Hamon, a hundred years engineering for nature (PDF 2Mo)

1958
Participation at the World Fair
in Brussels
The United States, the first step in the
internationalization of the cooling tower business
“When both Fernand and Achille died, and my grandfather found himself
at the head of Hamon France and Belgium, one of his first big decisions
was to try and get new business from the US market. After a relatively slow
start, a first order was received and others soon followed. This gave rise to a
problem that nobody had foreseen, namely that the company was too small
for its success. The ideal situation was to build over there, but that meant
bank guarantees that they didn’t have. Maurice chose for the only option
possible at the time: he gave a license to an American partner, the company
Research-Cottrell. A license and a company that, as it turned out,
I would buy 30 and 40 years later respectively!” Francis Lambilliotte
“The company Cottrell, originally established at the same time as Hamon, was
a world leader in the provision of dedusting systems. Most notably it developed
electrostatic precipitators, using a technology invented by Frederick Gardner
Cottrell in 1909.” Philippe Delvaux, Managing Director, Hamon Research-Cottrell
“The American adventure turns sour, and quickly becomes a liability. For 5 years
there was not a single order. In Brussels, those close to the “boss” wanted only
one thing: to stop the investment! In 1963, Maurice brings all the directors into
his office, and they discuss the US venture. He asks the assembled group for their
opinion. One of the colleagues takes the floor and speaks on behalf of the others,
‘We’re all in agreement, it’s not working and we’re losing too much money…’.
The conclusion from Maurice, ‘Thank you for your advice, but we’re continuing.’
He was as stubborn as a Breton!” Jean Gilbert, Corporate Vice President, Hamon & Co
“At the end of the 1950s, Hamon enters the Spanish market. This was based on
an agreement between Maurice Hamon and my father, founder of the company
Esindus. 50 years later, Esindus is the leader in cooling towers. Our relationship
with Hamon is both healthy and friendly, so much so that it led to Esindus
taking a stake in Hamon.” Martin Gonzalez del Valle, President, Esindus
Visit by Baudouin, King of the Belgians at that time