Launched in September 2021, Tolery, the BtoB platform for ordering sheet metal parts, is shaking up a sector that is barely beginning its digital transformation. Because a paper directory listing the sheet metal works of France, here is the only tool available until now to manufacturers to source French suppliers of made-to-measure metal parts. Once the subcontractor has been identified, a quote must be obtained.
“It’s extremely time-consuming, because the sheet metal shops are only just starting to work by email! It takes several weeks to receive the order,” exclaims Arthur Mallet, co-founder of Tolery. An archaic operation at a time when a reliable, fast and qualitative supply is one of the keys to the competitiveness of French factories.
French Tech Scholarship
In the era of Industry 4.0, it is time for the sheet metal sector to make its digital shift. It will be an intermediation platform between manufacturers and sheet metal that Arthur Mallet calls “Tolery”. Specifications ? A fast and smooth purchase journey, from request for quotation to receipt of parts. The project leader finalizes a beta version of the site in eighteen months. A total investment of 50,000 euros financed by a French Tech grant.
Operation for the customer is simple and efficient. An algorithm makes it possible to instantly quantify the estimate and the manufacturing times for custom parts. All that remains is to complete the order and payment in a few clicks. A tracing then makes it possible to follow the routing of the parcel.
The business model? Classic. Tolery is remunerated by taking a commission on transactions. Seducing sheet metal workers is easy. “It’s an industry that has little prospecting. We bring them great business ready to go into production,” explains the co-founder of Tolery.
The importance of SEO
In fact, the first months following the launch are encouraging. Tolery ended 2021 with a turnover of 100,000 euros. “Today, we have 1,500 users, and soon 2,000. We hope to make a turnover of 500 to 700,000 euros in 2022. And double the following year, ”he continues.
Realistic projections? Undoubtedly in view of the market which weighed, in 2017, 4.7 billion euros according to a Global Industry study. To expand its client portfolio, Arthur Mallet relies on Web acquisition through natural referencing, Google campaigns and social networks.
Arthur Mallet, co-founder of Tolery.
– TOLERY
At the same time, the entrepreneur intends to expand the platform’s offer to machining, powder coating, metal welding, etc. With the ambition of creating a champion in sheet metal working with a local network capable of delivering in a short circuit quality parts to French factories. “We are also going to develop this model by offering a connection to large groups so that they can cost and instantly order their parts from their own ERP (integrated management software package) systems. »
Another avenue is the development in 2022 of service software for sheet metal working in 2022. Tolery has already been approached by two funds to open up its capital. The entrepreneur prefers, for the moment, to keep his independence.
