DE BUYER

De Buyer is a manufacturer of kitchen utensils for private individuals and professionals. Its unique know-how has been recognized by the label Entreprise du patrimoine vivant. Its mandolins and flexible moulds were certified by Origine France Garantie in 2013.

History. A small metallurgical establishment was set up in Val d'Ajol in 1830, in the locality called "Faymont", to manufacture the household items of the time (jugs, bowls, watering cans, buckets and frying pans). The De Buyer group bought it in 1867. The 1980s brought modernism and new investments that allowed the company to grow.

Almost a century later, the company created the first revolutionary high-pressure pressure cooker "Fay-vit", which was produced continuously until 1995. In 1981, the first retail store opened in front of the factory. In 1985, De Buyer, a supplier to the French Armed Forces for a century, created the first patented insulated container with a bi-material design for military use.

In 1988, Hervé, Alfred's grandson, made several strategic changes: reorientation towards the hotel and restaurant market and diversification into pastry tools. He created the first circles and moulds of various shapes in stainless steel, as well as the "De Buyer" brand. In 1990, he decided to stop delivering hypermarkets that devalued the brand's image and gave up nearly 50% of its turnover. A risky bet but one that pays off. De Buyer creates new product ranges for cooking, baking and food handling, and is interested in exporting. In 1995, he created the professional non-stick aluminium range CHOC, bought the company Matinox Décors and made several innovations such as silicone moulds.

Since 1998, De Buyer has created numerous subsidiaries abroad. In 2002, he again became interested in the general public by targeting a gourmet clientele wishing to cook at home with professional equipment. Then in 2012, he launched the first chefs' knives with carbon fibre handles.

The products. Knives, non-stick pans, copper-stainless steel stoves, meat pies... for private individuals and professionals.

Employment. 140 employees for a turnover of 30 million euros, according to the latest available figures.