The company Mondiale has existed for almost 100 years. But did you know that our origins go back a lot further? To 1860 to be precise. That’s when the Fondu family business in Vilvoorde put the metal industry on our map. Since 1921 this company has been known as Mondiale.
For decades Vilvoorde was the beating heart of the Mondialists. This is the remarkable and wonderful story of Mondiale, recorded for you in a 6-part mini-series.
PART 3: 1920 to 1935
Between 1920 and 1925 it was quiet in the factory “S.A. Anciens Etablissements Charles J.B. Fondu”. This was mainly because of the tragic and far too early loss of manager Charles. But also due to the demise of the Belgian car industry.
During this period, the company was forced to concentrate on locksmithing, production of railway equipment and engine parts.
The motorcycle circuit
But from 1925 a whole new (and sports-focused) era began. Fondu purchased the brand name “La Mondiale” and accompanying motorcycle models. And this is how it began to manufacture these special motorcycles series, in its factories in Vilvoorde.
The original range consisted of 3 models: the Luxury, the Sports (and Grand Sports) and the Road models. Typical of the Mondiale motorcycles was the robust, low profile frame.
The La Mondiale racing team
In 1928 the company merged with the Brussels business, “Ets. Blavier,” which mainly made lathes. The new name was now “Anciens Etablissements Blavier“.
The merger proved to be a success, thanks mainly to the performance of the La Mondiale motorcycle racer team. Everywhere in the country where racing took place, La Mondiale motorcycles achieved many resounding victories.
Finally "Mondiale"!
In 1931, a new manager was appointed with the aim of expanding the brand. The company name was therefore changed once again to “Mondiale Société Anonyme de Constructions Mécaniques”. Or simply “Mondiale”. A new, modern logo also now adorned the factory walls.
Mondiale created an unprecedented frenzy in the years that followed. At the Brussels Motor Show our stand was even visited by a very interested King Albert I.
For 3,950 Belgian francs, you could buy the smallest motorcycle: a 150cc with Villiers engine, double exhaust, 3 gears and electric lighting. Mondiale offered a wide range of engines.
Worth a stamp
But that was at a time of severe general crisis in Belgium… and manufacturing finally had to be shut down, as early as 1935.
Nobody was in any doubt that Mondiale engines excelled in both robustness and speed. The brand was always mentioned in the same breath as the other greats in Belgium.
Even postal stamps featuring the brand were issued at the time.
Successful lathes
However, during this period – since the merger with Blavier – Mondiale continued to produce lathes. Successfully, by the way! There was great demand for the simple yet outstanding “Model A”.
Explanations were provided in 4 languages on the flip side of this photograph (promotional material). Solid proof that Mondiale was already doing business abroad at the time.
From 1936 onwards, Mondiale concentrated entirely on the production of lathes. You can read how that unfolded in the next part of this wonderful and remarkable story of our company.
Source: STAPPERS, M. (1998). The remarkable history of a Vilvoords Metal Construction Company – 1860-1989. Vilvoorde, Dupress Vilvoorde.