Beyond the Haine: The growth of the Belgian company Baume & Marpent

“The modest foundry of Baume which, in 1870, employed just 60 workers and staff, whose facilities barely covered 2 hectares around 1875, became this powerful corporation, with buildings and courtyards spreading over more than 60 hectares, where over 4,000 engineers, technicians, administrators, and workers labored daily.” (Écomusée de Bois-du-Luc, fonds Baume & Marpent, company catalogue, c. 1953). Figure 1: Léon Moyaux, General manager of Baume & Marpent between 1871 and 1902 [undated portr.