Article suggested by André O. Morin
Vice-chair of the board, AGF Group
Le magazine de l’industrie martiniquaise
January – February 2012
In Gros-Morne, in the neigbourhood of Dessaint Petite Lézarde Léon Piéjos runs a concrete reinforcement business, which recently joined the Association martiniquaise pour la promotion de l'industrie. He tells us about his company.
19 years in Gros-Morne
When it comes to metal reinforcement, Léon Piejos knows a thing or two, after 30 years in the business. He started out at ldeca in 1981, and after he was let go in the 1990s, he decided to set up his own business. Working tirelessly day and night, with great courage and tenacity, and help from his children and his brother, Philippe, Léon launched Idea, a company that has been operating in Gros-Morne for 19 years.
The company specializes in reinforcing steel for residential construction. It works in partnership with engineering and design departments, tradespeople, private citizens, communities and hardware suppliers, and produces everything for construction, from retaining walls to foundations and roof coverings?
“We invested heavily—and went deeply into debt—to ensure that we perform well in the market,” says Léon, aware of the key role performance plays in a competitive environment.
There are about a dozen companies active in this sector in Martinique. With 23 employees, in addition to subcontractors, Idea owes its success to the quality and efficacy of its work, which is recognized and appreciated by its customers. It has established a reputation for respecting deadlines, diligence and know-how.
ldea, a company with a social conscience
Closely involved in Gros-Morne’s community life, Léon has made many contacts with young people. In the interest of integrating them into the labour market, he has taken it upon himself to hire several youths to work for his company so they can look forward to a brighter future.
ldea comprises three departments:
- a technical department staffed by three people, who handle orders and interpret plans in order to propose quality reinforcements, tailor-made for customers’ needs. They plan and organize deliveries to ensure that customers are satisfied;
- a workshop that employs machinists, qualified spot welders and labourers;
- an administrative and accounting department.
Idea: issues and outlook
“We didn’t feel the effects of the 2009 strike immediately. It took about six months, and even today, we are living with the consequences. However, thanks to the quality of our work, the welcoming atmosphere at our offices and our hard-working workshop team, our customers are loyal, which enables us to stay on course,” says Léon.
For its supplies and materials, Idea relies on local suppliers, well as those in France; all of the materials used comply with European standards.
Today, the company is thriving and space is at a premium. Léon is therefore making plans to move as soon as possible, in order to be able to welcome his customers in optimal conditions.
Léon Piejos is an attentive manager, always seeking timely solutions to any problems that arise. In conclusion, he says, “I consider this company to be a real family!” The Idea Sarl team thanks the tradespeople and all others who have put their trust in the company for close to 20 years.
