Fonderie ROGER
SPECIALIST SINCE 1930
WE HAVE A LONG EXPERIENCE OF THE DIE CASTING FOUNDRY
1950
The first miniature cyclists are manufactured in Zamak (zinc alloy) in the 1950s by the grandfather of the current representative of the company. These cyclists have emerged with a separate base which soon became a problem, with the loss of the base, the rider can not stand up and becomes unusable. This problem was solved by changing the tooling which allowed to get out in one piece the cyclist and the triangle base.
At that time also appeared a sought cyclist now, the cyclist with a central square base that allowed to use it on a peg board.
1960
In the mid 60s, it’s hundreds of thousands of small cyclists are produced each year and sold in France, Italy and Belgium. At his retirement Henri ROGER (1960) gives his son Pierre ROGER (hence the brand PR) the task of continuing the manufacture of small runners. Pierre ROGER at that time would target industrial markets but he said graciously manufacture. It was around 1965 that the following cars PR mark (Watermann and the cat) are created.
After this auspicious period, quantities produced gradually decline each year for 2 reasons: The market is slowing following the introduction of new toys and production is increasingly uncertain, the evolution of society leaves no room home work. Women go to work in factories because the consumer society creates needs more and more important to households which requires new revenue and parallel it creates many new jobs; this is the beginning of the rural exodus.
After this auspicious period, quantities produced gradually decline each year for 2 reasons: The market is slowing following the introduction of new toys and production is increasingly uncertain, the evolution of society leaves no room home work. Women go to work in factories because the consumer society creates needs more and more important to households which requires new revenue and parallel it creates many new jobs; this is the beginning of the rural exodus.
1970
Since 1975, production has stagnated at around 10 to 15 000 cyclists per year. Decorating problems do not make it possible to manufacture more.
1980
In the 1980 cyclists are painted in prison with varying success (badly painted cyclists, metal paint mixing and plastic etc.) In the years 85, back to the home painting, the company rehired a former employee allowing provide approximately 20,000 cyclists per year. From 1990 follows a particularly difficult period, the company can not honor its orders, cyclists are sold in dropper.
1990
In 1998, the enthusiasm and support of collectors has restored some hope and help to boost production of small figurines.
2000
Since 2002 decorating problems are largely resolved and all requests can be met.
2010
Today 3 representatives distribute our miniatures to stores and specialty toy stores and the Internet has allowed many collectors find us.