LE MINOR

History. In 1922, Mrs Berthe Ethui created MBL (Manufacture Bonneterie Lorientaise) in Lorient. The company manufactures sweaters especially for fishermen. Le Minor is a member of Produit en Bretagne

The objective of the hosiery is to protect sailors who go fishing for long months with warm and durable sweaters. Because the first function of the marine sweater is to protect sea workers from the elements, before being a fashion accessory.

A first manufacturing workshop was thus created on the rue du 62e Régiment d'Infanterie in Lorient.

The emblematic garment then integrates the cloakroom of the yachtsmen before becoming an essential part of the man but also of the woman. During the 1930s, the factory was in full expansion but was forced to move to Quimperlé and Pluméliau during the Second World War. In 1963, the company set up its workshops in Guidel, with more than 150 people joining the adventure. The production of sweaters and sailors is aimed at the general public.

In 1970, MBL won a contract with the French Navy and began to manufacture the required jersey. It manufactures between 5,000 and 15,000 officer pullovers per year until 2010. Even today, Guidel's workshop continues to make this sweater, which will be worn for a lifetime.

In parallel, in 1936, Marie-Anne Le Minor launched the company LE MINOR in Pont L'Abbé.

Gathering around it the embroiderers of the Bigouden country who perpetuate a traditional Breton decorative art, the company manufactures traditional clothing, table and household linen, then ready-to-wear. In 1950, the iconic piece, Kabig, was created. This woolen cloth and hooded coat is inspired by seaweed (seaweed collectors to make fertilizer or medicine) and revisited by René-Yves Creston's pencil line.

Since 1960, with the expansion of collections still inspired by the marine world, Le Minor has continued to develop. In 1970, the company employed 500 people in Pont-Labbé and became a regional symbol.

In 1982, Le Minor and MBL merged. The factory remains in Guidel.

Five years later, in 1987, the Grammatico family took over the management of the company. Under his direction, the MBL labels gave way to Le Minor exclusively. Great passionate about creation, Marie-Christine Grammatico remained at the head of the factory for 31 years.

1989 saw the brand's development in Asia with the opening of the Japanese market.

In the years 1990-2000, Le Minor went through the crisis in the French textile industry without any problems, rightly favouring exports, particularly to Japan, where seamen were in great demand.

In 2000, Le Minor opened up to a new activity and became a manufacturer for high-end and luxury brands.

In 2018, the company was once again taken over, this time by Jérôme and Sylvain, two entrepreneurs passionate about national know-how. The two friends are committed to perpetuating the quality know-how.

Products: marine clothing, Breton clothing: sweaters, coats... The star: the striped sailor's outfit, available in beautiful colours.