RIB AUTO MOTO was founded in 1966 by Michel Ribette as a company specializing in the manufacture of accessories for auto and motorcycle racing. The company expanded its business and built its reputation through the sale of jackets, boots, suits, and reinforced gloves designed for track driving.
The History of the RIB Brand in 5 Minutes
The beginnings of the RIB brand
RIB products were made using a range of materials, including cotton, nylon and leather, enabling the company to manufacture high-quality, durable technical products. The RIB leather jacket, available in a variety of cuts and colours, became one of the brand’s iconic products.
The company subsequently specialised in the manufacture of bucket seats for limited-edition sports and leisure vehicles (Visa Chrono, JP4, Renault 5 Belle-Île, etc.), as well as competition seats for both track racing and off-road use.
Filing for bankruptcy
In 1981, RIB AUTO MOTO filed for bankruptcy, and six of the employees at the time decided to take over the company as a worker-owned cooperative (SCOP) in order to preserve their production facilities and expertise in automotive upholstery. SCOPEMA SARL, a worker-owned cooperative for the production of motorcycle and automotive equipment, was thus founded on June 1, 1981, with Geneviève Ribette as managing director. All products continued to be sold under the RIB brand, which already enjoyed widespread recognition across Europe at the time; consequently, it’s therefore SCOPEMA that manufacture the RIB products.
Product diversification
The company’s diversification continued in 1986 with the production of seats for license-free cars and motorhomes, leading to a gradual shift in seat manufacturing methods from polyester frames to metal frames. Since 1986, SCOPEMA began focusing mainly on the motorhome market, expanding its product line to include reversible and convertible benchseats.
Thanks to its extensive and constantly improving product line, the company began exporting abroad in 1992, which helped the RIB brand gain recognition around the world. This necessitated obtaining European certifications for the entire range of RIB benches starting in 1993.
Subsequently, SCOPEMA continued to expand its product line with the introduction of swivel bases in 1994.
As the RIB brand was closely associated with high-end products, two new brands were created in 1995: Le Sellier, dedicated to upholstery products (covers, cushions, curtains, etc.), and Jocker, for entry-level benchseats and seats.
SCOPEMA continues to develop and improve RIB products, and in 2023 launched version 3 of its swivel bases, offering reduced weight and thickness, a more attractive price, and availability within 24 hours (except for the UK version).
From 2024, production began on bench seats on fixed and sliding rails, bringing the motorhome market a customisable seating solution that can be adapted to users’ needs depending on the vehicle.
Continuous Development
Thanks to our new factory, inaugurated in 2022 and still located in Oradour-sur-Vayres, we now have high-performance equipment that enables us to optimise the production of RIB products. In addition, our former factory has been converted into a testing center, giving our R&D team the resources to move more quickly through the product approval and certification process.
Our products continue to evolve, but their quality and your satisfaction remain at the heart of everything we do. All RIB products are still 100% made in France at our factory in Oradour-sur-Vayres, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
We are delighted to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the RIB brand and the 45th anniversary of SCOPEMA.
We have been able to grow and evolve thanks to your loyalty, and we hope to continue being part of your journeys around the world for many years to come.
