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The Catherineau Family – Eight Generations of Craftsmanship and Innovation

The Catherineau family business stands as one of the oldest continuously operating family-owned companies in France, tracing its history back to 1750. Over the course of eight generations, the company has evolved from a small cooperage in Bordeaux into a global leader in luxury aircraft and yacht interiors.

Origins: The First Generation

Mr. Pierre Catherineau (1st Generation, 1750)

The family story begins in 1750, when Pierre Catherineau, a skilled cooper, left Libourne and settled in Bordeaux Bacalan. He opened a workshop on the Quai des Chartrons, initially making barrels before expanding into wagon wheel manufacturing. This marked the beginning of the family’s entrepreneurial tradition of responding to market needs with woodworking expertise.

Atelier Catherineau (1932) & Ateliers Catherineau (2016)

Mr. Pierre Catherineau (2nd Generation)

Pierre’s son succeeded him in 1810, continuing the coopering and carpentry trade. The company issued its first known invoice in 1811.

Mr. Jean Catherineau (3rd Generation)

In the 1820s, Pierre’s grandson Jean Catherineau, a carpenter-entrepreneur, reoriented the company towards ship outfitting. He began fitting out scows and lighters that ferried passengers and goods across the Garonne River. This lucrative business coincided with the rise of paddle steamers and allowed the firm to expand. Jean moved operations to Bacalan, where the workshops remained until 1907.

Mr. Jean- Mr. Achille Catherineau (4th Generation)

In 1886, Jean’s son, Jean-Achille, took over. He diversified the business by expanding into ship repair, maintenance, and wooden patterns for foundries. He built a new workshop and house at 30 rue Achard, Bacalan. His leadership aligned the company with the industrial demands of Bordeaux’s maritime economy.

Mr. Pierre-Georges Catherineau (5th Generation, 1872–1926)

Pierre-Georges, son of Jean-Achille, apprenticed under his uncle Ernest Catherineau, a modeler-mechanic. He later established the modeling-mechanics division, which supported local foundries. As Bordeaux’s shipbuilding declined, this adaptation secured the company’s survival. Pierre-Georges died young in 1926 at age 54. His widow, Jeanne, took temporary control until their son could lead.

Mr. Jean-René Catherineau (6th Generation, 1907–1988)

In 1929, Jean-René, son of Pierre-Georges, assumed leadership. He abandoned his engineering studies due to his father’s passing. Jean-René expanded into isothermal furniture and cold rooms, creating a sales and service network. During WWII, the company’s assets were requisitioned, but Jeanne again safeguarded operations. After the war, Catherineau focused on joinery for buildings and ships, and pattern making for foundries.

By the 1960s, Jean-René took the company into aeronautics, producing wind tunnel models and aircraft interiors for Dassault’s Mystère 10, Mystère 20, Falcon 10, and Falcon 50. This pivot laid the foundation for the company’s future in aerospace.

Consolidation and Innovation: Alain’s Era (1979–2010)

Mr. Alain Catherineau (7th Generation)

Alain, Jean-René’s son, joined in 1972 and became head of the company in 1979. Under his leadership, the firm transformed through diversification and innovation:

• Marine diversification (1979): Created a new division for recreational vessels, partnering with South Hants Marine of Britain.


• Composite innovation (1984): Developed a patented honeycomb composite material that reduced aircraft interior weight by 30%. This breakthrough gave Catherineau a competitive advantage in aerospace.


• Technology adoption (1994): Introduced computer-aided design (CATIA) and automated machining for precision and efficiency.


• VIP completions: Completed interiors for Airbus A330 and A340 VIP aircraft and became a trusted Dassault Falcon outfitter.


• Expansion: Secured “European Union Aviation Safety Agency PART21G” production certification in 2003, allowing broader production approval.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Catherineau had become synonymous with luxury aviation interiors. Alain’s leadership positioned the firm as a premier partner for Dassault, Airbus, and other French aerospace leaders.

Family involvement strengthened: Alain’s wife, Ms. Michèle, chaired the supervisory board, while their daughters, Ms. Anne-Sophie and Ms.Marie, prepared to join.

Comlux_Airbus_ACJ320_VVIP_interior & Mobilier Hélicoptère H225

The Heiresses: Anne-Sophie and Marie (2010–Today)

Ms. Anne-Sophie Catherineau (CEO, 2011–Present)

• Joined in 2006 after earning an engineering degree (Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers) and an MBA (IAE Paris-Sorbonne).


• Oversaw construction of the new 4,600 m² environmentally friendly plant at Bordeaux Aéroparc.


• Became CEO in 2011 at age 30, working alongside her father Alain (CEO until then).


• Promoted gender inclusion, increasing female employees to 10% in a traditionally male industry.


• Diversified into luxury yacht refits, co-founding the Bordeaux Superyachts Refit Cluster (2012) with her mother Michèle.

Ms. Marie Catherineau (Head of R&D, 2013–Present)

• Joined in 2013, with a degree in engineering from ENSP Grenoble and an MSc in Aircraft Structural Design (Toulouse).
• Previously worked as an Airbus structural engineer.
• Leads research and development, managing innovation in new materials, lighter composites, and aerospace standards compliance.

From Pierre the cooper in 1750 to Anne-Sophie and Marie today, the Catherineau family embodies vision, resilience, and innovation. Each generation advanced the business while preserving its woodworking legacy.

Source: Catherineau - Créateur d'aménagements intérieurs de luxe, Case_study_Catherineau.pdf