Read the article 
From Ferrand & Frantz to REEL: a pioneering spirit since 1946
In 2017, REEL celebrated its 70th anniversary. The company was founded in 1946 under the name Ferrand & Frantz, by two men with very different backgrounds: Pierre Ferrand, a Lyon-based engineer, and Charles Frantz, a self-taught and highly driven young entrepreneur. Together, they laid the groundwork for what would become a bold and pioneering industrial venture.
Early on, REEL set itself apart by designing and manufacturing mechanical equipment for the emerging nuclear and aerospace industries. In 1951, the development of the first REEL-branded overhead travelling crane marked a turning point. Protected by a patent, this innovation combined lightweight construction, elegance and efficiency—a concept encapsulated in the acronym R.E.E.L.: Rational, Economical, Aesthetic, and Lightweight. International demand soon followed.
70 years of growth, trust and technological milestones
Over the decades, REEL has delivered numerous landmark projects: handling systems for Marcoule, a “Jumbo” drilling gantry for the Mont-Blanc tunnel, 360° suspended work platforms for Air France, and much more. The company steadily expanded into high-tech sectors like nuclear, airport infrastructure, and aluminum production, becoming a key player in the design and delivery of custom lifting and handling equipment.
At the same time, REEL built up strong engineering, manufacturing, and after-sales service capabilities, enabling close and lasting relationships with industrial clients across the globe.
Human values at the heart of long-term success
Despite its international development, REEL has remained true to its core values. Commitment, curiosity, humility, perseverance, and respect have shaped the company’s culture from the beginning. Thanks to its ability to adapt while staying independent, REEL has consistently created long-term value for its partners.
Today, REEL continues to be powered by a unique combination of stability and transformation. Its teams—past and present—have written a remarkable industrial story. And with the same drive that launched the company in 1946, REEL looks confidently toward the future, ready to tackle the next wave of technical challenges.
