Client testimonial: how the Port of Bordeaux enhances the value of its industrial equipment with Cofiem

In the industrial sector, some projects go beyond the usual scope. This was precisely the case with this operation carried out with the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux, involving the buyback of particularly non-standard industrial equipment.

At the heart of this collaboration lies a simple yet strategic question: how can unused equipment be effectively leveraged, while relying on a trusted partner?

An out-of-spec buyback project
The operation involved an industrial electrical cabinet with exceptional dimensions:

3.10 meters long, 2.10 meters high, with a total weight of 1.6 tons, along with a batch of drives to be dismantled.

A technically demanding project, but above all an opportunity for the client to recover value from industrial stock that would no longer be used.

It was in this context that we spoke with Alexandre Guillot to reflect on his experience with Cofiem.

“Reselling equipment is very marginal for us”
Prior to this operation, the approach was clear: very limited resale activity, with most equipment being scrapped.

“Overall, we do very little equipment resale. Typically, equipment is scrapped because it is damaged or even completely out of service.”

However, this time, the situation was different.

The Port of Bordeaux found itself with a stock of parts linked to equipment that had been removed from operation—references that had become obsolete in their environment, yet still retained significant residual value.

“We disposed of stock that was linked to equipment we no longer have. We will never use it again, but it still had value. That’s why we decided to resell it and recover that value.”

Cofiem: an already established partner
The relationship between Cofiem and the Port of Bordeaux predates this project.

Historically, interactions focused mainly on the replacement of industrial electronic boards—a key lever to avoid complete equipment replacement.

“We were already working with Cofiem for repairs. We thought: why not also try resale? Perhaps they have potential clients who could put this equipment back into service elsewhere.”

This reflex highlights a common industrial challenge: relying on a trusted partner when making an unusual or potentially risky decision.

A smooth and predictable collaboration
On this project, as on previous ones, the feedback is unequivocal:

“It’s always fast, always cordial. Our companies have been working together for several years, with different contacts, and it has always gone very well.”

Beyond the quality of the relationship, two aspects stand out:

• Responsiveness
• Reliability in meeting commitments

“Responses are quick, efficient—never any unpleasant surprises.”

Maintaining installations, avoiding full replacement
One of Cofiem’s key contributions, according to the client, lies in its ability to step in where conventional solutions reach their limits.

“We have an identified partner who can get us out of difficult situations when we have older equipment that is no longer available new. Without replacing these parts, we would have to replace the entire installation.”

This perfectly illustrates the challenges of Maintenance in Operational Condition (MCO):

• extending equipment lifespan
• avoiding heavy capital expenditures
• ensuring continuity of operations

A collaboration summed up in two words
When asked to describe the relationship with Cofiem:

“Professionalism and efficiency.”

Two simple terms that reflect a strong expectation on the industrial side: being able to rely on a partner capable of delivering concrete MCO solutions—quickly and without uncertainty.

Leveraging value rather than suffering from obsolescence
This testimonial highlights an on-the-ground reality: the resale of industrial equipment remains underutilized, often due to a lack of suitable solutions or visibility.

Yet, as demonstrated here, it can become a powerful lever:

• recovering value from idle inventory
• optimizing costs
• contributing to a more sustainable industrial approach