40 years of the BERTRAND group

A happy 40th anniversary to Garage du Centre in Le Thillot, marking the start of our loyal partner Groupe Bertrand's adventure.

So much progress has been made since he left his father's garage in La Bresse, as founder Guy recalls, supported daily by his wife Marie Thérèse. It's a far cry from that day when he arrived at this 'Garage du Centre' where nothing worked: the lift was broken, every rain turned the garage into a swimming pool, and of course, there was no heating. 

Through hard work and investment, the small garage has grown, expanding into neighbouring premises that were purchased, growing through external acquisitions, Bussang, Rupt sur Moselle, technical inspection centres, long-term leasing...

The arrival of his son Christophe marked an era of particularly rapid new growth in recent years, seeing this family group now boast 300 employees, 7 brands… and a turnover of 90 million euros.

And like all great men, they knew how to invest themselves in the general interest: Chamber of Commerce, Young Leaders' Club...

The company isn't just familial in name; Guy and Christophe are unanimous in praising the qualities of their current and former colleagues, rightly asserting that the group's core values are Humanity and Honesty. The group hires and invests in training.

He is also an example of internal promotion, with two associated directors in the subsidiaries having started their careers as apprentices!

Beyond words, it is actions, a stance, and genuine humanity displayed daily.

What can be said about the Bertrand Family's involvement in the associative world of the Vosges massif, and even beyond now with the Alsatian concessions of Alkirch and Ferrette? We've experienced it for 7 years – a real joy for an organiser.  

An example for everyone, as Gérard Claudel, President of the CCI, reminded us on Saturday in his speech, an example he himself lives with his daughter Emilie and the new venture of the Best Western Le Chapitre in Remiremont.

Bravo!!