Saint-Juéry. The history of the Saut du Tarn in the spotlight

In 1870, the financial situation was not the most flourishing, the Talabots gradually limited their contributions, the company suffered operating losses and significant debt, the liquidation of Bazacle (Toulouse sur la Garonne factory), weighs at the accounting level. However, the Tarn company is introduced and recognized in the Parisian industrial sphere thanks to the notoriety of Talabot.

Also, the headquarters is in the middle of business, but the Saint-Juéry factory is in disarray. Succeeding the Talabots: Adolphe and Eugène Espinasse. A new era will consolidate factory production through investment, modify work, rely on new means of communication, develop new energies. During the “Great War” traditional production slowed down, and Saut du Tarn, participating in the war effort, had to adapt to the manufacture of steel and cast iron shells. This period will allow even greater development of the steelworks. In 1916, shell production reached 24,000 pieces per month. The Albi factory and that of Avalats are equipped for the turning and finishing of shells. In 1917, 3,455 workers worked at Saut du Tarn. With steel almost entirely used for war production, and the shortage of specialized workers becoming apparent, it became impossible to respond to civilian orders. Women create a union. At the end of the war, the first left-wing mayor, from the working world, supplanted the masters of the Forges who had held the city until now.

The Société des Forges et Aciéries du Saut du Tarn is being transformed, this is what Jean Vabre will exhibit on Saturday 23 at 5 p.m. at the station, while all weekend Marcel Cassagnes will offer a photo exhibition in the hall.