the essential
50 years ago, Roger Zanella created his transport company. The company has been able to grow and adapt. Today, STVF branded trucks crisscross Europe.
“It all began in 1974, when my father, Roger, a man of vision and ambition, decided to found his own transport company. With few resources but an iron will, he was able to lay the first stones of what would become a solid and respected building in our sector. This is how Thierry Zanella, head of the company Société des transports frigorifiques du Villeneuvois (STFV), along with his sister Karine, presented his father. This year his company is celebrating 50 years of existence, of doubts, of success struggles and of adaptation to new environmental challenges. “Half a century of existence is not simply an anniversary; it is the story of a life, the epic of a family, and the living testimony of a passion transmitted from generation to generation “, continues Thierry Zanella.
And to remember: “With few means but an iron will, he was able to lay the first stones of what would become a solid and respected building in our sector. He worked 6 days a week and the 7th was devoted to maintaining the vehicle or even doing tank welding work because everything was needed to make ends meet. My mother Monique, at his side, was not only his moral support but also a key partner, involved in everyone. the levels of the company until he passed his heavy goods vehicle license in 1985 in order to relieve him and give him a little rest. Together, they shaped a structure that would become our family legacy, to Karine and me.
A tribute to former employees
And to draw on this family heritage to pay tribute, not only to his parents but also to the staff who followed Roger throughout these years. “Some of you here this evening Thierry, Guillaume, Franck, Mickaël, Philippe experienced the 30 years spent at “Cap de l’homme”, where the STFV was born. You all went through what you called the “confessional”, the small office at the back of the family house, which was used for various meetings, but also for my father’s suspenders, you remember it. Even Charles and Marcel heard it from their garage! Roger’s deep, carrying voice.”
The story continues with an important change in 2008. “Their combined efforts quickly bore fruit, allowing the STFV to develop and expand. And then came a major turning point in 2008, that of the move of our undertaken here, at the Zac du Villeneuvois, thanks to the mobilization of stakeholders from the Villeneuve-sur-Lot agglomeration. It was not just a change of address, but the symbol of an evolution, of an adaptation. to the new realities of the market and a growing ambition This move marked a new era for STFV, that of modernization and expansion. the Zac de la Barbière has 3 ha and 4,200 square meters of industrial buildings.
The story continues, Roger and Monique retire. “About fifteen years ago now, you began to gradually pass the torch to the new generation. This transition has been smooth, demonstrating the confidence and preparation that our parents had envisioned to ensure that we continue to grow the company with the same determination.
And to conclude: “By celebrating these 50 years, we pay tribute not only to a glorious past, but also to a promising future. Each person here, and especially you, the employees without forgetting customers and partners, are a part of this that STFV is today. You are all part of this big family.”
