Ericsson – Site de Vélizy

Stepping back in time, imagine Vélizy-Villacoublay before the towering structures of Ericsson – Site de Vélizy. Picture a landscape dominated by vast agricultural fields, a small rural town on the outskirts of bustling Paris. This area, now home to Ericsson, was once a patchwork of farms, the largest belonging to the Roveyaz family. Many locals relied on them for fresh milk and eggs. The fertile land provided wheat, oats, potatoes, and beets, sustaining the community for generations. The transformation began in 1908 with the first flight of a plane in nearby Villacoublay. The elevated plateau and open space proved ideal for aviation. Soon, companies like Breguet established factories here in 1913. This marked a turning point for Vélizy-Villacoublay. The influx of workers led to a tenfold increase in population by 1939. A garden city was even built to house the Breguet factory workers, remnants of which can still be seen on Albert Richet Street. Ericsson – Site de Vélizy stands as a testament to this shift from agriculture to industry. The arrival of other aeronautical companies like Morane-Saulnier and Nieuport further cemented the area’s industrial identity. The once-dominant agricultural plain gradually gave way to a vast aviation field, foreshadowing the technological advancements to come. World War II brought devastation to Vélizy-Villacoublay. The air base, now a strategic target, endured heavy bombing. The town itself suffered significant damage, a stark contrast to the peaceful agricultural community it once was. Declared a “disaster-stricken city” after the war, Vélizy-Villacoublay was designated a priority urbanization zone in 1958. This led to large-scale urban development, transforming the landscape forever. The Ericsson – Site de Vélizy, a key player in modern telecommunications, now occupies this historically rich land, a symbol of progress and innovation in a town that has seen remarkable change. From farms to factories to a global tech giant, Vélizy-Villacoublay’s journey reflects the ever-evolving nature of progress.