The start of the war
Renault: Created in 1898. Renault is a French automobile manufacturer. As early as 1909, Renault was one of the first factories to experiment with the organization of work; for four years, Renault met the demand of the army and built new machinery, including trucks, planes and tanks. The plant will also manufacture aircraft engines (AR aircraft). Later, in 1917, Renault began manufacturing tanks with his Renault FT. He also began to work in the chain to respond to this increase in production, putting workers along a conveyor belt and doing the same task, always, leading to their specializations.
In 1918, Renault became France’s first private industrialist, and was honoured by the Allies in the contribution of the war effort. War benefits are estimated at CHF 92 million.
Women’s employment in Renault factories was a major part of the total war.
Between 1914 and 1916, the number of workers multiplied by 6, and over the entire period by 10. Their involvement is really important during this period, and decisive. They represent 1/3 of the workforce at the beginning of 1918.
Michelin suggested to the French government that they make aircraft available. During the war, Michelin manufactured nearly 2,000 Breguet war planes in her shops. In 1916, Michelin built her first airstrip. Michelin has done social work, including employing women. There is great solidarity between women and soldiers on the front lines. In Clermont-Ferrand, a pneumatic storage building turned into a temporary hospital in 21 days, with 3,000 injured.