Thaon Bleaching and Dyeing Works (BTT)
The *Blanchisserie et Teinturerie de Thaon* (BTT) was a major industrial textile company.
It was founded in 1872 in Thaon-les-Vosges and finally closed in 2003.
Origins and Historical Context
• Annexation of Alsace: Established immediately after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
• The founders: Set up by cotton barons from eastern France, including Armand Lederlin and Christophe Dieterlen.
• Strategic alternative: Intended to replace the textile factories in Alsace, which had become inaccessible to French weavers due to German customs barriers.
• Industrial role: The company specialized in the bleaching, dyeing, printing, and finishing of unbleached cotton fabrics.
Expansion and Peak (1892–1914)
• Rapid growth: The factory grew enormously between 1892 and 1914.
• Largest company: It became the largest enterprise in the Vosges department.
• Demographic impact: This activity profoundly transformed Thaon-les-Vosges.
• Industrial town: The small village evolved into a genuine industrial town.
• Industrial paternalism: This practice flourished under the leadership of Armand Lederlin.
• Social initiatives: The company built numerous social amenities and workers' housing estates.
• La Rotonde: In the early 20th century, they commissioned the construction of this well-known cultural building.
Decline and Closure
• Restructuring: The French textile industry gradually declined during the second half of the 20th century.
• New owners: Consequently, the site repeatedly changed hands and underwent shifts in its economic structure. • End of the journey: The company ultimately existed for over 130 years.
• Bankruptcy: The final legal entity of BTT was declared bankrupt on July 8, 2003.
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