The story of the Rustin company
Who hasn’t heard of the “Rustines” patch, a small piece of rubber used to patch punctures on inner tubes or other inflatable objects? “Rustines” was invented in the Loir Valley.
The story of the famous Rustines patches is the story of a family, one that began in 1922 when Louis Désiré Auguste Rustin, an enthusiastic cyclist and inventor, patented his small self-adhesive, puncture patches. Supported by brilliant marketing ahead of its time, with race sponsorship, packaging and striking slogans, “Rustines” became a hit and the word even entered into everyday language. Today, as in the past, the company is based in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir.
Louis Rustin, great grandson of the inventor, has brilliantly managed to keep the family business from going off the rails. The focus is still on rubber manufacturing but in the form of high-tech seals for under and overground trains: the London tube, the Spanish high speed train, and San Diego and Californian trains all use Rustines technology. With its indomitable spirit, industrial flair, expertise and an added dose of passion, the company continues to pursue its goals, even organising a “Rustines-Vallée du Loir” race in 2017.
Entreprise Rustin – 72340 La Chartre sur le Loir – www.rustines.fr
