Exokit rides the wave of van conversions.

Located in Le Légué, on the Saint-Brieuc side, the Saint-Brieuc-based company Exokit, specializing in van conversions, employs nine people. And a Golden Retriever dog: Nova. (Le Télégramme/Benoît Tréhorel)

Created by two friends in November 2020, Exokit now employs nine people. In addition to kit conversions, the Saint-Brieuc company now offers to install furniture, electrify, and insulate any van under the Homad brand.

What is the difference between a good idea and a bad idea? A good one benefits from a tailwind. The other doesn't. By launching Exokit in November 2020, between two waves of health crisis, Raphaël Guigo and Morgan Barroux had keen foresight. The principle: to offer van owners modular kit conversion solutions that are both customizable and easy to assemble.

Relocation and recruitment

Thanks to 3D design and digital machining, the furniture produced in their workshop at the port of Le Légué perfectly fits the bodywork of any vehicle in circulation for less than fifteen years (Volkswagen Transporter, Peugeot Traveller, Ford Transit, etc.). Demanding, conscientious, and attentive, the duo of partners wanted a result that lived up to the promise: clever, adapted, attractive, and above all, robust. "You can slam the door of our furniture, it won't budge," says Morgan.

In two years, the order curve has literally soared. "Between April and December 2021, we designed and manufactured about 120 kits. This year, over the same period, we should approach 350." Direct consequence: Exokit has grown from three to nine employees. Cramped in the 400 m2 located at 8 Quai Armez at the start, the team is now settled at number 10, in 1000 m2. Leased from the Agglo, the premises house offices, workshops, and a showroom.

A developing partner network

Eager to meet the aspirations of a booming market, the company has not only refined its expertise but also developed, since last April, a complementary service offer under the Homad brand. On the menu: complete vehicle conversion, from furniture installation to thermal insulation and electrical system installation. "Now, we are no longer limited to 2m high vans," explains Raphaël. "We convert large vans (such as Fiat Ducato or Citroën Jumper) and leisure activity vehicles (Renault Kangoo or Peugeot Rifter). We also offer to fully customize the vehicle according to the owners' wishes."

To support this development, Homad relies on a network of partners (currently seven) scattered across France. The objective? To meet demand locally and efficiently. "Each installer offers the same range of kits, charges the same prices, and ensures the same quality of follow-up. If needed, we can also train them."

The prospect of hypergrowth

In addition to surf, mountain bike, and "vanlife" enthusiasts, the clientele has expanded to professionals. Local authorities, consultants, and even artisans call on Exokit to configure mobile offices, mobile reception areas, or modular vehicles for professional/personal use. Recently, "large accounts" with two or three-digit orders have taken a close interest in the young company from Côtes d'Armor.

Source: https://www.letelegramme.fr/cotes-darmor/saint-brieuc/bien-dans-le-vent-exokit-surfe-sur-l-amenagement-de-vans-09-10-2022-13196340.php