History

... or how vmc peche has grown to be the global leader in treble hooks and supplier to 70 countries around the world.

It was in 1910 that VMC’s illustrious heritage in hook production began at its ironworks in Grandvillars, East France but the origins of the family-owned company actually go further back than even that – much further in fact.

It all started over two hundred years ago in 1796, when the Viellard family appointed Jean-Baptiste Migeon as Manager of its steel forge. When in 1835 Jean-Baptiste’s daughter married Juvenal Viellard, their initials were combined to form "VMC". And so it was that in 1996, Viellard Migeon and Company, the Family Holding Company, joined the ‘Henokiens’, an exclusive group of 200-year-old family businesses.
 

1910

the first vmc hooks

French family company Viellard Migeon and Company, established in 1796, begins to produce fish hooks.

Director Charles Viellard is quick to recognize that hook-making expertise lies in Redditch, England, and in 1910 some ten families from the Midlands town are ‘imported’ to help set up the company’s new hook department in the family’s ironworks.

Hooks are sold with the "La Bouée" brand name, meaning "Life Ring".

 

1938

the vmc hook factory

Profits grow and a new dedicated fish hook factory is opened in Morvillars, France - where VMC hooks are still manufactured today.

 

1950

the golden age

VMC, now employing 450 workers in the hook factory, leads the French hook market.

The post-war financial crisis plus a serious decline in the quality of raw materials and increased foreign competition then combines to present a new challenge.

 

1969

a visionary leader

Arrival of new director Christophe Viellard and his dual strategy of automatic machining and international growth, sharply focused on treble hooks.

By 1973, the company has made a spectacular recovery and VMC PECHE is created, an independent company controlled by the family holding.

 

1970s

technological revolution

Invention and construction of unique automatic machines, led by factory director Norbert Heyer and the late engineer Roger Billet.
By 1974, daily treble hook operation has increased from 5,000 pieces to 60,000 pcs.

 

1980s

international growth

Extra volume rapidly drives VMC’s booming export business, opening up new markets.
Creation of US subsidiary, VMC Inc. in 1981 followed by further VMC sales companies in Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Russia and Brazil.

 

1981

eftta : a new voice for the industry

VMC is amongst the founding senior members of the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) and its annual international trade exhibition EFTTEX.

 

1990 onwards

infinite technologies

VMC continues to develop and market exclusive innovations in hook design and manufacturing processes. VMC trademark technologies include CONE CUT®, VANADIUM®, FASTGRIP®, BARBARIAN®, SURESET® (SCORPIC), PERMASTEEL®, SPARK POINT®, SPINSHOT® and STRATEGIK®.

 

1995

creation of VMC EUROPE

VMC EUROPE, located close to the VMC factory becomes responsible for European Distribution, led by Mr Norbert Heyer.

 

2000

birth of the Rapala-VMC Corporation

(visit corporate website)

VMC, global market leader in treble hook production and sales joins forces with RAPALA, the world's leading lure maker.

 

2001

a new president

Arrival of VMC PECHE's current President and Managing Director, Mr Stanislas de Castelnau, succeeding Christophe Viellard upon his retirement.

 

 

2010

vmc celebrates a century of excellence

The VMC factory, distributors and partners worldwide celebrate 100 years of fish hook production in France.

VMC PECHE is certified as a “Living Heritage Company” under the French Government’s prestigious EPV Entreprise de Patrimoine Vivant label, recognized for its rare and exceptional know-how “made in France”.