Historical

It was in 1969 that Mr. Jean GEORGEScreates in its own name the establishment "NEO GARAGE" whose activity was the trade of motor vehicles. The majority of the vehicles being mainly bought in Belgium and Germany, it was necessary after a few years of activity to rationalize the means of transport to allow imports into France in large quantities.

In 1972, the establishment creates two jobs and considers the purchase of a car trailer. After examination, the price of this equipment was considered prohibitive because it was sold exclusively by a foreign company. Mr GEORGES then decides to build a trailer by his own means. He sells this first trailer and decides to manufacture a second one more advanced. A total of 5 trailers for advanced cars will be built. In front of the success of his creations, Mr GEORGES gives up the trade of vehicles to devote himself exclusively to the manufacture of trailers.

In 1974, the establishment changed its name to "LES REMORQUES INDUSTRIELLES JIGE". The number of employees increases to six people for a turnover of 2 million francs.

In 1976, a new stage is reached, manufacturing diversifies towards tow truck repair. A hydraulic platform system is developed and successfully marketed. To improve the growth of its activity, a new 2500 m² factory is acquired in ST MIHIEL and 15 additional jobs are created. Faced with the specificity of his industrial activity, Mr GEORGES felt his commercial activity slowed down on the national market and decided to export to Germany where this type of sophisticated equipment met with real success. It is also in 1976 that the limited company "LES REMORQUES INDUSTRIELLES JIGE S.A." is created.

In 1982, the company's name changes to become " SA JIGE WRECKERS ", wreckers meaning tow truck in English, this allowing to locate the activity of the company abroad.

In 1986, the company was saturated by demand and faced with the impossibility of extending its activity on the existing site, a logical response was found by selling half of the capital to the LOHR company. Thanks to the financial and technological complementarity of the LOHR group, the company acquires a new factory in REVIGNY sur ORNAIN and more efficient machines.

A network of distributors is established throughout Europe allowing us to achieve a global turnover of 75 million francs, 40% of which is exported with 115 employees.

As a result of these efforts and export results, we were awarded the 1993 trophy for the best exporting company in Lorraine in the industry.

In 1995, in order to control its mechanical and boiler making subcontracting until this period scattered in France and abroad, a factory was acquired in LONGEVILLE en BARROIS as well as high-performance production machines.
In 1996, the American group MILLER INDUSTRIES of Chattanooga, Tennessee, took a majority stake in JIGE LOHR, which became JIGE INTERNATIONAL. The MILLER Group exports worldwide under the brands Holmes, Century, Eagle, Champion, Boniface, Challenger, Vulcan and achieves a turnover of 600 million francs for 600 employees. Through this alliance, JIGE INTERNATIONAL asserts its position as world leader on the European market, offering customers an incomparable choice of equipment at unbeatable prices.

Always in 1996, JIGE INTERNATIONAL formalizes and proves its will to ensure its customers the very high level of quality of its products by becoming the first breakdown service manufacturer in the world to be certified ISO 9001.
In 1997, JIGE INTERNATIONAL, confirms its position as an official supplier to Peugeot, Citroën and Renault Assistance. This result is the result of a very close collaboration with these manufacturers in the establishment of very precise specifications and product evolutions.

In parallel, the military markets develop and the manufacturing of vehicles for the police, air force and land forces as well as for the United Nations are launched.

In 1998, in a constant concern of technological improvement, JIGE INTERNATIONAL, introduced the proportional distribution on these heavy equipment trucks allowing a precision for the operator in his work thanks to the variable speed. The combination of ultra high frequency and digital electronics have made it possible to design a state-of-the-art radio control system, favouring efficiency of the order as well as operator safety with real-time transmission.

In 2000 and 2001, JIGE INTERNATIONAL won two major commercial successes, including a military contract with the French army for 22 heavy-duty tow trucks with Mega City 42 equipment and the Belgian Touring Secours for 27 Simplex and Mid City sliding flatbed tow trucks.

In 2002 turnover rose to 20 million euros for 160 people employed.

In early 2003, after more than a year of development, a new range of Simplex Sliding Platforms is offered on the market with an innovative Solematic type sliding system which allows to obtain an unequalled loading angle, without any real added value, thanks to the translation of the platform by a hydraulic cylinder with amplified stroke, which is the subject of a patent application.
At the end of 2003, the United Nations awarded JIGE INTERNATIONAL the contract for the construction of 60 Eurotow 42 recovery systems, mainly mounted on Renault 6X4 chassis. This equipment is operational in all parts of the world.

In 2005, a tray specially designed for public works, the Tepematic system is born as well as two options dedicated to heavy duty tow trucks, the new Bonimatic arm and the Top Boom double extension beam.

In 2008, JIGE INTERNATIONAL was again awarded a contract by the United Nations for 60 Eurotow on Kerax chassis and 4 Holmes 600 R. These equipments are mounted on Renault Kerax 8 X 4 with removable cabin for transport by plane C130.

In 2013, the Russian government has selected Jigé to supply 10 MEGA 45s for towing and repair operations at various Olympic venues in Sochi. This year is the release of the Light City arm, an ultra-light arm designed for the pick up market.

In 2014, the extra-flat hydraulic basket for the Mid City arms will come out of the design office. Delivery of 5 century 5230 to Renault Truck Defense.

In 2015, exit of the 10 000th equipment of our workshops.

In 2016, exit of the stainless steel edge profiles on the range of trays. In 2019, the company celebrates its 50th anniversary.

In 2020, passing of the torch and the reins of the company to Nicolas GEORGES, son of Jean GEORGES.