VMZINC History
VMZINC has been manufacturing a wide range of rolled zinc products used primarily for building envelopes since 1837.
The use of zinc in ancient times has been proven with the discovery of jewellery and funeral urns in Greece and Egypt.
Ever since the 18th century, after developing an original production process, an imperial decree was granted to Jean-Jacques Dony to mine the zinc ore deposit at La Vieille Montagne, near Liège, in Belgium. The Société des Mines et Fonderies de Zinc de la Vieille Montagne was created in 1837.
VMZINC® has been manufacturing a wide range of rolled zinc products used primarily for building envelopes since 1837. In addition to batten cap and standing seam roof systems, products include rainwater systems, a wide range of cladding systems, including a number of rainscreen façade products. Since its creation the company has also produced decorative roofing products such as dormers, bull’s eyes, weather vanes and other ornaments.
18th century: After developing an original production process, an imperial decree was granted to Jean-Jacques Dony to mine the zinc ore deposit at La Vieille Montagne, near Liège, in Belgium. The "Société des Mines et Fonderies de Zinc de la Vieille Montagne" was created in 1837.
1853: The "Compagnie Royale Asturienne des Mines" was founded.
1922: First electrolysis in Viviez.
1975: Continuous casting in Auby.
1978: "Vieille Montagne" develops and markets ANTHRA-ZINC, the first ever matt black pre-weathered zinc.
1980: Development of roofing and cladding systems and service offers.
1987: The "Compagnie Royale Asturienne des Mines" and "Vieille Montagne" merge to become "Vieille Montagne France".
1993: "Vieille Montagne France" joins the Union Minière group and creates the brand name VMZINC in 1994.
1993: Launch of a new light grey preweathered product: QUARTZ-ZINC.
2001: Union Minière group becomes Umicore group.
2005: Launch of the PIGMENTO range of colored preweathered products.
2014: Launch of the first engraved zinc in the world: AZENGAR
2017: VMZINC belongs now to the Belgian group Fedrus International.
2020 : "Black Collection VMZINC" improves the historical range of surface aspects
Learn more about Saga Vieille Montagne
At the end of 2015, we celebrated the 200th anniversary of the first application of Vieille Montagne zinc on a roof in Paris!