Catana Group Charts Ambitious Course for Global Catamaran Dominance
Catana Group, a well-established player in the catamaran market, is setting sail on an ambitious strategic plan aimed at solidifying its position as a global leader. With a revenue of €229 million in 2023/2024 and a workforce of 1,400 across four production sites in France, Tunisia, and Portugal, the company already boasts a significant presence. These are complemented by industrial woodworking units and a service base in Port Pin Rolland.
Expansion and Innovation Drive Future Growth
The company’s 2025-2030 strategic plan outlines a bold vision, with fourteen new models planned across its YOT, Catana, Bali, and Seaty brands. This expansion will be supported by over 40,000 m2 of new technical facilities in France and the opening of three new service locations, including one in the United States. The investment, exceeding €130 million, will be primarily funded by the Poncin family.
“This ambitious strategic plan will strengthen the Group’s assets, which will remain a pure-player in the catamaran market,” emphasizes Aurélien Poncin. “Above all, it will further develop our capacity for innovation and our agility, which have been the key factors in our success.”
Innovation at the Forefront
Building on the success of the BALI brand, Catana Group is prioritizing innovation and customer feedback. A new multi-activity center of 55,000 m2, including an R&D center, is under construction in Saint-Jean-d’Hermine, France. This facility will house a design office, a network of technology partners, a materials laboratory, and a prototyping workshop, all designed to accelerate eco-design and reduce the development time for new models.
Modernizing and Strengthening Industrial Capacity
Catana Group is also investing in its industrial infrastructure. The new factory in Aveiro, Portugal, is now dedicated to the production of YOT catamarans. In Canet-en-Roussillon, France, a new 3,000 m2 building will modernize the composites department, while a 25,000 m2 factory for larger units will be built in the SPL2 nautical zone.
Commercial Expansion and Enhanced Services
The Group aims to double its sales in North America by 2030. This goal will be supported by an exclusive agreement with Catamaran Guru, in which Catana Group now holds a 34% stake. The creation of new service bases, including one in the United States, will further enhance its presence in the region.
In the Mediterranean, a 35-year concession in Leucate, France, will enable the creation of a marina dedicated to catamarans, accommodating 80 units. Additionally, a BALI Catamarans Charter rental base is opening in Port Pin Rolland, France, with an initial fleet of six boats, strengthening customer relationships and gathering valuable data for future development.
The Strength of a Family-Owned Model
The Poncin Group emphasizes its family-owned model, characterized by agile, creative, and responsible management. This long-term vision, according to Aurélien Poncin, has enabled the French nautical industry to build its global leadership.
A Legacy and Four Leading Brands
Founded in 1974 by Olivier Poncin, the family-owned Group has diversified and innovated over the decades. Its brands each represent a unique aspect of the catamaran market:
- Catana: Renowned for performance and safety.
- Bali: A pioneer of space and openness with its disruptive concept.
- YOT: Launched in 2023, bringing a modern and playful touch to the power catamaran segment.
- Seaty: Expected in 2025, with an innovative vision of houseboats as floating living or working spaces.
With this strategic plan, the Poncin family Group confirms its ambition to strengthen French excellence in catamaran construction and maintain its position among the world’s top three shipyards.
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