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HISTORY
Photo taken in 1928.
Great grandfather and grandfather of current leaders.
“The adventure of a family business is also to know how to get through the generations. Each has its own challenges: adapting and evolving, while consolidating know-how and entrepreneurial values. And the passion to serve is intact! The story continues...”
1909
Creation of the company
It all began in 1909 with the great-grandfather of the current managing directors and the creation of the “Messageries Lyonnaises”. Initially, “Transport P. FATTON & Fils” wanted to support a flourishing industry: that of Lyons silks. To do this, the company specializes in importing oatmeal silk from the Far East. Bringing the silk balls from Japan or China and making them available for the work of the canuts is the first service provided by Transports Fatton…
1945
Start of the Road activity
With the trust and loyalty of its customers, Fatton quickly wished to be able to master all stages of transport. As early as 1945, the acquisition of means enabling goods to be transported by road became a necessity. A constant demand for quality of service has made this new offer of solutions a success.
1959
Development of the airline business
With the modernization of Lyons Bron Airport, Fatton opens an office on site. Subsidiaries were subsequently created in New York and Montreal to provide regular links between North America and the Rhône-Alpes region.
1970 - 1979
Consolidation of Road activity
In the early 70s, with the strong development of air transport, FATTON consolidated its presence with operators and decides to open a dedicated office on the site of the new Lyons-Satolas airport (now Lyons Saint-Exupéry). The first freight forwarder to be installed on this airport platform, Fatton maintains its avant-garde position.
These years were punctuated by the development of the Road business. The company has been able to establish stable cooperation agreements to cover the major European routes.
1990 - 2009
New areas of development and start of maritime activity
Fatton opens up its business to the ocean department as volumes to be transported become increasingly large. Customers therefore turn to this mode of transport, which is less expensive and less polluting than air travel.
Thus, offices multiply in France and abroad with the opening of its own branches, investment in subsidiaries and the creation of new networks on all continents. In addition, branches are located in the main ports and airports in France. So Fatton Overseas has about 10 branches in France and a dozen in Europe, America and Asia.
This network is complemented by a network of partners established throughout the world, which makes it possible to address all the needs of companies in both import and export.
These years are the beginning of the development of the logistics activity. It has established itself as a response to its customers’ requests in terms of warehousing and distribution with the idea of providing a comprehensive range of services.
2010 - 2019
Development around Africa and in the Indian ocean
In 2010, FATTON is the first forwarding agent to build a logistics site equipped with a roof of photovoltaic panels in the Lyons Saint-Exupéry airport area.
These nine years were strong in international development with the opening of new branches in Austral Africa (Mauritius, Reunion Island, Madagascar, Seychelles and Johannesburg) and four branches in India. The Overseas business has never been more important and remains the foundation of the group’s activity.
Future objectives
Development of new agencies
For over 100 years, Fatton has been determined to develop according to the needs and objectives of its customers. The Fatton sites will therefore continue to expand around the world in order to support their development and adapt to changes in global economic flows.