Do you know what a cofferdam is? If you have ever experienced a flood, you may be familiar with this tool. Otherwise, you may have never heard of this flood protection system. Of all sizes, all models, cofferdams help prevent water from entering a house or building. It is in this niche that Sedipec, a company born in Mettray in 2018, works in this niche, based since the beginning of 2024 in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire after having stayed for a time in Mame, in Tours.
Floody’s contribution
“Initially, we wanted to make watertight doors”recalls Jonathan Flahaut, president and co-founder. Very quickly, Sedipec realized that the demand from flood victims mainly concerned cofferdams. “We abandoned the idea of manufacturing to become a distributor. Our products come from France, Germany, Italy, England »he adds. With Pierre-Jean Goupil and David Delannoy, also co-founders, they constitute a network of installers in the country.
Recently, in Vernou-sur-Brenne, a cofferdam was installed on a road.
© (Photos Sedipec)
“Then we decided to diversify, by becoming the website that lists everything we might need in the event of a flood. It’s called Floody, it’s a marketplace (marketplace) online where you can find our Sedipec products and standardized products »explains Pierre-Jean Goupil. We see the famous cofferdams – they can cost from €200 to several thousand euros depending on the model – anti-flood tubes, watertight doors, protective tarpaulins, etc.
Sedipec now works throughout the country, with a majority of private individuals (68%). “We equip 2,500 to 3,000 houses per year. This is a number that is increasing. At the moment, we have between thirty and sixty requests per day”specifies Baptiste Venot, sales manager and partner.
“The risk culture is not present enough”
“Every case is differentcontinues Jonathan Flahaut. Before installation, we pay attention to the topography of the place, the condition of the masonry, and the human profile as well. If we are dealing with an elderly person, we are not going to offer things that are too heavy to carry. » Protections can be removable or permanent. “We check all the vulnerabilities in the house to come up with the right solution. But we will never be able to make a submarine out of it, there will always be a small leak rate”he adds.
Jonathan Flahaut presents an inflatable cofferdam.
© (Photo NR, Julien Pruvost)
Due to the specificity of its profession, Sedipec records peaks of activity at the time of floods, episodes in the Cévennes, or after tragedies like that of Valencia, this fall in Spain. “Here, the risk culture is not present enoughdeplores Jonathan Flahaut. When you see the population, it’s more of a legend. People tell us that the level of the Loire is low and that there is no danger. » However, the river is not the only one to watch. “People are flooded without being in a flood zone. This can come from runoff, soil artificialization, undersized or poorly scrubbed pipes. You can get flooded by your toilet for example,” warns Pierre-Jean Goupil.
Sedipec, 2 avenue Pierre-Gilles-de-Gennes, Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire. Such. 01.87.66.10.20, www.sedipec.com.
Managers: Jonathan Flahaut, president and co-founder, Pierre-Jean Goupil, general manager and co-founder.
Workforce: 20 people.
2023 turnover: 1.4 million euros.
