Hidden amongst the bustling streets of Nanterre lies Rue Hennape. It’s not a grand boulevard. It’s not even particularly well-known. Yet this unassuming street holds a piece of automotive history. For here stands the address of Faurecia SA.
Faurecia a global giant in automotive components. Its roots though are deeply planted in the French soil. The company’s story is a tapestry woven from the threads of two prominent French automotive component suppliers. These were Bertrand Faure and Equipements et Composants pour l’Industrie Automobile or ECIA.
Bertrand Faure started in 1914. It was a humble workshop making seats for trams and the Paris Metro. Its innovative Epéda spring system revolutionized car seats in the 1920s. This brought immense comfort and Faure’s success. It eventually also branched into mattresses.
Meanwhile ECIA’s origins lay in Peugeot’s post-World War II expansion. Peugeot diversified beyond cars. It made motorcycles scooters and even gardening tools. Eventually Peugeot’s subsidiaries refocused on automotive components. This led to the merger forming ECIA. This was listed on the Paris Stock Exchange. Peugeot maintained majority control.
The merger of Bertrand Faure and ECIA in 1998 created Faurecia. This instantly doubled sales. The company became a European and global leader. Faurecia’s headquarters at 2 Rue Hennape in Nanterre France is a testament to this ambitious journey. It’s a discreet address representing an automotive empire.
Faurecia’s success isn’t just about seats and springs. It expanded into exhaust systems cockpits and more. The company continued to grow. It acquired companies expanded internationally. It secured major contracts with automotive giants. Today Faurecia’s story continues to unfold. It is a testament to innovation adaptation and a relentless pursuit of excellence. So next time you’re in Nanterre remember the quiet street that houses such a powerful story. Remember Rue Hennape.