Timber construction picks up the pace in France

Six months after completing the acquisition of Panofrance, Saint-Gobain Distribution Bâtiment France has confirmed its commitment to developing the timber construction market, both for new construction and renovation.

La construction bois accélère en France
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Timber construction has significant development prospects on the French market in all construction segments. Timber is a popular solution for new buildings (particularly in the context of France’s RE2020 regulations), but it is also suitable for renovations, particularly extensions.

Against this backdrop, Saint-Gobain Distribution Bâtiment France is stepping up its development in the timber construction market with its two specialist brands, Dispano and Panofrance, and its multi-specialist brand POINT.P.

The acquisition of Panofrance and the integration of three MBA (Matériaux et Bois d'Aquitaine) outlets have increased Saint-Gobain Distribution Bâtiment France's national presence in the fast-growing market for timber construction systems. Thus, 50 expert POINT.P branches and 20 Dispano and Panofrance branches will offer customers the commercial and technical skills needed to respond in the field, in addition to providing technical support to the rest of the branches in France (1,000 POINT.P branches, 38 Dispano branches and 23 Panofrance branches).

This national logistics is then structured around a reinforced import system. To provide customers with a range of certified wood products for all wood construction systems, Saint-Gobain Distribution Bâtiment France will rely on its CIBM (Centre Import des Bois et Matériaux) system, which consists of two sites (a platform in La Rochelle and a platform in Heyrieux), and will add a third site in Rouen in September. The CIBM's proven redistribution logistics will thus be able to rely on more than 35,000 m² of covered storage space.

Finally, the experience acquired in purchasing and the rigorous implementation of the wood policy will enable Saint-Gobain Distribution Bâtiment France to develop a rich and tailored offer, including timber from responsible forest management.