Factory Foundation 1852 (≈ 1852)
Installation of the Marrel Brothers in Rive-de-Gier.
1867
Construction factory of the Etaings
Construction factory of the Etaings 1867 (≈ 1867)
New site in Chateauneuf for shielding.
1886-1887
Construction of the tempering tower
Construction of the tempering tower 1886-1887 (≈ 1887)
Built on an old lime oven.
13 septembre 2019
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 13 septembre 2019 (≈ 2019)
Protection of the tower and lobby.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The tempering tower with its well, the hall with its frames and partitions (with the exception of the recent production tools) of the old factory of the Frères Marrel, in whole, as well as the sitting floor, located 32 rue Claude Drivon (cad. AM 387 and 431): inscription by order of 13 September 2019
Key figures
François Marrel - Grandpa, blacksmith
Soldier of the Navy.
Georges Marrel - Father, founder of the factory
Directed the installation at Rive-de-Gier in 1852.
Frères Marrel - Industrials, heirs
Develop the plant and diversify production.
Origin and history
The hall and the soaking tower of the former Marrel Brothers factory, located in Rive-de-Gier, date from the 2nd half of the 19th century. These industrial buildings, built of brick and stone, reflect the importance of metallurgy in the region. The 20-metre high soak tower was covered with a metal frame and a corrugated sheet roof. Its facades, pierced by semicircular bays with white stained glass windows, provided optimal lighting. Today, the site is partially abandoned and non-visitable.
The Marrel family, originally from Saint-Martin-la-Plaine, moved to Rive-de-Gier in 1852 to found a factory specialized in the production of long metal parts, such as anchors and shells, as well as military armor. Choosing this strategic site near communication channels and clients facilitates business development. In 1867, a second plant was built in Chateauneuf for shielding, while the Rive-de-Gier site retained its original vocation. The tempering tower, erected between 1886 and 1887, and the large hall with riveted sheet metal slatting are the most prominent remains of this industrial complex.
The Marrel Brothers, led by their father Georges, perpetuate a family tradition of forge initiated by their grandfather François, supplier of the navy of war. Their production extends to railway undertakings and military equipment, marking the height of local industry. The entrance gate, decorated with the arms of the family, and the administrative buildings completed this industrial domain. Today, the soaking tower and hall, protected since 2019, bear witness to this technical and architectural heritage.
The decline of the site begins with the departure of industrial activities, leaving the buildings to abandon. Despite their state of degradation, the tempering tower and hall, with their original wooden frame, remain outstanding examples of 19th-century industrial architecture. Their registration at Historic Monuments in 2019 underscores their heritage value, although their access is now prohibited.
