Saint-Brieuc: they stopped surfing to convert vans and panel vans

Morgan and Raphaël created the company Exokit, and its subsidiary Homad, to offer turnkey van and campervan conversions. A business that is really taking off.

Part of the carpentry team presenting a kit: Alan Lenormand standing, Alexis, Samuel, and Gabin sitting from left to right. ©SMAUVIEL

Morgan Barroux and Raphaël Guigo worked for the same company, in Les Châtelets in Ploufragan (Côtes-d’Armor), which manufactured surfboards with composite materials. They were made redundant in 2017.

From redundant employees to entrepreneurs

“After the business ceased operations, I decided to convert a van for my own needs and go on a trip with my family. I sought to have plans designed in 3D by a professional. This project took on a professional dimension,” says Morgan Barroux, who has since created his own company in Saint-Brieuc.

“Morgan’s idea of carrying out van conversions gained traction. And very quickly, the design and manufacture of furniture took over. We considered developing the business,” adds Raphaël Guigo, who has since become the head of sales and marketing.

No sooner had the two young men mentioned the idea than several relatives, as well as strangers through word of mouth, began knocking on their door. Morgan and Raphaël therefore naturally converted themselves into van converters.

Everything is made on site

Once the prototypes were validated, the Exokit company was founded 2 years ago in Le Légué, on Quai Armez, in premises at Carré Tabarly made available by Saint-Brieuc agglomeration. It even gave birth to a subsidiary, named Homad.

The former is dedicated to the design of furniture for all types of vans, all brands and models under 15 years old and under two meters in height. The latter focuses on even more advanced conversions with vehicle insulation, electrical installation, water reserve, etc.

A former colleague joined the duo, Gabin Harivel, and became production manager. The furniture plans are created in 3D by Alan Lenormand, a technician in the design office, then they arrive at the carpentry department where they are assembled directly before being marketed and shipped as kits.

High-end materials

As for the vehicle insulation part, the materials used come from the Great West or the European Union, such as the foams from Dinan (ADL décoration), the sliding curtains from Maine-et-Loire, the hinges from Austria…

“Cork is sprayed, mixed and applied with a gun on the interior bodywork to obtain homogeneous thermal and sound insulation. Sheep’s wool is added to provide better insulation to fill empty spaces. A wooden board and felt are added to mask the appearance of the cork and provide comfort,” explains Alan.