despite the shock of judicial liquidation, Maugein accordion fans want to keep hope

The decision fell this Friday, September 27. The Maugein factory was placed in liquidation by a decision of the Brive commercial court. Followers of the emblematic accordion company in Tulle are still hoping for a small miracle to see Maugein continue.

One hundred and five years of existence stopped dead this Friday, September 27 by the Brive commercial court. Maugein, the oldest French accordion manufacturer, has been placed in liquidation, a victim of competition from the Asian market. The company had already undergone judicial recovery proceedings in 2013. Year after year, the accordion manufacturer based in Tulle, in Corrèze, has seen its sales collapse.

Maugein may be in trouble, and in financial matters, but on stage, the Corrèze accordion remains essential, even after the judicial liquidation decision. This is evidenced by the holding of the ninth edition of the Beynat Festival, organized in Tulle, which celebrates accordions and Maugein.
“We need accordionists, I hope they will continue”, explains Jean-Louis, a fervent fan of the instrument. “Fingers crossed that there will be an unexpected twist, it’s a very beautiful house and it’s a real shame that it ends like thisproclaims another Maugein accordion enthusiast. It’s the heart of Corrèze, of France, so it’s very important”.

Maugein, an institution that continues to please even the youngest. Abigaëlle Mouchot, 13, has been an accordionist since a young age. “I had a Maugein accordion when I was little, it’s the only company left in France, I think it’s a shame”, she regrets.

Created in 1919, the Maugein factory had become a key player in local industry, employing up to 290 employees in the 1950s. There would only be ten left in 2024. At the helm of the company for ten years, the manager Richard Brandao tried to diversify Maugein’s activities. In 2022, he launched the production of harmonicas and an electric accordion, but failed to make the last 100% made in France accordion workshop profitable.

After the decision of the Tulle commercial court, some already saw Maugein disappearing, but a few hours later, MP François Hollande was already talking about a possible buyer. Information confirmed by the president of the agglomeration and the mayor of Tulle, Bernard Combes. “At least one or two project leaders are able to present a recovery. For the moment, it is too early to talk about it formally, but it gives new hope”, he explains.

Maugein is a living heritage company, it’s over now, but it can start again tomorrow in another form

Bernard Combes

Mayor of Tulle

According to information from France 3 Limousin, the possible buyer would be Corrézien. An economic solution could be viable, provided that less than half of the employees are kept and the size of the buildings is reduced.
Sébastien Farge, internationally awarded accordionist, continues to promote the importance of Maugein in the region. “For me Maugein is a family story. Since the age of six, I have been playing with a Maugein, the accordion has grown with mehe says. We can only be proud to bring all this to Corrèze, that’s why I have hope.”

There is a new adventure that is being written, even if for the moment it is a big tear

Sébastien Farge

Accordionist

In 1993, Sébastien Farge won the world accordion trophy. At his side, René Lachèze, who directed Maugein for 32 years, until 1981. The accordionist insists on the power of transmission. “I am delighted to be able to share with this young generation and all the accordionists who will be there tomorrow“.

A new adventure which for the moment is being written with dotted lines. Everything remains to be done for the possible buyer, and many people to convince. Even if Maugein’s followers are already convinced.