An industrial SME in search of technical flexibility
This family-owned industrial company, based in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, designs and manufactures custom equipment for the agri-food sector. With 80 % of its turnover generated in B2B with large accounts, the company relies on a solid organization, recognized technical know-how and a high level of quality requirements. Its internal design office, made up of five engineers and technicians, manages all pre-projects, manufacturing plans and technical follow-up.
Over the years, however, activity has intensified. Projects have become more numerous, more complex and with shorter deadlines. The design office was constantly under pressure, with little margin to absorb workload peaks or late client modifications. Recruiting locally had become difficult, too costly and too slow. Management began to consider an alternative solution : outsourcing part of the design office to Madagascar, with the support of ScaleMyCrew.
Starting with a dedicated draftsman in Madagascar
The approach was pragmatic. The company first tested the model by recruiting an offshore draftsman based in Madagascar and supervised locally by the ScaleMyCrew team. The collaborator was selected based on a technical test on SolidWorks, then trained on the company’s standards, templates and dimensioning methods. He began with simple assignments : plan revisions, corrections, nomenclatures, then gradually took on entire projects under the supervision of the French design office manager.
This rapid skills development helped relieve the design office, improve responsiveness and increase client satisfaction by systematically meeting deadlines. The French team was able to refocus on pure design, client meetings and prototype validation, while the production of plans became smoother. The offshore model proved effective from the very first months.
A structured and expanded team over 18 months
Convinced by the results, the company gradually expanded its setup in Madagascar. An assistant engineer joined the draftsman, responsible for compiling technical documents, preparing supplier consultation files, managing documentation and liaising with procurement. Then a technical administrative assistant was integrated to handle scanning of paper plans, updating technical databases, filing project documents and following up with suppliers.
In less than a year and a half, the technical offshore back-office in Madagascar grew from one to three full-time collaborators, working in ScaleMyCrew’s offices in Antananarivo and fully integrated into the company’s tools : Drive, Teams, ERP and CAD software. The follow-up is smooth, the profiles are stable, and the entire technical document production chain has gained in clarity, reliability and speed.
A measurable operational and financial gain
Two years after the first recruitment, the results are clear. The workload of the French design office has been reduced by 30 %, without impacting quality. Plans are available earlier, nomenclatures are kept up to date, and communication with production is more efficient. The team in Madagascar is now considered an integral part of the project chain.
From a financial perspective, the savings are significant. The total cost of an offshore collaborator is 60 % lower than that of an equivalent position in France, without compromising skills or commitment. The company has been able to free up margin while gaining operational agility. Recruitment in France now focuses on higher value-added profiles, while Madagascar absorbs repetitive tasks, corrections and document management.
Why outsourcing the design office works in Madagascar
The ScaleMyCrew model is based on a dedicated offshore team, 100 % integrated, supervised locally but managed by the client. Unlike classic subcontracting, the profiles recruited in Madagascar are stable, present every day and trained on demand. They work in the client’s tools, follow its processes and are visible in team rituals.
The minimal time difference, fluent French and cultural proximity enable smooth and structured collaboration. The ScaleMyCrew team in Antananarivo manages HR, working conditions, daily supervision, motivation and skills development. The client retains control over technical content and priorities. This hybrid model between recruitment and outsourcing offers a flexible, cost-effective and sustainable solution for industrial SMEs.
A human relationship built over time
Today, the three collaborators in Madagascar take part in quarterly reviews, follow internal training remotely and have built a relationship of trust with French technical managers. They are considered part of the core staff. The offshore model in Madagascar is not only accepted but valued. It has made it possible to secure client deadlines, improve document quality and strengthen the company’s competitiveness against larger competitors.
The team could grow further in the coming months : a second draftsman is being considered, as well as a profile focused on industrial design to support R&D phases. This offshore development is now part of the company’s long-term strategy.
Ready to structure your design office in Madagascar ?
This case shows that it is entirely possible for an industrial SME to build a dedicated, stable and high-performing technical team in Madagascar. The ScaleMyCrew model makes it possible to keep technical control while gaining flexibility, responsiveness and margin.
Are you an industrial company looking to strengthen your design office without overloading your structure in France ? Contact us to create your own offshore team in Madagascar.