Voralberg Manufacturing
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Native name | Manufacture d'automates et de jouets mécaniques Voralberg |
|---|---|
Formerly | Manufacture de jouets à mécanisme et de marionnettes Voralberg |
| Fate | Defunct |
| Founded | 1648 in Valadilène, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Founder | Charles Voralberg |
| Defunct | January 13, 2007 |
| Headquarters | Valadilène, France |
| Website |
voralberg |
Voralberg Manufacturing, also known as the Voralberg Automata and Mechanical Toys Factory (French: Manufacture d'automates et de jouets mécaniques Voralberg) and formerly known as the Voralberg Mechanical Toys and Puppet Factory (French: Manufacture de jouets à mécanisme et de marionnettes Voralberg) until 1816, was a toy and automata factory located in Valadilène, France. Founded in 1648 by Charles Voralberg, the Manufacture Voralberg was a leading company in the conception and production of traditionnal automated toys and machines, exporting its expertise in all of Europe and in the Americas. It became defunct in 2007 after Universal Toys Company failed to buy acquire the company.
History
The first signs of puppet manufacture in Valadilène go back to the XIIIth century. While there was no definite puppet industry at the time, historical records show that Charles Voralberg's ancestor, Hermann Vorlberg, presented his puppets to Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1242.
It was not until 1648 that Charles Voralberg founded the Voralberg Mechanical Toys and Puppet Factory in Valadilène, starting the industrial production of toys and puppets in the valley. A large part was devoted to producing theatrical puppets at the time.
During the XXth century, Valadilène and the manufacture experienced a golden age. The business was managed by Rudolph Voralberg during that period. During that time, Rudolph's son Hans Voralberg, believed to be dead by the inhabitants of Valadilene, was on a journey in Europe, notably in Austria and in Osterthal, but also in the Soviet Union. He built monuments in Vaghen, Komkolzgrad and Barrockstadt.
After the end of the Second World War, the business was run by Anna Voralberg, the daughter of Rudolph. Voralberg products became pieces of art, with highly innovative mechanisms. After her death on April 16, 2002 at the age of 86, a legal dispute occured over the sale of the manufacture to Universal Toys Company. Due to the disappearance of Kate Walker, the lawyer in charge of the case, and the discovery that Hans was probably alive, the sale could not be concluded.
After the dispute, the case remained frozen until a court order in 2007 stated that the business would be liquidated, ending an history of more than 350 years.
Brand and products
The Voralberg brand is known for its high-standards products. The Voralberg automata can be recognized by the emblematic Voralberg key, which is used to activate mechanisms.
Until 2007, the factory produced various products, such as Model XZ2000.