LCA Construction Bois in full swing

A result which testifies to the growth of the market with a strong demand for wood materials and an increase in energy renovation projects to which LCA has been able to respond.

An engaging report for the Vendée company which is starting 2022 with numerous projects.

The rise of wood construction

In 2021, the specialist in structural wood construction and the exterior envelope recorded an increase of almost 6 million euros, thus going from 9,6 to 15 million euros in turnover. A significant increase, accompanied by a very strong demand for wood material in structure on very technical sites.

The company has been able to respond to this growth by being avant-garde, particularly in terms of off-site energy renovation. Indeed, the first LCA project on the subject dates back to 2014, the company is now starting its 5th major operation alongside ALTEREA, which aims to deploy large-scale energy renovations of zero-energy social housing ( Sprong energy).

A great year that ended with a distinction confirming its potential, that of the National Construction Prize (closed-covered category) awarded by Le Moniteur.

A disrupted sector

Between difficulties in obtaining supplies, rising prices, recruitment issues, slowdown in public order decision-making linked to COVID-19 and extremely strong activity, 2021 has been a paradoxical year for the wood sector. However, LCA, supplied with 75% French wood, has been able to maintain the pace, adapt and anticipate to avoid shortages.

A strengthened internal organization

Started 2 years ago with Bpifrance, the growth accelerator has enabled the creation of an intermediate team management team.

A necessary project since, despite slow recruitment for players in the wood sector, LCA recruited 21 people, including 6 apprentices, and ended the year with 74 employees in total, i.e. 48% more than in 2020. This new organization is is divided into four major activities: major works, local works, production and support functions.

For Christophe Bonnin, co-director of LCA Bois Construction: “The market outlook is good, despite the shortage of jobs in the sector, we are recruiting good profiles. We need to be vigilant in 2022 again in order to absorb potential hard knocks such as the increase in material prices that we have experienced this year. »

Committed projects

In 2022, LCA is continuing to digitize its services and working methods in order to simplify internal communication and reduce the difficulty of certain tasks. As part of the creation of this intermediate management structure, the management organizes a transfer of know-how in order to continue to improve the skills of employees.

In terms of recruitment, the company expects 20 this year and to accommodate these staff, work to enlarge the social premises (offices, refectory and changing rooms) is underway.

In terms of innovation, LCA will deploy its off-site “WALL-E” wood frame manufacturing workshop (manufacture of wall wall.0). The company has finished delivering its 4th energy renovation project for a college, an R+8 in the Paris region and a high school in Aizenay.

On the development side, LCA is positioning itself on design-build by strengthening the general contracting activity.

A solid wood sector, a promising future

Wood is essential in an environment where it is necessary to decarbonize and will become a real choice of design and structure. Many projects are emerging, in particular thanks to the RE2020 which highlights bio-sourced materials including wood.

This regulation is accelerating the number of energy renovation projects.

LCA, which has seen its turnover increase by 50%, is witness to this, a change in lifestyle and consumption is taking place.

According to the management of LCA Construction Bois, the future lies in intelligent construction which highlights the mix of materials and which integrates a real reflection on the implementation of the site.

For Edouard Bonnin, co-director of LCA Bois Construction: “It is essential to design projects taking into account the durability of materials and respecting the standards associated with the structure and the envelope of the building. »

For Karine Bouhier, LCA co-director: “The Pays de Loire timber industry is doing well in terms of activity; projects are flourishing on the territory and the appeal of wood as a biosourced material is favored by the RE2020; supply has eased, but the recent price fluctuation may cause owners to worry. Several capacity expansion projects are underway. Remains the sinews of war: recruitment, always extremely tense. »