Think of the scent. The rich aroma of tobacco leaves once permeated the air around the Ancienne manufacture des Tabacs. This former tobacco factory stands as a testament to a bygone era. It is located in Issy-les-Moulineaux.
The Ancienne manufacture des Tabacs has a fascinating history. It replaced the manufacture du Gros-Caillou in Paris. The latter was demolished in 1909. The Ancienne manufacture des Tabacs was built between 1900 and 1904. The Service central des Constructions de la Direction générale des Manufactures de l’Etat oversaw the construction. This government body handled tobacco and matches.
Paul Berdin was the engineer in charge. He used a standard design developed by Eugène Rolland. Rolland was a tobacco engineer from the mid-19th century. The Ancienne manufacture des Tabacs primarily produced luxury cigarettes. These were destined for the Parisian market.
Imagine the factory floor bustling with activity. Workers expertly crafting cigarettes. The Ancienne manufacture des Tabacs fell into disuse in 1978.
The building was then renovated from 1985 onwards. Architects François Ceria and Alain Coupel led the project. A workshop building on rue Maurice-Hartmann was torn down. A residence on rue Michelet was also removed. This residence had originally housed the factory engineer.
The remaining buildings were repurposed. They now contain mixed-use spaces. These include government housing for the Ministry of Finance. There are also shops and offices. The Ancienne manufacture des Tabacs was listed as a historical monument in 1984. This ensured its preservation for future generations.
Consider the architectural style. It reflects factories from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A tall chimney once dominated the skyline. It reached 45 meters high. Eugène Rolland’s design featured an orthogonal layout. Covered passages facilitated movement. Large workshops surrounded the chimney. A majestic building enclosed the courtyard. This building has been preserved.
The architecture was austere and functional. Some compared it to a prison. Paul Smith worked for Seita. Seita owned the site. He was tasked with preserving the archives. These archives dated back to 1811.
Originally, the Ancienne manufacture des Tabacs produced various products. These included cigars, cigarettes and scaferlati. Most employees were women. Their small hands made it easier to roll cigars. It took at least two years to master the skill. In the interwar period, the factory specialized in luxury cigarettes. Mechanization increased production. It reached up to 1600 cigarettes per minute. The work was demanding and the discipline strict. However, employees enjoyed job security. They also had retirement at 60 and higher wages.
The intertwined initials M and T can still be seen. They stand for Manufacture des Tabacs. They serve as a reminder of the building’s past. Today, the Ancienne manufacture des Tabacs stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of industrial heritage. It now serves a new purpose. It blends history with modern life.