Boris Fabié is the head of the Pénélopéa company based at the HQE business park in La Tieule. The company, which is filing for bankruptcy, leaves 27 employees behind. The manager's explanations.
What is the story of Penelopea?
I worked in photovoltaics in Corsica. For family reasons, I returned to Lozère in 2021. When I returned, I suggested to my former colleagues that they carry out projects here. I therefore created Pénélopéa, in association with a developer, to install power plants and metal structures throughout France. We had to hire installers.
What were the objectives?
We had to install 20 MWp (megawatt-peak) until the end of 2023, hence the recruitments. In September, the developer (who owned 51% of Pénélopéa) was unable to supply, we were only at 6 to 7 MWp. We found ourselves with no margin. The developer has decided to withdraw. I therefore bought back the shares, added to the 49% that I already had, in March 2024.
What happened?
In August, we had an unpaid amount of around €500,000 and an order shortage of more than €1 million. I tried to turn to other actors to support us but it was unsuccessful. I could no longer pay the salaries. The demotivation was general.
What will happen to the 27 employees?
I will submit the file to the commercial court which should order the liquidation of the company. A representative should be appointed to initiate procedures for the economic dismissal of employees. The latter should benefit from the salary guarantee fund (AGS). I found recruitment opportunities in other companies specializing in photovoltaics, a sector that is looking for workers.
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According to FO 48, a layoff plan was announced to employees of the Pénélopéa company in La Tieule
How did you announce the end of the company?
I announced this in a pragmatic way, that there was a cessation of payments and that everything was going to stop.
Do you have any regrets?
From the moment I found myself at the head of the company, we had to develop quickly to increase the number of customers. We didn't have time, the unpaid bill and the termination of contract happened too quickly. One more year and I think the milestone could have been passed. This is not linked to the economic situation.
Did you benefit from public aid to create Pénélopéa?
Absolutely not, the creation of the company was not accompanied by public aid.
France
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