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
Major regional companies involved in the trade or distribution of building materials and tools for the construction sector (BTP) have been at the heart of the industry's news cycle. Here are eight events that marked the year 2025 in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Socoda Strengthens Its Network with the Strategic Arrival of Mabéo
Socoda, France's leading network of independent distributors for building and industrial professionals, reached a strategic milestone in 2025 with the arrival of Mabéo industries. A subsidiary of the Ain-based Martin-Belaysoud group, Mabéo is a key player in the industrial supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) market.
With a turnover of 275 million euros, 660 multi-specialist employees, a national and international presence (Slovakia, Morocco), and recognized expertise in custom technical services, Mabéo strengthens Socoda's collective offering and power.
Change at the Top for Samse
The Isère-based group Samse, a distributor of building materials and tools, announced a reshuffle of its executive leadership at the end of the year. To support Laurent Chameroy, the current CEO, and Gilles Puissant, appointed Deputy CEO in early 2025, Karen Vaylet, previously the group's CFO, will take up the position of Deputy CEO from January 1, 2026.
This trio will be tasked with steering the company's next growth phase. This appointment comes in a context of renewal, marked by the retirements of Arnaud Beriot and Yannick Lopez.
Gedimat Establishes Itself in Sainte-Sigolène
Since June 23, the town of Sainte-Sigolène (Haute-Loire) has been home to a new building materials sales outlet. Named Gedimat alti matériaux, this independent trade business is the result of a partnership between Florent Pichon (33) and Benoît Januel (32), two professionals launching their first business venture.
Located at 8 route de Bonnefont, the outlet benefits from a strategic location. It spans 5,200 m², including 1,200 m² under cover, and offers a generalist range of materials for both building professionals and private individuals.
Mondelin Invests to Internalize Production of Its Levpano
The Loire-based manufacturer Mondelin reached a strategic turning point in 2025 with the modernization of its Ambierle (Loire) site. A one-million-euro investment in a new laser cutting machine now allows it to internalize the fabrication of the winch for its iconic Levpano slab lifter.
This decision marks a genuine local reindustrialization, giving the site full control over key components and strengthening production sovereignty. In the same move, Mondelin unveiled a major innovation: a silent winch that reduces the Levpano's noise level from 85 to 60 decibels.
In Mâcon, Bigmat Reaffirms Its Ambitions
Despite a sluggish market and not very promising prospects, Bigmat France members were determined not to give up at the start of 2025. They reaffirmed this dynamism at the Bigmarket, the annual purchasing trade show held in Mâcon in February.
“While strengthening our commitment to the energy transition, we are betting on diversification and innovation to ensure the longevity of our network,”
stated the then-chairman of the executive board of Bigmat France, Fabio Rinaldi, who has since left his position.
Plattard Négoce Establishes Itself in Saint-Forgeux
The Caladois-based Plattard group, specializing in building materials trade in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, announced in March the integration of its Saint-Forgeux (Rhône) agency under the Plattard négoce banner.
Since 2010, the agency had operated in partnership with Samse, a group that holds a 34% stake in Plattard. The establishment of the agency in Saint-Forgeux, located in the heart of the western Lyon area, allows Plattard to meet the needs of professionals and individuals in the region. Thanks to synergy with the nearby factory, the group benefits from optimized logistics that improves the responsiveness and efficiency of its services.
Quincaillerie Angles Continues Its Expansion in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
In the world of trade and tool sales for professionals, Quincaillerie Angles is making more and more noise. After acquiring eight Toolstation branch stores in September 2024, the Aveyron-based group announced several acquisitions in April.
The first was the addition of Aurelec, an independent electrical equipment distributor. With this acquisition, the Rodez-based group integrates six agencies into its network, including two in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, in Aurillac (15) and Aubière near Clermont-Ferrand (63). A few days later, Quincaillerie Angles announced via LinkedIn the takeover of the company DFI, based in Thoiry, in the Ain department.
Source: Read the original article | Published: December 30, 2025