Expertise and innovation at your service since 1976

The company was founded in 1976 in Bouin and later expanded into a limited company in 1994 in Beauvoir-sur-Mer, close to the oyster farming area of the Bay of Bourgneuf. This area is particularly suitable for oyster nurseries and hatcheries thanks to the richness of its underground waters.

In 1999, the first linear oyster grading machine was designed and marketed under the name “Calibreuse de l’An 2000”. With its patented system, it was quickly adopted by oyster farmers and distributed across the entire French coastline.

In 2002, to meet the needs of marine professionals, HARDOUIN introduced more efficient and quieter circular grading machines with different sorting capacities ranging from 6,000 to 18,500 weighings per hour, and up to 37,000 weighings per hour with two machines. Their 316L stainless steel construction makes them perfectly suited to salty marine environments.

In 2004, innovation continued with the development of a linear system using double-acting pneumatic cylinders for oyster ejection, making the grading machine even faster and more efficient. Hardouin also integrated industrial process technology (PLC systems and touch screens) to improve reliability. This technology allows remote monitoring of machines in France and internationally. All HARDOUIN machines sold before 2004 can be upgraded with this new technology.

In 2007, a design office dedicated to research and development was established.

In 2008, to support small oyster producers, HARDOUIN developed and marketed a compact linear grading machine priced under €20,000.

In 2009, HARDOUIN expanded into the manufacturing of mussel farming equipment, including debyssing machines, mussel grading machines, bagging machines, and cluster separators.

All machines comply with CE standards.

In 2010, HARDOUIN expanded its activities to export markets across Europe.

In 2012, HARDOUIN developed the first linear grading machine with 2D vision technology.

In 2015, this machine began to be commercialized internationally.

Since then, HARDOUIN has built a 4,500 m² production workshop to better meet customer demand.

On April 1st, 2019, SARL HARDOUIN Joël became SAS HARDOUIN. The company is now managed by Mr. Joannic Hardouin, who has been working within the family business for more than 20 years.

Our machines are designed by our in-house engineering department, and prototypes are tested directly with our customers. Oyster handling is essential and remains our top priority when designing our equipment.

All constructions are made of 316L stainless steel with A4 fasteners, ensuring durability and resistance in marine environments.

Our machines require minimal maintenance and after-sales service, thanks to their robust design and easy disassembly.

All electronics and automation systems are integrated into IP65 control cabinets, using components from globally recognized brands.

For human-machine interaction, we use color touchscreens allowing customized controls and providing historical reports for operations and maintenance. Communication is fully digital, enabling connection to computer networks.

Remote maintenance via the internet is available for all our grading machines.

Our shellfish farming machines, designed and manufactured in our workshop, are experiencing strong international growth.