Group Stepak Bourdin announces that it has entered into exclusive discussions with a view to acquiring Le Nappage, a leading French industrial player in the single-use tableware sector. This transaction is part of an ambitious and sustainable
industrial project, marking a new stage in the development of the family-owned group.
Le Nappage, a key player in the disposable market
Founded in 1945 and historically based in the Vosges, Le Nappage now employs 150 people at its two French manufacturing sites. A key player in the French tableware sector, the company specialises in the manufacture and marketing of single-use products: non-woven tablecloths and paper placemats, non-woven table runners, pure cellulose wadding and non-woven napkins, and cardboard tableware. Every year it produces 2 billion napkins and 75,000 km of tablecloths.
For the past five years, the company has been operating in a complex economic environment, adversely affected by fluctuations in raw material prices and the challenges of processing. Despite its weakened financial position, Le Nappage retains a strategic position in the market thanks to a number of strengths: a long-standing presence, exceptional industrial and human expertise, and a solid reputation with specialist distributors.
A natural fit for two complementary businesses
Le Nappage and Group Stepak Bourdin share a common industrial history and complementary expertise, making the integration of Le Nappage into the Group a natural and seamless process.
As a long-standing customer of Le Bourray paper mill, Le Nappage is a company that Group Stepak Bourdin knows well, both operationally and in terms of relationships. The Stepak Bourdin Group was therefore a natural choice to acquire Le Nappage. Its integration would strengthen the existing industrial ecosystem, in particular by consolidating the Group’s presence in the supermarket segment, where retailers are increasingly demanding greater agility.
These exclusive negotiations reflect Group Stepak Bourdin stated ambition: to become the French leader in single-use tableware, based on 100% French production capacity on a large scale.
Safeguarding and perpetuating French know-how
True to its commitments and deeply attached to preserving the French industrial fabric, the Stepak Bourdin Group draws on solid experience in company takeovers and turnarounds. In 2019, it helped save the Arjowiggins paper mill in Le Bourray, which was threatened with liquidation, by preserving more than 120 jobs.
The project to take over Le Nappage is part of the same innovative and responsible industrial dynamic. It now involves almost 150 employees and embodies a clear commitment to protecting local jobs, developing existing skills and actively contributing to the economic vitality of the region.
With a shareholder and management structure that is 100% independent and family-owned, the Stepak Bourdin Group intends to continue building a sustainable business model based on the transmission of know-how, local roots and responsible industry. Proud of its industrial heritage, the Group is fully committed to the ecological transition through virtuous practices such as optimised water and energy management, continuous rational production and the use of bio-sourced materials. This commitment has been rewarded by a number of recognised certifications. This project also represents a major opportunity for the next generation, who will carry forward this committed and sustainable vision of the industry with determination and conviction
“The proposed acquisition will enable us to expand the Group significantly at a time when demand for responsible, high-performance French production has never been stronger. Le Nappage, with its local roots, its machinery and its presence in complementary distribution channels, is a major asset in building a resilient and competitive industrial model.”
Céline Bourdin, Chairman of the Stepak Bourdin Group“The economic context of recent years has put our industry to the test, but we have always defended a model based on quality, responsiveness and French production. Entering into discussions with the Stepak Bourdin Group opens up a path full of hope for Le Nappage and its employees. The proposed project sets a clear course that respects our history and looks to the future. Our teams, our expertise and our local roots will be able to continue to shine.”
Didier Destouches, Chairman of Le Nappage and Sodipan Table
Photo : Stepak Bourdin
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