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Dufour Yachts - History
2004
New Restyling of Interiors on all Model 2004 Dufour GS (Gib'Sea) series with upgraded Moabi Woodwork, Blue Cove stripes, Sail Covers and Interior Cushions. New Gibsea Interior Styling for 2004
Introduction of a new Ocean Cruising Series with the New Dufour 385.
2003
Introduction and launching of the new Dufour 34 and 44
All 3 models of the new high performance cruising series at the Paris Boat show in December 2002
2002
Introduction and launching of the new Gib'Sea 41
Development of a new Dufour High Performance Cruising Series to be launched in the fall of 2002
Fall Introduction and launching of the new Dufour 40
Premiered at the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle in Sept 2002
The Dufour 40 is named "Boat of the Year" in France
2001
Cantiere del Pardo joins Dufour with an investment in the Group
Launching of the Gib'sea 37 and 51
Injection Molding process introduced Injection Molding
2000
Dufour-Yachts Group forecasts a turnover of 650 million francs for the financial year ending in August and boasts a workforce of 800 employees.
In June, Dufour launches the latest in the new Gib'Sea range, the 43 ft, reiterating the qualities of her "smaller sister", the Gib'Sea 33: maximum living space, ease of handling, efficient hull shape and sail plan…
A new power catamaran of futuristic and elegant lines is under study and should see the light of day in the beginning of 2001.
A vast 35 million franc programme for the redevelopment of the production facilities, aiming to extend the workshops and modernise the production lines, is currently nearing completion.
1999
The Gib'Sea 33, and the Duo, the fruit of a new concept "as fast under sail as quick under power" are presented at the Paris Boat Show.
The Atoll range is extended with two new models, the 37 and 50 ft; the three models are renamed Atoll 3, Atoll 4 and Atoll 6, thus conveying the number of cabins available.
Dufour buys into the capital of Kelt.
The management team expands with the addition of an Industrial Manager, an Administrative and Financial Manager and a Marketing and Sales Manager.
The company signs an agreement on the 35 hour week even before the trade agreement.
It pursues its efforts of industrialisation of the production sites.
1998
Born out of an entirely new and revolutionary concept, the first "monomaran" destined for charter, the Atoll 43 arrives on the market.
The company purchases the 16,000 m² factory in Mortagne-sur-Sèvre, built by Jeanneau in 1992, allowing it to build bigger boats.
1997
In May, the group acquires the Port Pin Rolland Marina with 400 in-water berths and 200 dry berths on shore.
In July, Dufour purchases the ACM boatyard, producers of powerboats, and creates the ACM Dufour Power brand.
1996
In October, Dufour purchases the Gibert boatyard located in Marans, Charente Maritime. The company becomes the 2nd largest builder of recreational craft in France.
1995
Dufour launches a new range of yachts: the Classics, with their sober lines, elegant silhouette and spacious and comfortable interiors and with their renowned seakeeping qualities.
1994
Dufour continues its niche policy. The company asserts its intention to concentrate on this indeed limited sector, but which generates a high profit potential.
The company develops a range of catamarans, Nautitech, with the aim of creating a range of leisure craft for the general public.
1991-1992
The Prestige range is expanded with the Prestige 48 and the Prestige 56.
The company employs 70 people and its turnover tops 36 million francs.
The transformation of the company is recognised by the profession which awards Dufour the "Grand Prix d'Excellence" during a ceremony at the 1992 Grand Pavois Boat Show in La Rochelle.
1990
Dufour launches the Prestige 54.
1988
Olivier Poncin, the current president of the Dufour Group, takes over Dufour. He has plenty of unquestionable assets including long years of experience at all levels of the marine business: first of all sales, then construction - he was president for 5 years of the Kirié boatyard in Les Sables d'Olonne.
The Dufour boatyard specialises in the more up-market segment.
The origins
1964, Michel Dufour creates SARL "Stratifié Industriel".
1969, "Stratifié Industriel" takes the name of "Michel Dufour S.A" and Michel Dufour became President and Managing Director.
Launched in 1965 and 1967, the Sylphe and the Arpège enjoyed huge success.
In January 1974, Arpège number 1000 leaves the yard.
After this the company went through some more difficult episodes leading to several successive buy-outs including one by Baron Bich in 1976.
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