1848 - Lacroix was founded by Etienne Lacroix as a fireworks manufacturer in Toulouse located in Sang de Serp street. This family-owned company had over thirty employees.
1871 - The company manufactured metallic signal flares for the war effort.
1889- Lacroix receives a gold medal for its fireworks display at the International Exposition in Paris and employs over one hundred. The company becomes a government supplier and focuses on civil applications of pyrotechnics (flares).
1945-
Roger Barès, a young officer who has just married Monique Lacroix, joins the company and later becomes Manager. He diversifies the companies activities to serve National Security.
1953 -
A research department is established to develop its own proprietary products, and in particular, pyrotechnic decoys to protect ships and planes. 400 national and international patents are registered. Etienne-Lacroix equipped over 40 army forces.
1956 -
A shop is opened in Toulouse for the sale of fireworks and party items in bulk.
1959 -
The Toulouse manufacturing facility was transferred to the Joffrey industrial area in Muret, spreading over 33 hectares.
1960 -
Acquisition of Moulages Plastiques du Midi (MPM), which is specialised in thermoplastic injection moulding.
1980 -
Acquisition of a site of 130 hectares in Sainte-Foy-de-Peyrolières (20 kilometers southwest of Muret) where the range for shooting off fireworks is set up. In 1991, the factory was set into operation and the facilities are now used as a logistics platform and for storing fireworks.
1993 -
Pyrotechnologies, a new commercial activity, is established to develop and commercialize to manufacturers pyrotechnic applications for distress signals, railway signals, anti hail devices, obscurants, anti-intrusion systems, and avalanche initiation systems.
1994 -
"Superfêtes" (superparties), another new commercial activity, is created to commercialize fireworks products and party accessories.
1997 - Roger Barès passed away and Ruggieri is bought out. Lacroix-Ruggieri becomes the leading European creator of pyrotechnic shows. Each year Lacroix-Ruggieri puts on 8000 fireworks displays, 80% of which are held on 14 July. A government-certified training center for pyrotechnicians is established.
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1999 -
Acquisition of the countermeasures division of the "Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs" (a public-sector French company specialised in the manufacture of powders and explosives for civil and military applications) .
31 décembre 1999 - Lacroix-Ruggieri was the only fireworks company able to write "2000" in the sky.
1° juin 2006 -
The Lacroix Group expanded its product range with the acquisition of Alsetex in Précigné in northwestern France. The company is located on a site of 400 hectares, employs 130 people and is specialised in products for peacekeeping as well as products specific to the petrolium, chemistry and industrial sectors.
1848 - Lacroix was founded by Etienne Lacroix as a fireworks manufacturer in Toulouse located in Sang de Serp street. This family-owned company had over thirty employees.
