Matias Girbau - Spain

History of the match industry in Spain

Light is one of the main inventions in history, as it allows humans to obtain light instantly. In Spain, around 1844, some 54 private factories will operate simultaneously. In 1892 the manufacture of lights became a monopoly of the State until the end of 1956 with the founding of Fosforera Espanyola (FE) and Fosforera Canariense. Later, in 1960, the General Fosforera appeared and in 1967 the Fósforos del Pirineo brand appeared. All of these companies are going to be as important as the appearance of the lighters. Ownership of the last factory, FE, will be transferred to Swedish Match in 1992 and in 2005 the last factory operating in Spain, Alfara del Patriarca in Valencia, will stop shipping for the last time.

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