French foundry specialized in
aluminium bronze since 1947

The history of Fonderie Davergne is one of innovation and industrial achievements. Now operating as a fully integrated foundry, the company has modestly contributed to the success of many industries and customers over the decades. With more than 75 years of experience, it continues its rigorous work to deliver high-quality alloys and reliable technical expertise.

Founded in 1947 by Raoul Davergne, the company was originally dedicated to the lock and hardware industry, which was then one of the key activities in the Vimeu region of France. Over the years, Fonderie Davergne progressively diversified its business, first into the automotive industry, notably producing gearbox shift forks for Ford and Peugeot, before making a major strategic shift toward the railway sector from the mid-1990s onward.

This evolution was supported by significant industrial growth, including the acquisition of Fonderie Leclercq in 1999 and the aluminum bronze activity of Atelier du Bélier in 2002, further strengthening the company’s expertise in high-performance copper-based alloys.

Always focused on innovation, Fonderie Davergne launched its investment casting activity in 2026 for prototypes and small production runs, while remaining fully specialized in the alloys it has mastered for decades.

Today, the company employs around 125 people within a responsive, human-sized and fully integrated organization, continuing its international expansion, with exports already representing 35% of its annual turnover.

Foundry Davergne

Key Milestones

In a few pictures

more than 75 years of history…

Publicité 1947 de cadenas des Etablissements Raoul Davergne

First safety padlock made by Raoul Davergne

First step on Aluminium-Bronze

The founder, Raoul Davergne, assembles his initial team of three collaborators.

The company initiates its operations at its historic location : Feuquières en Vimeu. Raoul oversees the trade of locksmith parts.

The DAV Security Padlock is invented, and the padlocks quickly gain popularity, selling tens of thousands of copies.

Photo d'une louche pleine de métal en fusion versée dans un moule

1947

Arrival of son : Roland Davergne

The company begins diversification into car-systems, valves and electrical applications.

Welcoming the 50th employee to the team.

pièce en cupro-aluminium

1960

Arrival of the 3rd generation

Dominique, Patrick, and their sister Béatrice Davergne gradually assumed control of the company.

While the foundry stage established Davergne's reputation, the company now oversees the entire production chain to enhance its service quality. To reinforce this commitment, the company implements its first Enterprise Ressource Planning (ERP).

transvasement de métal en fusion

1982 - 1987 - 1989

Successful diversification in the railway sector

The introduction of the first catenary application marks the inception of a continual advancement in this field.

Davergne becomes the 205th company to achieve Railway Quality Assurance out of 5,000 suppliers at that time, solidifying its commitment to quality in the industry.

1992

Innovation & Integration of the Leclercq foundry

In a strategic move, Davergne shifts to electric induction for melting furnaces, bidding farewell to gas furnaces.

Additionally, Eric Janusz, the brother-in-law of the Davergne, joins the team and assumes the management of Leclercq.

photo de la fonderie

1999

Acquisition of Atelier du Bélier's Aluminum-Bronze Business

Over a hundred tools are successfully integrated

2002

TGV speed record

Our high-speed lines are outfitted with our state-of-the-art Aluminium-Bronze components.
Aluminum-Bronze, the alloy setting unprecedented records.

We are proud to announce our first ISO certification.

Download the certificate

Caténaires de train

2007 & 2008

Modernization : Upgrading the Machinery

The Company spans over 4000 m².

Expansion of production capacities and implementation of robotic integration.

robot à bras 5 axes

2020

The Davergne foundry winner of France Relance and the Hauts-de-France region.

Investment in a new generation machine : 5-Axis Machining center (the first of this kind in Europe)

Plan sur robot d'usinage

2022

Completely integrated factory: design office, tool shop, foundry, parts machining and control of alloys…

A strategic position in north of France

End to End Mastery

With an annual capacity exceeding 1000 tons, Davergne Foundry stands as the leading European producer of Aluminium-Bronze. A distinctive feature since 1947: complete integration, starting from the design of foundry tools up to the machining of parts.

Strategic Investments for Sustained Competitiveness

Over the past decade, Foundry Davergne has made substantial investments in its production facilities, including the extension of the melting capacity and the introduction of robots for foundry, cutting, and machining processes. Strengthening the tooling and prototyping service, coupled with the adoption of a next-generation ERP, has further fortified the competitiveness of Foundry Davergne.

A Company Commited to the Environment
 

Proud of its family heritage and focused on future generations, Fonderie Davergne places environmental responsibility at the heart of its development.

Our alloys are produced and controlled entirely in-house using 100% recycled raw materials, with strict requirements for metallurgical quality and full traceability. We also deliberately work with lead-free and zinc-free alloys as part of our commitment to more responsible and sustainable manufacturing.

This commitment enabled us to achieve the EcoVadis Bronze Medal in 2025, and we continue to pursue continuous improvement with the objective of reaching Silver level in the near future.

eco-responsibles alloys, lead free, zinc free

Did you know ?

Chronology

History of metals
The use of metals by man since prehistoric times.