The art of the shirt at Atelier Concorde

Under the management since 2023 of Christophe Sauvage, with a wealth of experience in garment making, particularly uniforms, the workshop continues to modernize while remaining true to its quality requirements. Versatility, the transmission of know-how and the optimization of manufacturing processes are part of an approach that is both technical and human, guaranteeing the longevity of this exceptional profession.

Unique Savoir-faire in the service of luxury shirts

Christophe Sauvage, manager of l'Atelier Concorde">

L'Atelier Concorde was born in the 1990s thanks to the buyer, Monsieur Martinez. The business, which employed around a hundred people to make shirts and blouses for mid-range retailers, had to be restructured in 2009, in the face of offshoring, with a repositioning on the luxury side to maintain its activity in France. It was a bold choice, and today Atelier Concorde is one of only four workshops in the region to master the demanding art of luxury shirtmaking: "Shirts are one of the most difficult products to make, as there can be between 15 and 30 parts to assemble, requiring a huge amount of preparation", stresses Christophe Sauvage. Each design mobilizes meticulous savoir-faire and millimetric precision, from fabric cutting to sophisticated finishing.

Each year, 30,000 pieces leave the finishing station, designed with an absolute demand for quality, as evidenced by the near 0% quality return rate. Certain key stages are rigorously automated, notably the garment making of cuffs, buttonholes, capuchin tabs, "The pleats of the gorges which, for example, are made with a special machine in 40 seconds, whereas before it took at least 3 minutes", illustrates Christophe Sauvage. However, technology cannot replace the expertise of the seamstresses. Particular attention is paid to fusing, essential for structuring the garment, where three parameters are scrupulously controlled: temperature, pressure and time.

Finally, ironing and final folding are crucial steps that guarantee an impeccable appearance of the finished product. "This is an extremely important phase. A shirt can be perfectly made, but if it's badly ironed or badly folded, it loses perceived quality", reminds Christophe Sauvage. This absolute demand has earned the workshop a reputation among the greatest Home manufacturers, who seek not only impeccable garment making quality but also the ability to respond to the most complex finishing requirements.

Preservation and modernization of the business

When Christophe Sauvage took over Atelier Concorde in 2023, he was following in his footsteps: "Mr Martinez sold me the company to keep the shirt savoir-faire", he explains, while instilling a modernization dynamic. He began by strengthening the Product development unit, now staffed by two people. He is also working to optimize production by integrating high-performance digital tools such as AriMode's ERP/MES, enabling detailed monitoring of activity. This new organization offers greater visibility and streamlining of flows, guaranteeing optimal compliance with deadlines. "If we want to make quality and adapt to all fabrics, we need recent, high-performance machines", he stresses.

In this logic of continuous improvement, the workshop adopted Lean Management in April 2024, and is now seeing its first results:"on large repetitive lines, it's easy to apply, but on small batches, it's more complicated", admits Christophe Sauvage. This organizational transformation generates the implementation of daily and weekly meetings to reinforce internal communication and team involvement: "The mechanics know what they're doing, what they have to do and why, the actions make sense", explains the manager.

At the same time, substantial adjustments are being made to improve employee comfort and productivity: introduction of ergonomic equipment, reorganization of workspaces and optimization of infrastructures:"we've changed the organization of the workshop so that the steps are more fluid and better structured", explains Christophe Sauvage.

Savoir-faire and sustainability

The excellence of Atelier Concorde rests above all on the expertise of its autonomous and experienced teams, whose average age is now 46. The transmission of savoir-faire is a central issue in ensuring the longevity of the workshop. "It takes about a year for a person to become comfortable, and three years for them to really perform. That's one of the complexities of our business: investing in people all the time, projecting yourself", explains Christophe Sauvage.

Aware of these challenges, the workshop is multiplying initiatives to attract and train a new generation of skilled operators to bolster the workforce currently standing at 58. A partnership has been set up with the Lycée de l'Immaculée in Laval, in collaboration with several workshops in the region via Mode Grand Ouest. The aim? To offer work-study training specialized in couture in fashion and luxury workshops: "we've committed to taking on two work-study students each year, in the hope of recruiting them", explains Christophe Sauvage. Added to this is recruitment by cooptation, which favors the gradual integration of new talent.

But beyond the transmission of savoir-faire, Atelier Concorde must anticipate market developments and meet new expectations, particularly in terms of environmental responsibility. "I'm convinced that tomorrow, carbon impact will be part of workshop selection criteria", asserts the manager. Aware of these issues, the workshop is carrying out an energy audit and has set up a system for recovering fabric cutting offcuts. A "Les Ateliers Engagés" certification is also underway to formalize these commitments.

By combining heritage and innovation, Atelier Concorde proves that garment making for luxury shirts has a promising future. A future that rests on the transmission of savoir-faire, the demand for quality and a constant ability to reinvent itself.

To find out more, discover the company profile of Atelier Concorde.