Historical and Modern Valencian Industry: A Comprehensive Overview
Historical Valencian Industry
Valencia’s industrial roots trace back to ancient times, with the Middle Ages marking significant growth. Key industries included paper production in Xàtiva, ceramics in Paterna and Manises, metalworking in Valencia, wool production in Alcoi, Bocairent, and Morella, silk in Valencia and Xàtiva, and leather tanning in Valencia. Tile production using fired clay emerged during the Arab period. The 16th century saw textiles (wool, silk, flax, and hemp) and ceramics (primarily tiles) as dominant industries. The 18th century brought an industrial crisis, impacting production. Textiles and brandy remained important, particularly wool production in Alcoy (Royal Textile Factory) and silk in Valencia. Silk production, a key industry since the Middle Ages, was auctioned by sea. Paper production, which had nearly disappeared, experienced a resurgence. Finally, the Royal Fábrica de Loza in Alcora, established in the 1920s-1930s, significantly supported the ceramic industry.
Relationship Between Industrialization and Agricultural Expansion
Industrialization and commercial agriculture intertwined during the latter half of the 19th century. Economic conditions, transportation, and markets transformed due to several factors, including a revolution in land and sea transport. Railways were built in productive areas, and ports were improved, facilitating trade. The expansion of commercial agriculture fueled industrial growth by increasing consumer demand for manufactured goods (footwear, textiles) and agricultural implements (tools, fertilizer). The second industrial revolution marked significant progress. The steel industry’s arrival created numerous jobs. Blast furnaces in the Mediterranean and the railroad’s extension to the port (Sagunto) were crucial developments. Sagunto’s port primarily housed industrial workers. World War I boosted foreign trade and increased merchant ships, as Valencian agriculture thrived on exports. The war years were a period of expansion for the region. These factors consolidated the industry, with ceramics and textiles continuing to grow. This expansion ended with the 1929 crisis and the civil war.
Valencian Industrial Expansion to the Present
From 1953, the Franco regime opened up to foreign markets, culminating in a beneficial 1970 agreement with the EEC, granting Spanish products preferential access to European markets. Foreign capital influx spurred economic expansion and opened up Valencian industry. Valencia’s workforce shifted from predominantly agrarian to industrial and service sectors in the 1970s. While agricultural employment declined, productivity increased due to mechanization and new technologies. Key industrial developments included the Ford plant in Almusafes (1973), the fourth steel blast furnace (inaugurated in 1974, closed in 1983), and a tourism boom from 1960 to 1978. The 1975 oil crisis severely impacted Valencian industry, leading to plant closures in Sagunto and rising unemployment. The EAFRD and LEADER programs were subsequently approved. From then until the present, the region experienced a recession (1993-1997), recovery (1998-2008), and a new economic crisis (2008-present).
Characteristics of Valencian Industry
- Specialization in direct consumer goods: This sector comprises two-thirds of total production, including textiles and clothing (13%), food (19%), footwear (7%), furniture (12%), and toys (1.6%). Intermediate consumption goods like construction materials (13%) and metallurgy (14%) are also significant. Artistic ceramics, glass, and other decorative items contribute as well.
- Prevalence of indigenous SMEs: Most Valencian companies are small or medium-sized, locally owned. Large companies are typically foreign-owned, with their presence increasing substantially in recent years.
- Export orientation: Valencian industry, like agriculture, has always focused on exports. Cars (Ford), footwear, and tiles are major exports, gaining ground both domestically and internationally.
- Diffuse location and local expertise: Industries are dispersed across the region, with each locality specializing in specific products. A mix of industries is found primarily in the Valencia metropolitan area.
Wood Industry in the Valencia Metropolitan Area
The furniture industry in Valencia dates back to the Middle Ages. However, the first workshops with modern manufacturing techniques emerged in the 19th century, notably Luis Suai (1860), who introduced curved furniture and industrial production equipment. Furniture production gained recognition and was exported throughout Spain in the early 20th century. The industry expanded significantly in the 1960s and 1970s due to domestic demand, electric machines, industrialization, and urbanization. Major clusters emerged in Camino Real de Madrid, Aldaia-Alaquàs, and Burjassot-Paterna. These industries typically consist of small and medium-sized family businesses.
Tile Industry in the Plana de Castellón
The prominence of Castellón’s tile industry can be traced to the 18th century when the Count of Aranda established a factory in Alcora to produce high-quality pottery (royal factories). Castellón’s access to raw materials (clay) further contributed to its growth. Tile production spread from Alcora to neighboring towns in the 19th century, competing with Manises. The industry’s importance and tile exports increased from the 1960s, surpassing Manises’ artistic ceramics. Company mergers, investments, and large firms like Todagres, Pamesa, and Porcelanosa boosted exports. The adoption of natural gas furnaces in the late 1980s, facilitated by pipelines, made production cleaner. The supply of technical and material resources led to the concentration of auxiliary industries around the tile sector, many of which have gained international recognition.
Water Power and Industry in Alcoy, Ontinyent, and Xàtiva
Water power has been crucial for industry in Alcoy, Ontinyent, and Xàtiva. Rivers and ravines powered mills for weaving and fulling, increasing production speed. In Ontinyent, the Clariano River powered carded wool blanket production. Xàtiva also utilized water power for its industries.
Industrialization in the Vinalopó Valley
Industry in the Vinalopó Valley is linked to its natural conditions:
- The arid climate fostered sclerophyllous vegetation, including hemp and esparto, used in traditional footwear production.
- Erosion, resulting from aridity and human pressure, forced inhabitants to diversify their economic activities.
Water regulation, agricultural diversification, and crafts utilizing local materials like hemp and esparto were crucial. The Vinalopó population gradually developed various professions, exporting manufactured goods domestically and internationally by the 20th century. Specialization emerged, with Elx focusing on athletic footwear and Elda-Petrer on women’s leather shoes.