Our History
Our History
1860
The adventure begins with Léon Collinet in 1860, near the “Meuse” in Belgium, in a place famous for its pure limestone.
Carmeuse succeeded in bringing together several independent quarries to become one of the major Belgian players and in getting through the wars and crises of the 20th century.
Beyond the figures, balance sheets, difficulties and successes, this is the story of a great adventure. The story of thousands of "Carmeusians" who, throughout a century and a half of work, passion and commitment, contributed to making Carmeuse a Belgian industry flagship worldwide.
1900 - 1950
In 1925 the company is given its official name and “Carmeuse” is born.
By the late 1930s, Carmeuse’s modernization of its industrial facilities has fully taken shape. Technological advances lead to improved productivity and quality. Stonecutters disappear.
1950 – 1980
In 1953, the swan becomes the logo of Carmeuse and it still symbolizes our company today.
The first “Carmeuse-Polysius” rotary kiln makes it possible to obtain lime that is purer and more reactive. This new technology reduced the grain size from 60 to 10 mm while reducing the heat consumption by 35%.
The 1960s were characterized by an awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment. For lime production, this meant increasing pressure to reduce dust and blast vibrations.
1980 - 2000
In the 1980s, we witness the first wave of geographical expansion for Carmeuse.
The company starts to expand and cross borders, beginning with Europe: Italy, France and The Netherlands, followed by North America and Turkey in the 1990s.
The first steps of Carmeuse on the African continent were made in 1995.
2000 – 2010
At the turn of the century, Carmeuse took on a new dimension in Central Europe.
The company is now one of the major producers of lime and limestone related products, used in numerous applications providing for daily and essential needs.
In 2003, Rodolphe Collinet becomes the new CEO of Carmeuse.
During the following years, Carmeuse consolidates its leading position in the North American market, after making the largest acquisition in its history in 2008.
2010 - 2019
This period marks the second wave of geographical expansion for Carmeuse.
The company develops operations in more geographical areas of Europe and Africa, but also expands in Thailand and Brazil.
These years signify an important turn in the life and activity of Carmeuse: the company takes a complete different direction and starts moving from lime and limestone production to advanced services offering.
Thus, in 2017, Carmeuse acquires STT in Canada, followed by the founding of TecforLime in 2018. By means of these two platforms, Carmeuse offers its technical expertise, equipment building, technology support to all end-markets, tailoring solutions for each situation.
2020
Carmeuse celebrates 160 years of passion!
In 160 years we have improved the everyday lives of those around us, helped to build solutions that make our water and air cleaner.
We helped agriculture to grow and sustain the food we need, we made buildings stronger and roads safer, all around the world. For industries, for communities, for life.
And we have just begun!