History of Le Creuset
In 1924, two Belgian industrialists, Armand Desaegher (a casting specialist) and Octave Aubecq (an enameling specialist), met at the Brussels Fair. They decided to create a foundry which would enamel various cookware items. In 1925, Le Creuset was born and setup business in Fresnoy le Grand in Northern France, approximately 120 miles northeast of Paris, set among rolling hills and arable landscapes. This move was a strategic one for the company, putting it at the crossroads of transportation routes for the raw materials of coke, iron, and sand. The same year, the first Cocotte (French Oven) was produced. This shape and indeed the name was the pivot of what is now an extensive range of cookware.
From 1935 to 1945, Le Creuset began to develop its product ranges: cookers, charcoal stoves, hot plates for electric cookers, and kitchen utensils… as well as a commercial strategy. A first publicity campaign on the radio and in the press was launched to promote the quality of enameled cast iron cookware. However, the onset of war brought troubled times, and the foundry was used by the Wehrmacht to make grenades.
A new start was seen from 1945 to 1955. After the 2nd World War, contrary to its competitors, Le Creuset concentrated on its range of enameled cast iron cookware and was a major innovator of the time with new and exciting styles and pieces. Originality was shown in the creation of various enamel colors. In 1952, export to other countries really began, 50% was destined for Europe and 50% for the United States. In 1974, Le Creuset took a further leap into the USA and setup a subsidiary, Le Creuset of America, Inc., in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Over the years, numerous innovations have been seen in product designs and colors. Today, Le Creuset is now sold in more than 60 countries around the world including the US, UK, Japan and Australia
