Specialist seed drill and fertiliser spreader company Sulky Burel is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The French family-owned and run manufacturer was founded in 1936 and recently launched a UK subsidiary.
The 80th anniversary was marked by two events in Brittany, France. During the day SULKY’s 250 employees convened at the company’s La Ferme de l’Epine (Epine Farm) site, which normally serves as its training centre. In the evening SULKY’s Chateaubourg factory underwent a one-off makeover and the Burel family was joined by employees and their partners, plus retired staff at for a special party.
Julien Burel, Chairman of SULKY, thanked his teams with the following words: “It truly warms my heart to be present at this occasion. This evening makes me think back to my grandparents Fabien and Albertine Burel – the founders of our company who made it all possible.
“While 1936 is a long time ago, it feels like yesterday when you think that our company values have not changed at all: straightforwardness, the ability to listen, commitment, trust, and quality. These values have been the very DNA of Sulky for 80 years. They laid the foundations for our brand and reflect our identity. Because we feel so confident, we are busy investing in the future – in terms of innovation and the jobs of tomorrow – so we can continue to develop.”
Sulky moved to a new 20,000m² factory in July 2011 and the French family business continues to invest in industrial plant. Over the past year Sulky has invested more than 700,000 Euros in a new multi-user welding robot and a new press brake for bending and forming sheet metal up to 4m long.
The investments in plant equipment are already paying dividends. Sulky Burel continues to grow and recently achieved sales in excess of 44 million euros, an increase of 3% over the last business year, despite tough trading conditions in the agricultural sector.
