An emblematic company based in Tulle, the Maugein factory has been producing accordions since 1919.
At the end of September, it was placed in compulsory liquidation by the Brive commercial court.
A slim hope of survival remains, with the hypothetical intervention of a local buyer.
On the website of the Maugein accordion factory, you can now read (new window) that one “page turns”. The company based in Tulle, founded in 1919, was in fact one of the last to defend artisanal know-how and 100% “made in France” manufacturing. Until September 27, the date on which the Corrèze firm, in the grip of financial difficulties, was placed in liquidation by the Brive commercial court.
“It is with great emotion that we announce the end of the adventure”write the managers of Maugein, expressing their “deep gratitude” to “shareholders, partners, employees, customers and supporters” who have accompanied them over the years.
The slim hope of a recovery
Over the years, the company has suffered from increasing competition – from Chinese instruments in particular – and saw its sales fall, hardly helped by the Covid which weakened it. After a receivership procedure in 2013, it attempted to diversify its activity by offering its customers harmonicas as well as electronic accordions. An injection of funds brought him a reprieve, with among others the contribution of 600,000 euros brought by the former Arsenal defender and French international Laurent Koscielny, born in Tulle.
At the end of the 1930s, Maugein had around 200 employees, a golden age gone since in 2024, the factory will only employ ten people. The quality of accordions is not in question: France Info reminds (new window) that great artists have placed their trust in the Corrèze firm, from Renaud to Indochina, via Bourvil.
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Maugein’s boss, René Lachèze, displays a form of resignation: “We are not going to keep people busy doing nothing. There are no more accordions to make, we no longer make accordions”he slipped. However, some hope that the brand can continue and recover. The local MP, a certain François Hollande, raised the possibility of finding a buyer. Confirmed information (new window) to France 3 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 slipped.
If Maugein could still rise from its ashes, it is unlikely that the entire activity and its employees will be able to continue the adventure. The “economic solution” which could be viable would in fact lead to a reduction in the size of the premises, as well as the departure of half of the employees.
The possible disappearance of these French accordions in any case arouses reactions beyond the borders of Corrèze. Across the Channel, The Guardian dedicate (new window) thus an article at the factory.
Daily life does not fail to remind us of the expertise necessary to make this instrument, with a manufacturing process “which requires 110 hours and up to 6,000 parts, to make 70 to 80 accordions per month.” A know-how in danger today more than ever.
