From Van to Empire: A Journey Through the Rise and Evolution of Didier Burban’s Pallet Recycling Business

Looking back, Didier Burban reflects on the journey he has taken. At the age of 22, he embarked on a mission to collect used wooden pallets to recycle and resell them, starting with just his van in Nantes. Fast forward 35 years, and he now leads a company with 30 sites and 650 employees in France, including 180 in Loiret. His growth trajectory from opening his first agency in 1989 in Fleury-les-Aubrais was beyond his wildest dreams. Today, his family group is one of the top five players in the market, and likely the leading independent company.

Over the past 35 years, the pallet market often reflects the state of the economy, with fluctuations impacting the business. Despite experiencing a slowdown due to factors like the construction sector crisis, Burban remains optimistic about the future. While 2023 may see a decrease in turnover, Burban is already considering acquiring smaller companies this year and larger ones in 2025 to continue the company’s growth.

As he nears the age of sixty, Burban has no plans of stepping down anytime soon. “Time flies,” he remarks with a smile, envisioning himself at the helm of his company for another decade. The dedication and perseverance that have brought him this far will undoubtedly continue to drive the company forward into the future.

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