In 1850, Louis Vicat demonstrated the quality of Saint-Astier limestone, marking the start of a pre-industrial era of limestone quarrying.
Throughout this period, the history of Chaux de Saint-Astier® has been passed down from generation to generation, reinventing itself to become a recognised player in the conservation of the world’s built heritage.
In 1863, there were almost 15 factories in the Saint-Astier basin. From 1906 onwards, some lime kiln operators joined forces, modernising their facilities and building new factories to keep pace with the arrival of cement on the construction market, and so survive the passage of time, while perpetuating this ancestral know-how.
In 1912, Auguste Bastier decided to go into the lime industry by buying the ‘Ferrières’ estate. He first built three lime kilns, then added six in 1920. Together with his son René Bastier, he founded ‘Les Établissements A. Bastier’ in 1925. The Saint-Astier lime works were modernised that same year. New kilns were thus built to meet demand from the regional market, which was keen on the local lime from Saint Astier, rich in silica and renowned for its outstanding quality. Expertise improved and tools were modernised.
In 1923/1924, the Stipal, Savart, Labrue and Moillard families settled and built two lime kilns on the site of La Jarthe, in the commune of Saint-Astier. In 1928 and 1930, two new lime kilns were built, which are still in operation today (the future ‘SAFA‘ company).
Between 1925 and 1930, new, more modern production units were built and the BASTIER company, together with other producers, invested in a new site and created the ‘CIMCHAUX‘ company. They built two Anker lime kilns (opposite those of SAFA), which are still in use today. In 1933, after the death of Auguste Bastier, his son René took over the business, which is still evolving on the current site.
In 1934, the two companies joined forces and created a Union Commerciale des Chaux et Ciments (UCDC) to promote Saint-Astier Natural Hydraulic Lime jointly. Close to the La Jarthe site, the Bertrand family, a family of lime kiln workers, produced lime as well as plaster for the Dordogne company. This company was bought out in the 1970s by companies represented by the Stipal and Bastier families.
Between 1952 and 1975, Guy Bastier, alongside Pierre Stipal and then Alain Stipal, continued to drive the sales dynamic, while pooling many production tools and people’s know-how to ensure the company’s continuity.
In the 1980s, the families decided to distribute lime on a national scale via a manufacturer with a nationwide presence. A Saint-Astier® technical sales manager was given exclusive responsibility for training this industrial distributor. In 1986, Saint-Astier® established a regional presence with 5 technical sales agents.
In 1997, the technical and commercial departments were restructured and a new entity was created, CESA (Chaux et Enduits de Saint Astier). Freed from exclusive distribution rights, the company hired a team of technical sales staff that has continued to grow ever since.
In the 1980s/90s, the family business, then run by Alain Stipal and Antoine Bastier, promoted the qualities and benefits of lime in the restoration of the built heritage; it then took off throughout France and made a name for itself abroad.
In 1998, Saint-Astier® exported its knowledge and expertise abroad. The company was called upon to work on major landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain in Rome, the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa and the Tower of London. Since then, the company has been involved with many other structures worldwide.
From 2024, new impetus will be given to guarantee the continuity and expertise of the family business. Saint-Astier® places innovation at the heart of its challenges for the future, specifically through the decarbonisation of its manufacturing process. Already well established in France, Saint-Astier® is also continuing to expand beyond its borders. Numerous social, environmental and economic initiatives enable the company to strengthen its development strategy without giving up its DNA.
