The story of Menuiserie Rafflin began in 1974, when Xavier’s father set up shop in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. After a few years with Sportmer, he founded Menuiserie Rafflin in Grimaud in 1978, before settling permanently in Cogolin five years later.
« Growing up in this world nurtured my fascination for wood from an early age. »
At the age of 15, Xavier embraced the craft and rigorously trained as a carpenter. After obtaining a CAP, a BEP and a BP, at the age of 20 he flew to Montreal and then to England, where he honed his skills working for prestigious houses and creating exceptional projects for the North American and English markets.
Back in France, Xavier joined the family joinery business and perfected his training, obtaining his Brevet de Maîtrise (2003) and Maîtrise Supérieure (2004). Working alongside his father, he learned to master every facet of management, before officially becoming company manager (2008). In 2012, his father retired, at the same time as Xavier was awarded the prestigious title of Master Craftsman, a distinction of excellence held by only 3% of craft businesses.
Over the years, Xavier has fashioned a model in his own image: a single direction, focused on artisanal excellence. “Our partner, KLINE, inspired us to adopt a rigorous, methodical management approach”, structured around a demanding quality manual that precisely defines the company’s organizational layers to guarantee exceptional craftsmanship at every stage.
A visionary and an orchestral conductor, Xavier manages strategies, investments and resources with finesse, ensuring operational excellence and the well-being of his teams.
To meet the modern demands of the joinery industry, Xavier selects the best French and European manufacturers to produce the various parts offered by Rafflin Menuiserie. This collaboration guarantees tight deadlines and rigorous compliance with standards, with certified partners ensuring impeccable quality. “Alongside leaders like K-Line, we are constantly innovating, and our standards are validated every year by Socotec, our exclusive know-how remains dedicated to exceptional works and refined interior fittings.”
Firmly rooted in the present, but committed to the future, Xavier has committed the joinery to an eco-responsible approach, taking care to significantly reduce its ecological impact: solar panels for an energy self-sufficient joinery, sorting and reuse of waste giving new life to materials for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Gulf.
Ongoing efforts that continue to refine sorting, particularly of glazing, choosing above all suppliers who share the same eco-responsible values.
The future looks bright with the construction of an eco-efficient building featuring solar panels and state-of-the-art insulation, optimized storage space and an elegant showroom to showcase the joinery’s creations and our partners’ selections.
Xavier continues to write the future of Menuiserie Rafflin with passion, remaining true to his values and the desire to support his customers with proximity and reliability to bring their most beautiful projects to life.