It still manufactures the plastic version of the swimming doll Petit Collin, production of which began around 1924-26.

In the early 1800s, Nicolas Petitcollin, the company's founder, manufactured horn combs in Étain, Meuse, France.

With the arrival of polyester resins, Petitcollin decided to specialize in manufacturing objects made from the material.

In 1961 it became the first French manufacturer of polyester resin helmets, operating from a rebuilt factory in Étain.

The association of local authorities around Étain built a museum dedicated to the brand; it opened in September 2009.