Manufacture Franco-Belge de Tapis
THE ABANDONED FACTORY IN BELGIUM
Explore ‘Manufacture Franco-Belge de Tapis’, a once-thriving textile and carpet factory. From its origins in 1920 to its rebirths and eventual demolition, this factory’s journey is a testament to resilience and innovation.
The textile and carpet factory ‘Manufacture Franco-Belge de Tapis’ has a rich and fascinating history. The factory began as ‘Tissage de la Lys’ in 1920. After the First World War, in 1923, the company changed its name and moved to a new, modern factory.
During the Second World War, the factory stopped operations due to bombing raids. However, it was rebuilt and thrived in the 1960s, employing over 400 people. Over the following decades, the company strengthened its reputation as a high-end manufacturer of wall-to-wall carpeting made from natural materials.
New Franco Belge
Despite economic challenges in the European textile industry, the factory invested in exclusive products, ensuring a bright future for its Belgian carpet collections. Today, ‘New Franco Belge’ continues the legacy as part of ‘Le Tissage d’Arcade’, adding an exciting new chapter to its storied past.
The factory was cleaned some months after my last visit in 2016. Though the factory is largely demolished, several key structures remain intact. The facades and structure of the 1953 expansion are still preserved. The chimney also still stands, marking the site’s historical significance.
