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SOVAM
Airport Equipment

SOVAM is a manufacturer of airport equipment with a specialisation in military applications, maintenance/MRO, energy transition, and a complete service offer. Based in France, our civil and military equipment ranges are available worldwide.

équipements aéroportuaires civil militaire

+ than 10 equipment launches per year
+ 5% of revenues engaged un R&D

Our expertise is based on 3 certifications

About us

SOVAM : Société des Véhicules André Morin is a french company that manufactures Made In France airport facilities and equipment. We place particular emphasis on the quality of our equipment. SOVAM design, manufacture and sell a range of airport equipment that suits its customers needs : sturdy, strong, easy use and maintenance, creative and high performance. 

équipements aéroportuaires civil militaire

Savoir faire

équipements aéroportuaires civil militaire

Cohesion

équipements aéroportuaires civil militaire

Ethics

MRO Afrique

Customer satisfaction

Design + expertise

Design is at the core of/ is a central component of our strategy. Our experts establish recommendations and developement strategies with your problematics in mind (easy maintenance and longevity).

Our methodology gives rise to targeted, technical products that stand out on the market for their stability and robustness. Design is the catalyst for all our company’s R&D talents! Our forward-looking strategy focuses on innovation for our customers to enhance our product range.

 

  • Triggering key areas of innovation
  • Designing robust, creative, high-performance products
  • Responding proactively to industry requirements
  • Confirm the competitiveness of our offering

History

From car manufacturer to airport equipment manufacturer, travel through the history of SOVAM and its key dates.

équipements aéroportuaires civil militaire

1955

Takeover of the Robert Morin body shop founded in 1930 by his son André Morin.

Creation of SOVAM: Société des Véhicules André Morin.

1960

1962

Creation of the company ETALMOBIL in parallel, whose activity is focused on the construction and marketing of shop trucks.

Marketing of the first commercial vehicle: the ULV (Ultra Light Vehicle) intended for newspaper delivery.

1964

1965

Production of the first model of the SOVAM coupé by Jacques Durand, a vehicle based on a Renault with a Dauphine engine of 850 cm3.

During the Commercial Vehicle Show in Paris (Salon du Véhicule Utilitaire), SOVAM is noticed by airport traffic representatives. The company receives its first orders for airport service vehicles:

  • 10 ramp buses to transport AIR France crews
  • 12 large buses for Orly airport. Called amphidrome, these buses can carry up to 80 passengers.

André Morin receives the design award at the Paris Motor Show

This year also marks the end of the manufacture and marketing of SOVAM sports cars. They were not as successful as expected, despite their fame.

 

The production of airport equipment became the company’s core business. Business was so brisk that SOVAM, which had 300 employees at the time, invested in the construction of a second plant.

1968

1974

SOVAM becomes the GSE supplier for Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which opens on 8 March 1974.

In partnership with a group of international companies, SOVAM is equipping Madagascar airport from start to finish.

1978

1979

Development of the AEROBUS thanks to the support of the Secretariat of State for Research. (Secrétariat d’Etat à la Recherche). 

After one year of intensive tests at Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the AEROBUS/SHUTTLE LIFT, named AL150, was a great success at the Paris International Air Show. (Salon International de l’Aéronautique de Paris).

Construction of the first military vehicle at the request of André Goldman, the Sovamag TC10. The Sovamag equips the Air Force.

1980

1982

SOVAM wins the « Challenge National de l’entreprise Innovatrice » (National Challenge for Innovative Companies), notably with the creation and diversification of its SOVAM AIR products.

The world’s first movable glass passenger boarding bridge is delivered and put into service at Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport.

1993

1994

Separation of activities, the « special vehicles and warehouse vehicles » department becomes

ETALMOBIL S.A. and the « GSE airport equipment » department becomes SOVAM INTERNATIONAL.

Construction of the first self-propelled and air transportable passenger staircase that can be packed in forty-five minutes.

2000

2006

Construction and inauguration of the first telescopic footbridge at Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to accommodate the A380, the dimensions of which were unprecedented at the time.

SOVAM also presents its prototype CT50H A380 catering truck which, in 2009, will provide refuelling during the stopover of the first commercial flight of the AIRBUS A380.

 

SOVAM S.A. innovates with EASYMOV’X, a multidirectional lifting platform with electric motor and four roller wheels. This vehicle is was specially built for Airbus France’s paint shops.

2009

2010

Development and creation of the EASY range, featuring the same chassis and equipment throughout the GSE range.

SOVAM joins Irish investment fund Abbey International Finance.

Abbey International Finance is an independent niche finance firm based in Dublin. The firm seek to work with businesses and entrepreneurs to create tailor-made solutions. Abbey aim to maximise returns from their commercial activities to benefit charitable causes. To date, the firm has supported such causes in excess of €60m.

2017

2019

The 500th equipment made for an Algerian partner is sold. 

SOVAM also presents its prototype CT50H A380 catering truck which, in 2009, will provide refuelling during the stopover of the first commercial flight of the AIRBUS A380.

 

The Retrofit program is launched. 

At the request of Airbus, a long-standing customer, SOVAM is rethinking its fleet of maintenance platforms with 2 objectives in mind:

  • Reduce the cost of renewing an entire fleet
  • To meet the challenges of sustainable development in the aeronautics industry.

The Retrofit solution consists of partially or completely renovating a vehicle. The difference with a standard retrofit lies in the conversion of an internal combustion engine into an electric one.

2021

Careers

Welcome to SOVAM ! Join the adventure and become a member of our team of experts.

 

Our SME is based in Chatillon-sur-Thouet (79200) and has a team of over 60 GSE enthusiasts . We are specialised in the manufacture of airport equipment in both the military and civilian spheres. From maintenance platforms, to baggage tractors and passenger steps, SOVAM offers new and refurbished equipments.

 

 

With decades of savoir-faire, technical and technological success, SOVAM is a pioneer of the aeronautic equipment field.

From beginners to experienced profiles, everybody is welcome. Send us your application !

News

Don’t miss any of our news with our blog : infos on shows, events, new products and more. Discover the GSE industry secrets and technical info on our equipments revealed by our passionate professionals and experts in the field.

Attentiveness and Reactivity

Contact us

You have a question about a product or need information? Contact us now! Reactive and attentive to your needs, we will respond quickly with a personalised answer.

Phone : +33 5 49 95 14 44

Adress : 3 route de la Bressandière, 79200 Châtillon sur Thouet

Opening hours : Monday to Thursday: 8h-12h30 & 13h30-17h – Friday : 8h-12h

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