History: half a century of innovation
Created in 1962, the distinguishing feature of the Marais Group is a constant spirit of innovation which has enabled the filing of 25 patents since the company’s creation. The Marais Group is one of the main actors in the liberalisation of Telecommunications in France and in Europe.
1962: Our origins
In 1962, a businessman, Mr Marais, located in the region of Sarthe, filed a patent for a trenching wheel designed to install agricultural drains: That was the starting date for the Marais Wheel.
1974: Mechanised installation, a firm which has always been at the peak of innovation
In 1974, the administration of Post and Telecommunications decided to place 40,000 km of its network underground. Mr Marais then adapted his trenches to the new requirements of the ground that it would encounter. The firm invented the “mechanised installation” casing, and the sideways travel of the wheel and of the casing to facilitate working of the sides of roads.
1974 - 1993: A company in permanent development
Between 1974 and 1993, 40 trenchers were constructed and rented to Civil Engineering Companies which put cables and telecommunications, electricity, gas, water, etc networks underground.
1993: The company is still going upwards
In July 19993, Mr Marais, then aged 63, sold his company to Mr Rivard who already had a long and solid experience in the construction of trenches.
1995 - 1997: An international dimension
In order to reinforce its business, the company acquired new markets overseas: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Columbia, Mexico, USA, Canada which would quickly represent 30% of its turnover.
1998 - 2000: Innovative installation technology, Marais at the heart of the telecommunications revolution
The world-wide liberalisation of telecommunications associated with the rapid technological development enabled Marais to move forward once again and to position itself as the unassailable leader in the mechanised installation process.
1998: Creation of LD Com and of LD Cable: In the space of 3 years, 12,000 kilometres of telecommunication networks were constructed under the management of Daniel Rivard. At the same time, 600 kilometres of local loop were installed. A new micro-trenching process called “Cleanfast” was then developed.
2001: Getting into new trades, more integration
Forming of Marais Contracting on the 1st March 2001. This new entity is dedicated to piloting turn-key projects for telecommunication in partnership with civil engineering companies.
Forming of Marais Concession, a company designed for the management and operation of high flow “turn-key” networks for local governmental entities.
Forming of “Marais Services”, this new company is dedicated to the construction; rental and sale of trenchers enabling mechanised installation of telecommunication and energy networks.
2002 - 2008: Still more innovation
The Marais Group developed new installation processes enabling the deployment of networks even more quickly, economically and cleanly. The purpose being to anticipate the requirements in the markets of tomorrow and to respond by a suitable and personalised range of products:
2002: Development of “Cleanfast” on a vacuum truck.
2003: Development of “Meteor” for the deployment of fibre optic along motorways.
2004: Development of “Urbagaz” for deployment of gas networks in town.
2005: Development of the “SM400 chain trencher” for installing large dimension trenches.
2007: Development of the “Sidecut” for the deployment of “‘FTTH”.optical fibre networks under footpaths.
2008: Absorption of Marais Contracting by Marais Services to become “Marais Contracting Services”. This company brings the business of the two preceding companies together.
> At the same time, the internalisation of the Marais Group continues:
2005: Creation of “Marais Maroc”
2006: Creation of “Marais Algeria”
2007: Creation of “Marais Trenching” in South Africa
2008: Creation of “Marais Lucas Technologies” in Australia and of “Atlas Marais Contracting” in the United Arab Emirates.