Savoir-faire in suspenders at Gérard Boyer TTE

Long positioned as a manufacturer for white labeling brands, since its takeover in 2021 by Cédric Granger and Stéphane Rovera the company has embarked on a new chapter. With backgrounds in the world of communications, the two co-directors have embarked on an in-depth project to structure and add value to the company: design of an own brand, development of an advanced personalization tool, diversification of markets. This strategic turnaround was driven by two people with no experience of workshop life, who came to the company in search of a more concrete approach to the product. In this way, Boyer TTE is gradually building a hybrid model, between controlled production and direct visibility of its know-how.

Technicity concentrated in a discreet accessory

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"The suspender is a singular product", says co-director Stéphane Rovera. Behind this accessory lies a technical object whose performance relies on a precise balance between material, assembly and use.

The first issue is that of tension, which "must be good enough to hold the pants, so that they fulfill their function at the time and over time", he explains. This parameter depends directly on the quality of the elastic, the product's central component. Its composition, strength and ability to retain its properties over time are decisive, which involves working closely with suppliers and regular testing of both materials and finished products.

The suspenders also mobilize an assembly of materials with different behaviors: textile, leather and metal. The leather tabs ensure the solidity of the attachment points while providing a visible finish, while the fasteners (clips or buttons) must guarantee an effective hold without altering the garment.

Manufacturing relies on a succession of precise operations, from cutting the bands to final assembly. In particular, the three branches are joined together using special stitching machines, enabling the leather backing to be attached with regularity. On small parts, precision is essential, as the slightest deviation can impact both the comfort and aesthetics of the product. "The suspenders can be made in several ways: X, Y, biclip... we choose the type of fastener, width, length, materials...", explains the co-director. This diversity of configurations, reinforced by the possibilities of customization, multiplies the number of jumpsuits and imposes great rigor in execution. Behind each design lies a succession of technical choices that shape the end use.

A structuring specialization and dedicated production tool

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"Today, we're one of the last manufacturers to live mainly from suspenders", says Stéphane Rovera. This singular positioning structures the company's entire organization. A niche choice that has become a guiding principle. With over 120,000 suspenders produced each year and around 300,000 meters of fabric processed, of which ⅓ is eco-responsible, Boyer TTE relies on a dedicated production tool designed specifically for this product. The workshop works with adapted machines, such as automatic machines for stitching to assemble the branches, guaranteeing regularity and efficiency.

Mastering the know-how is a real challenge and relies on long time: "to have a complete vision of the company, the different methods and stages of garment making, it takes about a year" stress the managers. This is the time needed to understand the diversity of designs, uses and technical constraints.

Internal organization plays a key role in this efficiency. "We try to really share all the company's information, so administrative department employees know what's going on in the workshop and vice versa", explains Stéphane Rovera. This cross-functional approach ensures consistency between development, production and customer relations. The company also relies on a wider ecosystem, including home-based seamstresses, work-study students and partnerships with training establishments, with a view to passing on skills. At the same time, Lean management methods such as 5S have been implemented to optimize flows and structure activity.

Reinventing the suspender: branding, personalization and new markets

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While ready-to-wear remains the company's primary outlet, Boyer TTE has gradually expanded its markets. Professional clothing (craftsmen, hotels, transport), outdoor (hunting, fishing, skiing and hiking), live shows and institutional markets: suspenders now have a multitude of applications. "The suspender was designed for certain uses, but we discovered many others as we went along", testifies the co-director. This ability to adapt enables us to meet a variety of needs, whether functional, aesthetic or specific.

Since taking over the company, a new dynamic has been set in motion. "We thought it was a shame not to tell the story of an 80-year-old company, so we created the Gérard Boyer (founder's name) brand", express the two directors, to bring the work of the hand from the shadows into the light. Launched some two and a half years ago, it is now a direct showcase for the workshop's savoir-faire.

One of the major thrusts of this development is based on customization: "the particularity of our positioning takes shape on our e-commerce site with the possibility of ultra-customization for the consumer", they express. Patterns, colors, width, type of fastener, leather finishes or laser engraving... each customer can configure his product according to his needs. A logic of made-to-measure applied to a product with an industrial volume. This positioning finds particular resonance in certain segments, notably business gifts, during the festive season or local markets. "When you make a purchase, you really feel the pride of working locally", they observe, in a context where traceability and territorial anchoring continue to gain in importance.

Finally, the company is committed to a continuous improvement approach, particularly on environmental issues: integration of recycled materials, valorization of textile offcuts or reflection around the carbon footprint. All these initiatives keep pace with product development and market expectations. Thus, through the suspenders, Boyer TTE demonstrates that a single product can concentrate technicality, savoir-faire and development potential.

To find out more, discover the company profile of Gérard Boyer TTE.