The knit-fabric factory, specializing in jersey, was founded in Rue Bachaumont in the 2nd district of Paris in 1882 by Jean Blais-Mousseron, who was later joined by Lucien Villeminot. It was transferred to Corbie (in the Somme department) in 1897, to already-existing textile workshops that belonged to Philomène Dufourmentel. It grew constantly in the following years and built new workshops that addressed their need for space. The first two industrialists, who had been partnering with Rondeau since 1904, overhauled the company's articles of association. It took on the name of Villeminot, Rondeau et Cie. Following changes to its articles of association, it went on to become known as Blais Villeminot et Rondeau (B.V.R.). The factory suffered during the First World War but was quickly rebuilt and production resumed in April 1920. However, Second World War bombings caused substantial damage. Rebuilding began in 1942 under the direction of architect Maurice Thorel and offered the opportunity to redesign the layout of the buildings, which had been built over time as the company developed. In 1944, Louis Villeminot transferred his company to his son Marcel, who inaugurated the new factory in 1946. Although it was actively exporting around the globe (Switzerland, Great Britain, United States, South Africa, etc.), difficulties arose in the mid 1950s, but the factory recovered despite everything. It continued to innovate and worked for renowned couturiers such as Jacques Fath, Hermès and Courrèges. In 1975, Marcel Villeminot handed over the business to his nephew Jean-Claude Villeminot, more commonly known under the name of Jean-Claude Pascal. In 1979, however, the company filed for bankruptcy. It was taken over by various industrialists who attempted to remedy the situation. On 27 July 2011, the Commercial Court ordered the factory's liquidation. It was destroyed at the end of 2016. This date would bring almost 130 years of textile history to an end.
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