Pichon in the Spotlight on France 3 Rhône-Alpes

Pichon, France’s leading supplier of school equipment, recently welcomed the cameras of France 3 Rhône-Alpes into its headquarters in Le Coteau. The aim of the report: to take viewers behind the scenes of the back-to-school preparation period, a key time for this subsidiary of the Manutan Group. It’s an in-depth look at the heart of operations during peak season. 

Journalist Claire Exbrayat shines a light on the meticulous work carried out by the teams, who are hard at work throughout the summer to supply around 17,000 nursery and primary schools across France. 

To cope with this surge in activity, staffing levels are doubled, reaching up to 230 employees. Each day, nearly 8,000 parcels are assembled, quality-checked and dispatched from a cutting-edge automated warehouse. 

Thierry Cappé, Supply Chain and Customer Services Director for the Manutan Group’s Collectivités Division, explains:
“June and July are the most intense months of our year.”  

Deliveries continue throughout the summer, right up until 30 August, when teaching staff return to school.

In the teachers’ boxes, you’ll find all the essentials: stationery, arts and crafts materials, toys, books… This year, a new category of supplies is gaining ground: inclusive learning tools, such as noise-cancelling headphones designed to support students’ focus and well-being. 

A significant portion of this range is eco-friendly and/or compliant with the AGEC law (anti-waste for a circular economy). This is a real driver for helping schools combine efficiency, environmental responsibility and legal compliance. 

Through this feature, Pichon and its entire team proudly reaffirm their commitment to supporting teachers and making each new school year a success, driven by efficiency, passion and attention to detail.