Initially established as Etic, the company has since become part of Copper Solutions, a move that strengthens its position within the broader industry while retaining its core identity and commitment to its established practices. Despite the evolving market landscape and the presence of large European groups as competitors, the company has carved out a significant position, proudly ranking as the second-largest distributor of copper tubes in the French market. Their impressive output of around 3000 tonnes in production and trading annually underscores their manufacturing capabilities and their commitment to serving a diverse clientele. 

While Etic/Copper Solutions caters to the French market extensively, their ambition extends beyond national borders. They have successfully established export channels across Europe and into North Africa, including key markets like Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. This international reach, however, comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in navigating the complexities of cross-border trade and connecting with the right international partners. 

It was precisely this need for effective international outreach that led to the collaboration with europages. Recognizing europages' strong presence and reputation as a leading B2B platform, particularly within Europe and North Africa, Christophe Servais and his team saw it as a strategic avenue to connect with potential clients in these key export markets. 

Reaching international markets  

The collaboration with europages has proven to be a significant catalyst for  
the company’s international success. Christophe Servais highlights the platform's effectiveness in reaching African clients directly: "That's why we have made some deals with europages because it is a well-known support for reaching business experts and extending their visibility online." The results speak for themselves. Through their europages presence, the company successfully secured four major deals with clients in Algeria, each valued at approximately €250,000. This translates to a substantial volume of around 100 tonnes of copper tubes shipped in four containers. The significant turnover of nearly €1 million from these deals alone underscores the tangible impact of their europages partnership. 

Christophe Servais vividly recalls the impact of their initial experience with Europages: "It was amazing to realize that serious international buyers actively search for suppliers like us on europages. Thanks to europages, we could connect directly with motivated buyers, cutting down the often-lengthy process of finding new international partners. We went from initial contact to closing deals much faster." 

The quality of leads from europages was a significant contributor to their success. Christophe Servais praised the platform's in-depth company profiles, enabling targeted engagement with businesses actively seeking to buy. He noted, "europages stands out by connecting us with businesses that know exactly what they need, a precision that is vital for achieving real results." 

While acknowledging the importance of a broader online presence, Christophe Servais highlights the distinct advantages of europages for international business: "While we also use other online marketing tools, europages stands out for the quality and focus of its international inquiries. We find the leads to be much more targeted and relevant to our specific offerings." 

Looking towards the future, Christophe Servais emphasizes the role of visibility in their growth strategy and the value of their partnership with europages: "For us, increasing our company's visibility on the right international platforms is crucial. europages has proven to be an effective partner in achieving this, helping us accelerate our reach and connect with valuable new customers." 

Celebrating 30 years of dedication to quality and French manufacturing, Etic/Copper Solutions solutions journey clearly demonstrates how a commitment to excellence, combined with a strategic and effective platform like europages, can be a powerful driver of significant international success. 

 

What we can learn from the company: 

  • Focus on Quality and Control: Maintaining in-house production allows for stringent quality control and builds trust with customers.
  • Strategic International Partnerships: Leveraging platforms like europages can significantly streamline international business development and connect with qualified buyers.
  • Adaptability and Evolution: Becoming part of a larger group like Copper Solutions can provide new opportunities while retaining core values and expertise.
  • Long-Term Vision: 30 years in the industry demonstrates a commitment to the sector and a long-term perspective on growth and market presence.

 

How europages helped the company: 

  • Facilitated Direct Access to International Buyers: europages provided a platform to directly connect with clients in key export markets like Algeria.
  • Generated Significant Sales and Turnover: The partnership resulted in four major deals totaling approximately €1 million in a single year.
  • Provided Qualified Leads: europages inquiries were more precise, with buyers clearly stating their needs and intentions.
  • Enhanced Online Visibility in Target Markets: europages' strong presence in Europe and North Africa helped reach a relevant international audience.