20 years ago, observing the lack of standardisation in construction, brothers Vincent & Dominique Lyonnet created a unique model: ready-to-assemble metal buildings, resulting in a dynamic and innovative company.
batimentsmoinschers.com is a homegrown brand that specialises in the design and online sale of kit buildings. Over the years, the group has established itself as one of the European market leaders, supplying their goods to different parts of the world. “Our goal was to create a functional building at a lower cost for businesses of all sizes. Our buildings are perfect on budget.,” says Vincent Lyonnet, co-founder of batimentsmoinschers.com.
Dominique founded the company in 2001 after recognizing the challenges faced by farmers and small businesses. He realized that constructing a business structure was a major expense and time-consuming task.
“Pricing, functionality, and sustainability were key”, emphasizes the co-founder. “Customers wanted an IKEA for buildings—easy to erect, strong, and high quality.”
Global footprint and quality assurance
The metal market is experiencing steady growth, and batimentsmoinschers.com adapts to different markets’ needs. In Africa, they cater to basic infrastructure requirements, while in Europe, they focus on renovations, temporary setups, and side projects. Currently, their top markets include France, Belgium, Slovenia, Croatia, and Ireland.
“Quality is our principal focus. We test for extreme weather conditions, including wind speed, snow, and even seismic activity,” details Vincent Lyonnet. “All our products undergo rigorous testing based on the quality of steel and galvanization.”
batimentsmoinschers.com follows a meticulous process, beginning with an assessment of the building site’s climatic conditions. The team prioritizes high-quality standards consistently across all markets. As they put it, “We don’t want to sell in Africa a quality that’s different from what we sell in Europe.” Using advanced software, engineers design and audit each building, ensuring it meets stringent standards before proceeding.
The role of the internet in expansion
batimentsmoinschers.com has leveraged the internet to expand its reach. Initially focusing on providing affordable options via their website, they soon realized the market’s potential was much greater. They pivoted to growing their business as a construction company, educating customers on building requirements and providing comprehensive resources online.
“Fifteen years ago, people had no exposure and sent us messages like, ‘I just want a building to cover my office when it’s raining.’ With all the technical information we provide, they now know exactly what they want and are sure the project will not collapse,” hightlights Vincent Lyonnet, co-founder of batimentsmoinschers.com.
Today, batimentsmoinschers.com exports nearly 99% of its products outside Luxembourg, with a presence in 48 countries, including 28 in Africa. The company has been profitable from day one and continues to grow, with a turnover of more than €50m last year. They seek partners to help expand into untapped areas while maintaining their core values.
Sustainability initiatives
batimentsmoinschers.com uses steel, a material that is infinitely sustainable and recyclable even after 40-50 years. The company minimizes its carbon footprint by attracting leads through its website, social media, and sales executives.
With over 50% of their sales professionals being women, the company emphasizes good corporate governance and social responsibility. Initially focused on saving clients money, they’re heavily investing in sustainability.
Standard-sized buildings are available for immediate purchase, akin to e-commerce, saving cost and time. For customized needs, their sales professionals and engineers collaborate closely with customers.