The directors of the Manufacture d'Histoires Deux-Ponts are in mourning, they have just lost their father, Michel Caillat, born in 1937 in Grenoble. His death, on April 8th, has no link with the coronavirus, they say.
This enthusiast of mountains, rugby, history and photography was at the head of the Manufacture d'Histoires Deux-Ponts. Located today in Bresson, the printing works brings together 34 graphic arts professions, employs around 150 people and has a turnover of 17 million euros, mainly in the luxury sector. It has been awarded the Entreprise du patrimoine vivant (EPV) label since 2012.
Michel Caillat began working at the Deux-Ponts printing works founded in 1935 by his father André Caillat. He joined at the age of 15 as an apprentice typographer.
He was mobilized during the Algerian War. He later participated in the associations of Algerian Veterans and Eagle Veterans. He was also involved in the Centre for Young Leaders and the Circle of Christian Entrepreneurs and Leaders, as well as the Employers' Union of the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CPME).
In the 1960s, thanks in part to his work as a salesman, the family printing company expanded and switched from letterpress to offset printing.
In 1978, Michel Caillat, then father of four children, took over the management of the printing company, which provided work for the entire Caillat family.
In 1988, he passed on the company to his two sons, Renaud and Laurent. At that time, the printing works had about twenty employees, including seven from the Caillat family, and had a turnover of one million euros. In 1994, his daughter Cécile joined the family printing works. Her grandson Stellio now represents the fourth generation of printers.
In 1997, he retired.
