Manutan Group joins GICAT: a new ally in strengthening the resilience and sovereignty of defence supply chains

At a time when France is stepping up its defence industrial capabilities, notably under its 2024–2030 Military Programming Act, strengthening the Defence Technological and Industrial Base (DTIB) depends not only on manufacturers’ production capacity, but also on their ability to secure supplies and ensure business continuity. 

While industrial sovereignty is often discussed in terms of critical raw materials, strategic components and manufacturing capabilities, it also depends on a less visible but equally essential factor: the availability of everyday equipment, materials and supplies without which defence industrial sites cannot operate. By joining GICAT (the French Land and Air-Land Defence and Security Industries Association), Manutan Group, a leading European B2B distributor, is bringing its procurement capabilities and logistics expertise to bear on this strategic challenge: ensuring operational continuity. 

Manutan Group addresses the strategic challenges facing the defence industry 

Against a backdrop of rising defence investment, the performance of the Defence Technological and Industrial Base depends on the strength of the entire ecosystem. Alongside established major defence contractors, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies play a vital role in expanding production capacity and supporting the growth of the sector. 

By joining GICAT, Manutan Group, a French family-owned mid-sized company, is helping to address a need that is often overlooked but nonetheless strategic: ensuring the availability of the equipment, supplies and materials required to keep industrial sites, production workshops and logistics bases running without interruption. 

Founded in 1966, Manutan Group is a French family-owned business operating in 17 European countries. It draws on a network of more than 4,000 suppliers and partners, over 80% of which are based in Europe. This model helps strengthen the resilience of supply chains serving the Defence Technological and Industrial Base, while reducing reliance on suppliers outside Europe. 

This network is also a key source of resilience. The Group has demonstrated its ability to maintain supply continuity, including during periods of severe disruption when many businesses faced shortages. During the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, for example, it mobilised its supplier network to respond swiftly and consistently to the needs of public- and private-sector organisations for protective equipment. 

Supporting the operational needs of defence organisations on the ground

Every industrial site relies on the availability of thousands of items of equipment and supplies. When these are unavailable, operations can slow down or even grind to a halt. 

With more than 850,000 product lines and 13 warehouses across Europe, Manutan Group has developed a logistics model designed to meet a wide range of requirements quickly and deliver to demanding operational environments. The Group supports defence organisations in meeting their operational needs by ensuring product availability, responsiveness and continuity of supply. 

The Group supports defence organisations across a broad range of requirements, including: 

• Day-to-day operations at industrial sites: supplies, equipment, consumables, technical furniture and other essential items needed to keep operations running. 

• Operational logistics: storage, materials handling, lifting and resupply solutions, camp outfitting and equipment maintenance to ensure operational readiness. 

• Personnel protection: safety equipment and accessories. 

• Site and infrastructure security: signage, demarcation and marking solutions that help protect sensitive sites. 

At a time when France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) is prioritising supply chain security and urgent operational requirements, Manutan Group offers a practical response to these challenges. 

Building a long-term partnership 

Joining GICAT marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Manutan Group and the association. 

As a member, Manutan Group will contribute to the work of the defence industry through participation in GICAT’s committees and closer engagement with stakeholders across the Defence Technological and Industrial Base. This will enable the Group to anticipate evolving requirements and develop solutions that are increasingly tailored to the sector’s needs. 

“Recent crises have shown that a high-performing industrial sector must also be able to maintain business continuity, even under severe pressure. This resilience depends on the entire ecosystem and the strength of its supply chains. By joining GICAT, Manutan Group aims to put its logistics expertise at the service of this shared ambition. Our role is to provide long-term support to defence manufacturers, giving them the responsiveness, reliability and continuity of supply they need to fulfil their missions,” says Pierre-Olivier Brial, Chief Executive Officer of Manutan Group. 

“For GICAT, Manutan Group’s arrival highlights the growing importance of securing supplies, logistics and business continuity for defence manufacturers. As Europe’s largest supplier of products and services to businesses, with more than 850,000 product lines, the Group’s membership illustrates the diversity and complementarity of the organisations that contribute to the resilience of our Defence Technological and Industrial Base,” explains Marc Ollier, Managing Director of GICAT. 

About GICAT 

Founded in 1978, GICAT now brings together more than 500 member companies, including major corporations, mid-sized businesses, SMEs and start-ups, representing the full breadth of France’s land and air-land defence and security industry. The association works to enhance its members’ competitiveness, foster dialogue with public authorities, promote innovation and support the sector’s international development. 

GICAT also raises the international profile of the industry by organising the EUROSATORY international exhibition in France and Expodefensa in Colombia through its subsidiary COGES EVENTS. Its activities also include TechTerre, in partnership with the French Army; the International Mountain Troops Summit (SITM); and a network of French pavilions at major international trade shows.