A NEW MULTI-TRADE SHOWROOM IN CAUDAN

By COM4 - PR Agency Published on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 16:22

Photo credits : ORCAB

Summary for decision-makers

The collaboration between the MCS and CAB cooperatives in Morbihan has led to the opening of a multi-material showroom, showcasing the expertise of 750 craft businesses and creating six jobs. This €4 million investment strengthens access to regional offerings, emphasizing resource sharing, local presence, and specialized support for customers and craftspeople in the Lorient area.

The inauguration was marked by the passing of the Cooperative Flame, a national symbol of mutual support, innovation, and environmental commitment. Supported by ORCAB, these initiatives demonstrate the economic impact of the cooperative model and its driving role in the transformation of the building sector in Brittany and throughout France.

The MCS (plumbing, sanitation, electricity, tiling) and CAB (wood, roofing, fittings) cooperatives are joining forces to create a new generation showroom in Caudan (Morbihan). This space, the second of its kind in France and Brittany under the Artisans Artipôle brand of the ORCAB group, aims to become a reference point for professionals and individuals in the Lorient region looking for inspiration for their construction and renovation projects.

A UNIQUE CONCEPT SUPPORTED BY THE MCS AND CAB COOPERATIVES

A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE FOR A STRONG ECONOMIC IMPACT

The result of the collaboration between the MCS and CAB cooperatives, this exhibition room embodies the pooling of local forces. By investing €4 million, these two entities offer to 750 companies «member craftsmen a showcase promoting their know-how.

This multi-material showroom is a strategic asset: customers will be able to explore all our offerings and benefit from expert advice in a single visit. A project of this magnitude would have been impossible without pooling our resources.. Xavier Le Doussal,Director of the MCS cooperative

“Until now, we had to redirect customers to Plescop.
Today, with this new location, we fully cover the Lorient basin, thus meeting the expectations of our members and end customers. This project has also led to the creation of six full-time jobs. Pascal Coudrais, Director of the CAB cooperative

THE COOPERATIVE FLAME IN CAUDAN: A BRETON STAGE FOCUSED ON COLLECTIVENESS AND INNOVATION

As part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the Tour de France de la Flamme coopérative highlights the identity and values of the cooperative model. by Coop FR, voice of the 23 French cooperative enterprises, This initiative illustrates the territorial anchoring and the links forged between local actors.

On April 17, the Flame passed through Caudan, at the cooperatives' exhibition hall. MCS et CAB, marking a highlight of the inauguration. Cooperative artisans, representatives of WE COOP et COOP FR (grouping of French cooperatives), elected officials and partners from the Lorient sector came together to celebrate cooperation in all its forms.

A STRONG AND ECO-DESIGNED SYMBOL

Evoking mutual aid and inclusiveness, the Flame displays the colors of the four major cooperative families in France. Designed by the Mu Cooperative and manufactured by the Fablab Villette Makers, it embodies ecological commitment: without pyrotechnics, incorporating recyclable materials.

WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE MCS AND CAB COOPERATIVES, MEMBERS OF ORCAB AND SUBSCRIBERS, COOP FR KEEPS THE COOPERATIVE FLAME BRIGHT IN MORBIHAN

WE COOP, the federation of cooperatives of artisans and entrepreneurs in France, brings together and represents cooperatives of artisans, road transport companies, and independent entrepreneurs. 130 cooperatives bringing together 21 businesses, generating a turnover of 000 billion and representing 1,8 jobs.

2025 THE YEAR OF COOPERATIVES DECREED BY THE UN TO HIGHLIGHT COOPERATIVES AROUND THE WORLD

The local cooperative is the best guarantee of business success. It is based on fundamental notions of solidarity, unity, and shared experiences.

"The values and principles of cooperatives make them directly relevant to sustainable development. Participatory decision-making, democratic member control, quality, solidarity, cooperation, and community concern are fundamental principles that underpin cooperatives and enable them to contribute to improving the world." Ms. Paula Narváez, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council

ORCAB, A FORCE AT THE SERVICE OF BUILDING CRAFTSMEN

A true pillar of craft cooperatives in France, ORCAB (Organization of Purchasing Cooperatives for Building Tradespeople) supports and propels businesses towards success. Its expertise, powerful tools, and strong network make it a key player in the creation and development of the group's 41 cooperatives.

JOIN AN ORCAB COOPERATIVE,

IT IS BENEFIT:

from a sharing of experiences and good practices to gain in efficiency.
of tailor-made support: advice, technical training, ecological transition.
privileged access to more than 680 referenced suppliers, guaranteeing optimized purchases.

A FAIR AND VIRTUOUS ECONOMIC MODEL

Management surpluses are redistributed each year to cooperative artisans. By pooling their purchases, members optimize their costs and save valuable time: one working day per week, according to a KPMG study (ORCAB Barometer 1st quarter 2012).

IN 2025: A STRONG COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND DATA

ORCAB is looking to the future with the creation of a commission dedicated to data. Objective: to structure and exploit data to make a strategic tool. A single database will centralize photos and field information, thus enriching the sales platforms of all the cooperatives in the group.

CLEAR ORCAB MISSIONS FOR A CONCRETE IMPACT

Outsource member logistics.
Source, purchase and store goods.
Deliver at the right time, favoring short circuits.
Structuring collective and united success.

ORCAB is a lever for growth for independent artisan cooperatives, a model of effective collaboration and a key player in the transformation of the building industry.

ORCAB IN FIGURES

Founded in 1990, ORCAB, the Organization of Building Trades Purchasing Cooperatives, is the 6th largest National Multi-Specialist Group and the 2nd largest National Wood/Panel/Joinery Group. It has 100 employees (Source: Négoce 2024).

9 ARTISAN MEMBERSHIPS
+ 36 EMPLOYEES including 5 apprentices
41 COOPERATIVES
+ 2 COOP EMPLOYEES
40 EXHIBITION HALLS 2 ADVICE AREAS 28 AGENCIES

WOOD
22 COOPERATIVES - 4 MEMBERS - 890 TURNOVER: €2024 MILLION

PLUMBING, ELECTRICITY
16 COOPERATIVES - 3 MEMBERS - 860 TURNOVER: €2024 MILLION

STRUCTURE
3 COOPERATIVES - 470 MEMBERS - 2024 TURNOVER: €46 MILLION

Frequently Asked Questions for Decision Makers

What are the advantages for a company of joining an ORCAB cooperative?

Members benefit from optimized purchasing through pooling resources, personalized support, technical training, and access to over 680 approved suppliers. Operating surpluses are redistributed annually, and the sharing of experiences enhances collective efficiency.

What economic and territorial impact has the creation of the MCS and CAB exhibition hall in Caudan had?

The shared showroom provides a showcase for the 750 member companies and meets the needs of the Lorient area. This €4 million project has created six full-time jobs and enhances the visibility of local expertise.

How does the cooperative model contribute to sustainable development and innovation?

The cooperative model is based on solidarity, democratic control, and pooling of resources, promoting short supply chains and environmental sustainability. In 2025, a data commission will be created to centralize information, structure innovation, and enhance the efficiency of cooperatives.

Thematic glossary for decision-makers

Multi-material showroom

A space dedicated to showcasing various artisanal products and solutions, allowing customers to discover the full range of local cooperative offerings in a single visit.