Episode One: Fruhinsholz, The Beginning
“Tonnellerie Marchive benefits from unique expertise and experience in the manufacturing of large containers, passed down from generation to generation since the mid-19th century, thanks to its association with Tonnellerie Fruhinsholz.
The history of Marchive – Fruhinsholz™ thus symbolizes the union of two exceptional cooperages that perpetuate invaluable centuries-old craftsmanship.”
In 1849 or 1850, Charles Fruhinsholz (1812-1889) laid the foundations of a cooperage in Schiltigheim, in the Bas-Rhin region of France. This thriving enterprise would later be managed by his son, Adolphe Fruhinsholz (1845-1938), along with his two brothers, Charles (1847-1911) and Auguste (1849-1924). As early as 1866, the company had already adopted “steam-powered machine tools,” demonstrating its early commitment to modernization and efficiency in production.
Shortly after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, a new cooperage was established in Bayon, in Meurthe-et-Moselle, in 1872.
Meanwhile, the original factory in Alsace continued its operations. This new branch, known as “Fruhinsholz Frères,” was likely created due to its proximity to major breweries located in Tantonville, Charmes, and Vézelise. This strategic expansion allowed the company to better meet the needs of its brewing clients.
A decade later, the Bayon factory, under the leadership of the youngest son, Auguste, experienced impressive growth. With fifty employees on board, it became the leading supplier to regional breweries. This rapid expansion underscored the solid reputation and quality of the products offered by Fruhinsholz Frères, further cementing its dominant position in the regional market.
The history of the Fruhinsholz cooperage illustrates not only the perseverance and entrepreneurial vision of the family but also its adaptability to the economic and political changes of the time. Through its commitment to innovation and quality, the company thrived despite the challenges and changes along its journey.
In 1881-1882, the Bayon factory entered a new chapter in its history with its relocation to Nancy, in Meurthe-et-Moselle. Set up on land previously occupied by a sawmill in the former Saint-Georges suburb, on the current Avenue du XXe Corps at number 68, the factory found a new strategic location. Nestled between the Meurthe River, a discharge branch of the Meurthe, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Georges, and vast meadows still untouched by the urbanization of the time, this location offered ample space for the company’s development and expansion.
Hubert Fruhinsholz, the great-grandson of Adolphe Fruhinsholz, provides valuable insights in an internal document. He notes that from the very beginning, close relationships were formed between the new arrivals and the mechanical construction factory run by Lanique, a graduate of the École Centrale, and his associate, Liébaut, a skilled technician. These relationships quickly evolved beyond mere commercial exchanges into a solid and lasting friendship.
For the Fruhinsholz family, this move represented more than just a factory transfer. It marked a fresh start, driven by a desire to modernize and refine their machinery and tools. Under Liébaut’s influence, the Fruhinsholz family embarked on a path of continuous innovation and improvement, further solidifying their position as leaders in the cooperage industry.
This fruitful collaboration between the Fruhinsholz family and their technical partners reflects the pioneering spirit and open-mindedness that characterized the company throughout its history. By relying on close relationships and a shared commitment to excellence, the Nancy factory quickly established itself as a major player in the mechanical construction sector, contributing to the industrial prominence of the region.
