HIGHLIGHTS
Over 100 years of creation and innovation, a state of mind that has guided and supported the Group and its members since 1919, the year the original Fornells company was founded.
From engraving to circular economy, ÉKOFAB Group – a forerunner in many fields – is following a trajectory in line with changes in society and the issues that accompany them.
Since then, ÉKOFAB Group has continued on this path. It transforms, diversifies, shapes and enriches itself to keep up with the times.
1919
BIRTH OF FORNELLS
THE ORIGINAL COMPANY.
Édouard Fornells (1887-1942), a master engraver-chiseler of genius, was one of the closest partners of french master glassmaker René Lalique, with whom he worked from 1911.
In 1919, he set up his own workshop on rue Stendhal in Paris, producing molds for perfume bottles for the leading perfumers of the day.
The arrival of bakelite marked the beginning of plastic molding in the workshop.
1972
REVOLUTION
ON THE RACECOURSE.
After manufacturing billiard balls and casino chips, Fornells began its transition to industry with subcontracted production. Using its mastery of injection and extrusion technologies, Fornells quickly developed its own innovative, patented products, notably for outdoor advertising.
Gilbert Fornells, son of the founder and now at the helm of the company, is a horse racing fan and a fertile entrepreneur. He realized that the wooden or metal rails surrounding racecourses were not very safe for jockeys and horses, to say the least.
He was therefore working on a project for a flexible, yet resistant running rail. This led to the patenting of the first flexible synthetic horse rail. Revolutionary, it is now a worldwide standard.
1974
FORNELLS LEAVES PARIS FOR MORE SPACE.
Rails for racecourses, moldings for billboards… Fornells is growing so had to leave Paris as the workshops are overflowing, literally, especially when it comes to making the 12-meter lices that protrude into the street ! The new factory is built in the Seine-et-Marne district, some 70km from Paris. We’re still here.
1980
A LIGHTWEIGHT & SAFE
BARRIER.
After racecourses, the construction site protection sector was shaken up by a major change: the Lutetia barrier.
Driven by the desire to provide safer, more practical solutions for building and civil engineering professionals, while maintaining an optimal level of resistance, the Fornells teams, then headed by Thierry Fournier, developed the first synthetic site barrier.
Much lighter than competing products, it became one of the site fences approved by the City of Paris. This is still the case today, even if the material used is now recycled.
2000
FIRST STEPS TOWARDS CIRCULAR ECONOMY.
Back in 2000, Fornells designed the first barrier based on the principle of the circular economy, recycling and re-use. The principle? Use crushed plastic bottles in the cladding of construction site barriers. It was the start of the road to circular economy to which we are still committed today.
2008
FORNELLS DIVERSIFIES
WITH STARTING GATES.
In 2008, Fornells listened to its customers who made one observation: there was no European manufacturer of starting gates.
So we took advantage of our many skills and know-hows to start manufacturing starting gates. And it’s a success.
In just 5 years, Fornells has become the world’s largest manufacturer of starting stalls.
France, Ireland, Morocco, Germany, the United States… Our stalls can be found on every continent, equipping the world’s best-endowed race, the Saudi Cup.
2010
ON THE ROAD TO CIRCULAR ECONOMY.
Fornells’ teams are starting to think globally about how the company can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
To achieve this, massive investments are being made to implement processes based on the principles of the circular economy.
- Eco-design
- The integration of recycled and recyclable raw materials in our products (up to 100%).
- In-house manufacturing
- Local sourcing of raw materials
- Re-use
- Recycling
- Choice of local subcontractors
Decarbonizing our business is a long-term project, and our strategy is geared towards this objective.
2017
TECRAIL BECOMES OUR PARTNER.
Specialized in equestrian equipment since 2006, TecRail becomes Fornells partner.
Since then, TecRail and Fornells have joined forces to provide even better service to horse racing and equestrian sports sectors all over the world, with products manufactured mainly in France.
Running and arena rails, equestrian barriers, fences… Products dedicated to the equine industry benefit from emulation between the teams and the design office. The aim: to offer durable, robust solutions that enhance equine well-being and make daily life easier for professionals.
2018
CONQUERING THE USA.
Equinox, our American subsidiary, was created to offer the Group’s products in the American construction and equine sectors.
2019
TÉO BECOMES OUR PARTNER IN TURN.
TÉO was created as the Group’s “rental” counterpart, with a view to reducing GHG emissions and offering an additional service to our customers.
It rents out site protection and signage equipment to or construction and events professionals.
TÉO is now the entity dedicated to public works, events and urban planning, offering the sale and rental of a complete range of products dedicated to the above-mentioned sectors.
2019
THE FIRST ECORESPONSIBLE BARRIER.
Following a joint study with the City of Paris, the first construction site barrier to come entirely out of the circular economy is designed by our design office, then manufactured in our workshops. Its gray color comes from the mix of recycled raw materials that make it up. It’s also durable, repairable and recyclable. In short, eco-responsible.
2020
THE GROUP EXPANDS.
TecRail, until then a partner of ÉKOFAB, joins the Group for good, making it a key player in equestrian equipment in France and abroad.
2021 TO TODAY
THE ECO-DESIGNED RANGE GETS BIGGER.
Equestrian rails and barriers are now made from 95% recycled and recyclable raw materials.
The white-shell fence-stand has been manufactured since 2021. Its is a patented ÉKOFAB exclusivity providing greater visibility and safety on building sites.
Finally, our first draining stabilization and protection slabs were designed and manufactured. Made from 100% recycled and recyclable raw materials, they are designed for the public works, construction, agriculture, equine, events and urban planning sectors. For private individuals and professionals alike, they are the ideal alternative to concrete.
2023
COLLABORATION WITH TÉO IS MADE OFFICIAL.
It offers the possibility of renting, a wider range of solutions, and complementary services… The marriage with TÉO seemed only natural. To bring 5* service and products to professionals in the construction, events and urban planning sectors.
2024
CREATION OF ÉKOFAB GROUP.
Simplifying the offer of our various entities: that’s the aim of this major change.
From now on, the structure is simple:
ÉKOFAB Group factory manufactures for its 4 entities:
- TÉKIDÉ (formerly TecRail & Fornells Horse Racing & Equestrian): equestrian and agricultural sectors.
- TÉO: construction, events and urban planning sectors.
- Equinox Racing and Equinox Construction: construction, events and equestrian sectors in the USA.
