When the Dorlay valley joined this florishing industry, in Saint-Chamond there was a time of regrouping. From 1882, small workshops run by families started to disappear, owners have to regroup in order to stay competitive in front of a market that is in constant evolution.

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 From the 60's, changes in fashion and competition from abroad (Japan, China) put an end to this rich industrial era. 

 

 

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The House of Braids and Laces : 

 

Our small Dorlay valley, within its few kilometers, counted a dozen braiding factories located between Doizieux and La Grand Croix, where the river runs into the Gier. Some of these factories employed more than 90 persons, using 700 machines.

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This factory was last owned by the Camus family, who were in the business of braids since the end of World War II. Employees were mostly women from the countryside around the factory. A legendary small train called "La Galoche" (a kind of wooden shoes) was running alongside the river, in order to get the workers to their workplaces, where they spent the whole week. 

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A few factories still produce braids nowadays, like climbing ropes, technical cables, and even for plumbing conducts.

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