Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq, two Belgian industrialists first came up with the idea of creating the foundry that could be used for the making of enamel cookware items. Both men had previous experience in enameling and casting. This took place in 1924 and a year later, Le Creuset was in business.
The pair set up the business in Fresnoy-le-Grand in Aisne in France. It was a rather clever position (geographically) for the newly formed company as it was able to access its raw materials (sand, iron and coke) because of the transportation of many of these materials right on its doorstep.
Le Creuset Cookware
Over the next 20 years, the company started to develop its range, not only of kitchen utensils, but also designing a range of cookers, stoves and hotplates. Although the foundry was conveniently placed to produce its range of products, the onset of the Second World War meant that the area was at that time, occupied by the German military.
Le Creuset's range of cookware was starting to develop after the war, with the company becoming a major player in designing and producing a range of exquisite styles which was later to become its trademark in terms of the beautifully striking enamel colors that we still see today.
By the turn of the 50s, Le Creuset had started to export the products to their European neighbors as well as the United States. After purchasing the company Les Hauts Fourneaux of Cousances in 1957 (they designed the 'Doufeu'), Le Creuset promoted its first fondue set in 1962, quickly followed by its barbecue range.
In 1966, automation and modernization led Le Creuset to replace its manual workhorse casting workshops with semi-automatic machines. Four years later, Le Creuset had purchased the Godin Company, makers of furnaces and firing equipment for traditional foundries.
Nearly 40 years on and Le Creuset are as strong as ever and now one of the world's leaders in cast iron cookware. It reigns supreme for its good looks, versatility, and more importantly, its ability to retain and spread heat evenly for the best cooking experience ever.
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Le Creuset Cookware Set , 20 Piece: cobalt Overview
About Le Creuset Cookware
Prized by international chefs, Le Creuset's porcelain-enameled cast iron pieces distribute and retain heat evenly to ensure consistent cooking and serving temperature of meals. Each piece is fired at high temperatures and undergoes several hand-finishing processes to create the durable, vitreous enamel coating that is resistant to chips, scratches and cracks. Perfectly-fitted lids seal in moisture and the distinctive flavors of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Made in France.
Le Creuset stoneware dishes are fired at 2,156 degrees Fahrenheit to produce durable nonporous ovenware for even heat distribution. Easy-to-clean enameled surface is scratch- and stain-resistant and resists chipping and cracking. Will not absorb odors or flavor of foods. Casseroles bake with a deliciously crisp golden surface. Petite round casserole dishes create enticing entrees and desserts, beginning with the 25 sweet and savory recipes inside The Le Creuset Mini-Cocotte cookbook included. Made in France.
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