FB Procédés celebrates its 30th anniversary! - Bernard Guermonprez

Today we meet Bernard Guermonprez, who will remain the first sales representative employed by FB Procédés. His mission was as challenging as it was exciting, namely to promote our technology in the South-East quarter of France to players in the sanitation sector. When he retired in 2014, after sixteen years of loyal service, he could look back with pride on the work he had accomplished. Our bar screens had won over as many of our potential targets as possible.

Hello Bernard, could you tell us a little about your career before joining FB Procédés?

After obtaining a DUT in mechanical engineering in 1971, my first job was as an industrial draughtsman for a manufacturer of conveyor and handling equipment for industry. I then worked in sales for four years, and in 1978, I was put in charge of training and technical assistance for the Guinard pump sales network. Ten years later, Maroger, a pump manufacturer in Nîmes, welcomed me as a development manager. Then, in 1994, I became sales manager for the South-East region for Mengin pumps, dedicated to wastewater treatment. And finally, in 1998, I started working exclusively for FB Procédés.

What convinced you to join the FB Procédés team when the proposed sector was not at all developed?

During my early years working on pumping and sewage systems, I saw for myself the problems associated with waste in wastewater and stormwater. I was therefore particularly convinced of the need to protect equipment. At the time, however, the systems in place were either static grates or manual baskets with a lot of cleaning constraints, or automatic bar screens that were too complicated in their design and therefore difficult to maintain in good working order.

On this point, and it was immediately obvious to me, FB Procédés bar screens stood out from the crowd, with a technology of unparalleled simplicity.

How did you get started?

Very simply. As the South-East of France is virtually untouched by FB Procédés bar screens, it was imperative to start by demonstrating the value of the proposed system to the people most concerned by these problems, i.e. the operators of wastewater treatment plants, networks and pumping stations.

Afterwards, once the first installations had been made, we knew that "word of mouth" would work in our favor.

Installation of 4 bar screens at the Le Pontet pumping station (Before/After)

Then it all came together completely naturally?

Yes, we did. Once we had proven the quality of our products and established our first references, we went on to target engineering and design departments, water treatment plant builders and public works companies for networks. The greatest satisfaction for us on the sales front is to be able to close the loop, from prescription to order, and even installation and commissioning of the equipment.

What do you consider to be the most significant installations that have inexorably turned the company around?

Without thinking too hard, I immediately thought of the protection of the Le Pontet pumping station and the replacement of static screens with four NI13 type 2000mm wide bar screens, two belt conveyors and also a gangway to access the bar screens. At the time, given the size of the company, this was an enormous challenge, which we rose to perfectly. Similarly, we supplied six XG12 bar screens to the Pierrelatte nuclear power plant.

How do you feel after sixteen years of promoting our technology?

First of all, I'm very happy to have contributed to the company's excellent track record. From the moment I arrived in 1998, I have greatly appreciated the availability, attentiveness and desire to progress of every member of the team. I'd also like to thank Patrick for always giving me free rein in my sales activities, although it's also true that he never regretted accepting my offer of services. The risks were shared at the time.

In conclusion, have you kept a close eye on the sanitation world since your retirement?

To be honest, no. As in previous stages, I've always moved from one to the other with no regrets. In spite of myself, I've left this environment, but I still have fond memories of it.