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DuPont Europe, 1888-1962

 Sub-Series
Accession: 2559Identifier: 2559-I.-J.

Dates

  • Creation: 1888-1962

Historical Note

The DuPont Europe office opened in London in 1905 to license patents and trade marks for subsidiary companies and to observe developing European technology. The office served as a liaison with London banks which financed DuPont purchases of raw materials in international markets. In 1933 the role of the London office was expanded with the office manager serving as director of European sales offices.

During the years 1929-1936 Harry Haon was assigned to the position of Technical Representative of the DuPont European Office. His technical and sales background was good preparation when he was promoted to the position of Manager of DuPont Europe in October 1954.

By the late 1950s DuPont decided that a central office in Europe was necessary to develop amd market new products and to explore global markets. By 1962 Geneva, Switzerland became the hub of DuPont's European business. Haon was given the choice of relocating to Geneva or to retire from the company. He chose to retire and remain in London.

Scope and Content

Haon's collection of materials regarding DuPont Europe between 1888 through 1962 is fairly complete and provides information not found elsewhere. Company histories document DuPont's relationships with European companies particularly with the manufacture of explosives by England and Germany. There is information about Fabrics and Finishes, especially regarding the manufacture of Duco paints in France, an important part of DuPont's European market. Records such as reports, correspondence, and legal agreements document DuPont's European expansion and the eventual relocation of the office from London to Geneva in 1962.

Extent

From the Series: 19 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

From the Series: English

Additional Description

Access Restrictions

Personnel records to be closed until 2064.

Related Names

Creator

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository

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