Can we make highly technological products and rely on traditional knowledge? Betting on “made in France” and positioning yourself as a global player? The manufacturer of high-fidelity loudspeakers Focal demonstrates this, to the point of having made the decision to repatriate in 2019 a production line that it had in China, to install it in its historic site of Saint-Etienne. In 2007, the company also acquired its own cabinetmaking by buying one in Bourbon-Lancy (Saône-et-Loire). Objective: to fully control its production chain, in order to be able to offer quality products. And for good reason, the company offers in its catalog pairs of speakers at 200,000 euros. At this price level, no detail can be left to chance.
This can be seen in the Bourbon-Lancy workshop. Before a loudspeaker box leaves the factory, several weeks can pass. Cutting, gluing, varnishing, sanding, lacquering, polishing: almost none of these tasks are automated. We are more into craftsmanship, and the characteristics of each piece (shape, choice of wood and glues) are carefully thought out to obtain the best sound. Each year, a few unique pieces – covered in leather or gold leaf, for example – also come out of the workshop.
The same application is required in Saint-Etienne, where the products are finalized, integrating all the electronic and acoustic components. This is also where Focal builds its loudspeakers, welded by hand and tested one by one by ear by sound experts. There, finally, that the helmets of the brand are assembled. A work of extreme meticulousness, carried out with a magnifying glass and tweezers.
Its wood comes mainly from France
If it cannot claim to be 100% “made in France” – certain materials such as Kevlar or beryllium must be imported – the company strives to approach it. Its wood comes mainly from France, the membranes that equip its loudspeakers are made in Forez (Loire) – some of which, with linen sourced in Normandy. And, on the strength of its good results, it continues to hire: its workforce, of 300 people, should increase by 10% this year.
Its good health, Focal owes it to its solid reputation with an audience of audiophiles, but also to its recent repositioning. After more than forty years of existence, it has made the choice, over the past five years, to also target the luxury clientele. Result: the median bill for a Focal customer is now around 20,000 euros, compared to 8,000 euros four years ago. Turnover jumped 20% in 2021 to 142 million euros, 90% of which was generated abroad.
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