Digging started in 1894 in an attempt to ensure the future of the company, which was in a difficult position at that time.
The project was directed by Leon Poussigue, director of the company since 1891.
He was responsible for organizing the excavation, designing buildings and installing each machine.
The seat[clarification needed] is named as a tribute to Arthur de Buyer (the same family of the De Buyer owner)[clarification needed], the president since 1876.
A project to install a solar photovoltaic power plant in the municipality has been under study since June 2012.