Nogent, the cradle of French cutlery
It was in the 19th century that the city of Nogent unseated it rivals of Langres and surrounding areas in eastern France to become the cradle of French cutlery.
An abundance of iron ore, vast forests that provide natural fuel, watercourses providing hydraulic power, sandstone that gives the edge to the tool; all conditions were met to favor metalworking, which has been established in this part of southern Champagne since the Middle Ages.
In 1923, Mr Louis André created NOGENT***
In 1923, Mr Louis André – Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France award) – created the NOGENT*** production site in Biesles in the Haute Marne, and in 1980 cutlery took the industrial production turning : a real revolution.
Forging presses were to make working the sophisticated alloys used in manufacturing aircraft and vehicle parts and surgical instruments possible, and while this remains a major activity in the area, cutlery remains the Nogent specialty, with production of upscale models for both professional and individual users.
Each year no fewer than 2 million pieces are produced
Each year no fewer than 2 million pieces are produced in the NOGENT*** plant, thanks to some very highly efficient machines designed by company engineers.
They contribute to complete control of the production chain and to extremely strict quality control.
The NOGENT*** brand is a guarantee of performance and reliability recognized by neighbouring countries: Switzerland, Germany, England, Spain… which account for 30 percent of company sales.
This economic success is based on traditional values :
- those of the work of men and women who are forging the company’s future and who are the lifeblood of the area,
- a regional heritage that must be perpetuated in the Nogent area and a know-how that must be preserved and revitalized.
And, as today’s industry and ecology go hand in hand, NOGENT*** is committed to an environmental approach to energy savings and water treatment.
