General framework of the activity
The Bouhyer Group, a manufacturer of cast iron counterweight since 1913, is a French SME with a worldwide reputation. The group exports more than 90% of its production to the European Community. The BOUHYER Group supports its customers in the design and manufacture of highly technical cast iron parts with elaborate finish levels.
Ancenis, founder site of Groupe Bouhyer
The Bouhyer Group has been established for almost 100 years in Ancenis in Loire-Atlantique. At its beginnings, the site was formerly occupied by a small foundry then specialized in the production of agricultural tools. Since this time the activity has been modernized and the production unit employs more than 300 employees in the Pays d’Ancenis. From 500 tons produced per year in the 1950s, Fonderie Ancenis in background today nearly 80,000 tons. Thanks to the acquisition of the Fonderie Béroudiaux in Revin in the Ardennes in 1996, the Bouhyer group saw its production capacity reach 100,000 tons. This rise in power has made it the European leader in cast iron counterweights.
The entity Loire produces models with weights ranging from 500 kg to 25 tons. One of the particularities of the Ancenis foundry is to use materials for the entire production line, which are 100% recyclable.
A very varied range
The counterweights produced by the Bouhyer Group are in GL cast iron and weight between 500 kg and 25 tonnes (forklifts, shovels, tractors, cranes,…). These are high-tech parts equipped with precision fasteners using machined inserts.
Specific skills in the MRE field
The marine renewable energies sector is a sector in full development that requires a permanent investment in terms of research and innovation. The Bouhyer Group is able to meet this challenge with builders and designers, and bring its know-how and mastery of metalworking. The Design Office is working on the design of ballast and anchors for offshore wind turbines and wind turbines and thus contributes to the technological evolution of the sector and its development.
The counterweights can also take on the role of a keel stabilizing wind for floating energy devices. Their strength and quality of manufacture are a guarantee for long-term use.
Products or services in MRE
Whatever the technology of offshore wind turbine, spar buoy, semi-submersible or TLP (Tension Leg Platform) cast iron weights are an optimal technical solution thanks to the adaptability of the cast iron.
Its metallurgical characteristics give it a durability 5 times greater than steel in marine environment, and make it one of the most economical solutions of the market.
