A symbol of French-made glassware and the pride of La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin (Loiret), near Orléans, Duralex is appealing to the public.
Starting November 2, French citizens will be able to invest in the glassware company's capital starting at €100, with the goal of raising €5 million. François Marciano, CEO of Scoop Duralex, announced this news on Monday, October 20, 2025, on Ici Orléans radio.
The aim of the operation is to modernize the factory and support its relaunch, one year after it was taken over by its own employees.
This new fund will enable the company to develop its partnership with the Martin-Pouret vinegar factory to launch a line of mustard jars.
Duralex already saved by its employees
Although Duralex escaped closure in 2024, its future remains uncertain. Remember, the company was taken over as a cooperative (SCOP) on August 1, 2024.
Duralex was saved after being placed in receivership by its parent company.
Of the 226 employees at the time, 148 agreed to invest between €500 and €2,000 of their own money to keep their jobs. “The employees did not invest to get rich, but to keep their factory. It will take at least 10 to 15 years before we see any dividends,” François Marciano, CEO of SCOP Duralex, told France 3 last June.
Orders, but no investors
One year later, momentum is building: orders are back, revenue is expected to reach €31 million this year (compared to less than €25 million in 2023), and the company is aiming to break even by 2027.
But the means are still lacking. “We've revived the factory this year, now we need to bring out new products, modernize the machines, bring out new glasses and new packaging. A factory like Duralex needs a lot of investment,” explains François Marciano on France 2.
That is why the company is now launching a second appeal, this time not to its employees, but to the French public. The online fund will open on November 2. “Anyone can invest from €100. It pays 8% per year, is locked in for seven years, and offers an 18% tax reduction,” the CEO told Ici Orléans.
Is it reliable to invest?
But investing in a company like Duralex is not without risk. This was explained by economist Philippe Crevel, CEO of Cercle de l'épargne, on France 2: “Duralex is a company that has experienced difficulties and may experience more in the future. Be careful, there is no capital guarantee, there is a possibility of loss, and the announced return may disappear.”
In the streets of La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, residents are concerned. “I bought my Duralex glasses last year. I think we need to support them, it's an important company for the community,” said one resident interviewed by France 2. Others are more cautious: “I wouldn't invest, but I would be willing to buy from their store.”
The SCOP is focusing on direct sales to consolidate its future. A store has already opened in Orléans, and a café-boutique in Paris.
At the same time, local partnerships are developing, notably with the Martin-Pouret vinegar factory to launch a line of mustard jars. Orléans-based chocolatier Sébastien Papier is also part of this dynamic.
In 2024, the company's 228 jobs had been maintained.
