A cake, the presence of big bosses and a cohort of elected officials and journalists… This Thursday, January 16, 2025, Brandt, the last brand to manufacture large household appliances in France, worthily celebrated its 100th anniversary, in its factory in Saint-Jean -de-la-Ruelle (Loiret), in the conurbation of Orléans, before inviting staff to new festivities the next day.
The managers provided a guided tour of this vast industrial site which covers 55,000 m2 and employs 350 people. Every day, 500 induction cooktops and 800 ovens come off the lines. Apart from electronics and plastic, everything is manufactured there from A to Z, from steel coils – 40 tonnes per day – of copper or aluminum. The finished products are also available under three other brands: Vedette, De Dietrich and Sauter.
However, a little over ten years ago, all this industrial heritage almost collapsed. In great difficulty, the group, which belonged to the Spaniard Fagor, was saved thanks to Algerian capital from the Cevital group, and the mobilization of public authorities. Present to come and blow out the candles, Arnaud Montebourg, who was at the time minister of productive recovery, was delighted with the company’s revival. “I saw smiles on the faces of the employees. It’s a success, we must give value to made in France,” he insisted.
Ambitious international objectives
Today, Brandt achieves 250 million turnover, 70% of which is in France, by far its largest market. But the brand, which focuses on innovation and products with high added value, is also increasingly present abroad where its Made in France quality is appreciated. The group is developing in new countries in Europe, such as Italy, Germany or Benelux, but also in Australia or Canada, with the objective of “doubling turnover abroad within three years,” explains the general director, Daniele Degli Emili.
These choices should have positive repercussions on the Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle factory, which works in tandem with the group’s other unit in France, in Vendôme (Loir-et-Cher), even if the managers have not yet commented on future investments or new hires.