Presentation of Sotransbois
From our beginnings (1970) to our creation (1990)
The Minucci family has been selling wood since the 1970s, mainly to paper mills (at first).
In 1990, three brothers joined forces. Gérard, Alfred and Giancarlo Minucci set up SOTRANSBOIS SARL (for «Société de Transport de Bois»).
We set up 2km from Rocroi, in the hamlet of Gué-d'Hossus, on the Belgian border.
Paper mill closures and the storm of 1999
At the end of the 1990s, paper mills in the North were closing down one by one. We had to rely more on firewood to replace pulpwood and industrial wood.
What's more, the 1999 storm led to a fall in timber prices, particularly in the Ardennes. This event enabled us to invest and grow.
2000s: modernisation
We were among the first producers to modernise the sale of logs, with standardised packaging such as pallets and boxes.
As well as guaranteeing quantity, this packaging optimises logistics and transport. On our scale, it would be impossible to store wood in bulk.
When we started out, several retailers in Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Belgium already had confidence in us. Over there, there's more demand because there are fewer forests.
Today
Our production is carried out by two large-capacity handsets and several other medium-sized handsets.
Our drying process is natural, requiring a large storage area, buildings and controlled logistics.
Our market has expanded to 800km (for professionals). We now also deliver to Brittany, Benelux, Switzerland, etc., thanks to our charterers and partner carriers.
We still have the same depot, with a surface area of four hectares, on which we have installed several covered storage buildings. Our depot is adjacent to the A304 motorway, which links Champagne-Ardenne to Belgium at Gué-d'Hossus (Rocroi).
Today, only Gérard Minucci is the manager, but we still work as a family (for example, Alfred Minucci is responsible for the logs).
Why choose Sotransbois?
- Low prices, thanks to our production, logistics and location (in the heart of the Ardennes).
- Founded in 1990, with family know-how dating back to 1976.
- Production 100% from Ardennes forests.
- The best types of firewood (hardwoods).
- Large stock all year round, including dry wood.
- Fast, reliable transport, either by us or by a forwarding agent.
- Personalised, local service for every customer.
Why is our value for money exceptional?
Our company is located in the heart of the Ardennes, one of the largest forests in Europe. This gives us easy access to raw materials at very low cost. We use the best species of firewood: oak, hornbeam, ash and beech. Our logistics and production are also optimised.
Are you a retailer? We're your ideal partner. Come and visit us!
Some examples of our loyal customers We work with specialist retailers such as Lebrun Fils,and superstores such as Bricomarché, fish smoking factories such as JC David, pizzerias/bakeries like those in the Leclerc d'Outreau, various factories such as Unilin...
France 3 report on Sotransbois:
Our park filmed by drone:
Are you a retailer or professional? Contact us to set up a partnership, or come and visit us at 2475 Route de Fumay, 08230 Gué-d'Hossus, France.
Our company is located here :
