Usine de Pierrefonds, Sugar refinery in Saint-Pierre, Réunion Island, France.
Usine de Pierrefonds is a sugar refinery in Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island, consisting of multiple interconnected buildings including a T-shaped production hall and a northeastern distillery structure. The complex displays the characteristic architecture of sugar processing, with spacious buildings designed to handle large-scale cane milling and processing operations.
The facility was founded in 1834 and became one of the major sugar processing plants on the island. It played a significant role in the industrialization of Reunion and operated for over 130 years before closing in 1970.
The factory demonstrates the significance of sugar production in Réunion Island's development, representing a key period of industrial advancement.
The site has become an important location for exploring industrial heritage and attracts visitors interested in learning about sugar production history. The grounds are relatively flat and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the various buildings and structures.
The facility powered its machinery using both steam engines and a water wheel fed from the Saint-Etienne Canal. This combination of two energy sources allowed for efficient production and remains today as a fascinating example of 19th-century engineering solutions.
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