The Hémard et Vignol sawmill, in Bussière-Galant in Haute-Vienne, is one of the rare sawmills specializing in the manufacture of ganvels, fences and parquet with chestnut wood, one of the species most resistant to insects and bad weather. (first published November 25, 2024)
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It is a family business which has evolved to become a factory specializing in the processing of chestnut wood.
The Hémard et Vignol sawmill, in Bussière-Galant in Haute-Vienne, celebrated its centenary this fall. It is one of the rare sawmills specializing in the manufacture of ledges, fences and parquet flooring with chestnut wood, one of the species most resistant to insects and bad weather.
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© Rémi Carton – France Télévisions
It has perpetuated its know-how since its creation in November 1923, the era of mobile saws which crisscrossed the country of strap workers.
I am the fourth generation and my children come to work with me. They will be the fifth. We wanted to celebrate this event which is quite rare at the moment.
Christophe HémardGeneral manager of the sawmill
One year after turning one hundred, the Hémard et Vignol sawmill has decided to celebrate its centenary this fall of 2024.
The Hémard et Vignol sawmill, in Bussière-Galant in Haute-Vienne, is one of the rare sawmills specializing in the manufacture of ganvels, fences and parquet with chestnut wood, one of the species most resistant to insects and bad weather.
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© France Télévisions – France 3 Limousin
On this occasion, it welcomed its suppliers, customers and business partners for guided tours by company managers.
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Chestnut wood is one of the species most resistant to insects and bad weather. In Haute-Vienne, around ten specialized sawmills manufacture ganvels, fences and parquet flooring. One of these companies, the Hémard et Vignol sawmill, located in Bussière-Galant, celebrated its 100th anniversary on October 4.
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©Marine Guigné and Rémi Carton – France Télévisions
This sawmill highlights its local know-how: because it is one of the rare ones to manufacture straps, these chestnut blades which encircle the barrels.
This sawmill highlights its local know-how: because it is one of the rare ones to manufacture straps, these chestnut blades which encircle the barrels.
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© France Télévisions – France 3 Limousin
This production is rare today, but very sought after, by “all French cooperages: Burgundy cooperage, Bordeaux cooperage, Cognac, lists Claude Hémard, forest buyer. We still deliver wooden circles and straight strips to Reunion to make traps for fishing.”
“Not all companies are allowed to celebrate their 100th anniversary”: what is the secret of longevity of this sawmill founded in 1923?
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© France Télévisions – France 3 Limousin
Today, export represents 38% of the company's activity. “Our flagship products are rather the trellis and of course the stakes which allow the installation of the trellis fence which can be seen all over the Atlantic coast, in Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Norway”specifies Marie-Alice Hémard, sales director.
“Our flagship products are rather the trellis and of course the stakes which allow the installation of the trellis fence which can be seen all over the Atlantic coast, in Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Norway”, specifies Marie-Alice Hémard, commercial director.
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© France Télévisions – France 3 Limousin
The company employs forty-two employees, some of whom were moved during the festive day in the fall of 2024. “It's special. Not all companies are allowed to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Emotionally, That will still stay this day”testified Patrick Piquet, an employee of the sawmill for thirty-three years.
A day not quite like the others, which these three generations of entrepreneurs wanted to share, in all humility.
