Joinville's foundries were gradually built up in the early 19th century. First, a fulling mill was built on the banks of the Marne in 1822. This was followed by a bocard and a patouillet in 1826. Finally, a blast furnace was built around 1831 and a second around 1835. From these early years, production of cast iron was substantial: almost 1,600 tonnes came out of the blast furnaces in 1837.
Unable to compete with the English, the blast furnaces were finally shut down in 1890 and the foundry went bankrupt in 1933. The Durand family then took over the site, completely modernising it and creating S.A.R.L Fonderies de Joinville. The plant remained in operation until the mid-1990s, when it was finally forced to close.
A large proportion of the buildings were destroyed, although the mansion (the employer's home), the office and a workers' home remain.
LES FONDERIES DE JOINVILLE
