DELABRE 5 generations of scrap metal workers

DELABRE is an independent family company which has know-how and historical experience since it has been evolving for 5 generations in the recycling sector. Its history is closely linked.

From ragpicker to scrap dealer – 1885-1930

Before becoming a recycler or scrap dealer as this profession is still called today, Delabre began at the end of the 19th century as a rag picker.

It was Emilie Colombini who arrived from Italy and settled in Givors (69) in 1885. She then began to hunt for everything that could be reused or transformed in order to sell it. We then collect rabbit skins, bones, string, iron, zinc which we sort, package in sufficient quantity and resell to whoever would be interested.

At that time, the work was manual. The company is made up of 2 people who travel by bike or on horseback in the cities and especially in the countryside in search of all these materials. Trucks do not exist… we are talking then about a rag picker's car equipped with a horse and a cart.

This woman will transmit the trade to her daughter Marie-Louise Sabatier who marries Auguste Delabre. The latter will then give his name to the company that still bears him.

By pursuing “china” she will make the company last.