Iconic French electronics manufacturer under new ownership.
By Roy Gregory
Jadis Electronics, perhaps the most recognisable of all French, high-end brands, has just changed hands for the second time. Founded in 1983 by André Calmettes, the company’s products are globally distributed and highly regarded, a central part of the explosion in high-end sales that occurred in the mid/late ‘80s.
With a reputation built on its hand-built, hard-wired circuits, exactingly chosen components (especially its transformers, which were all wound in-house) and the quality of its construction, the brand quickly established a high-profile and a loyal customer base. Despite its expanding range, it stayed true to its small-scale, hand-built ethos, a commitment recognised by the award of EVP status by the French government (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant – Living Heritage Company – a State recognition for French companies with outstanding craftsmanship and industrial expertise).
From André, the company passed to his long-time assistant, Liliane Expert with his son, Jean-Christophe Calmettes continuing in the design rôle. Still based close behind the soccer pitch in Villedubert, just outside Carcassonne, it has now been purchased by Jérémie Malfroot, a new owner who is also a strong believer in French artisanal manufacturing. After 23-years responsible for the commercial development of an Austrian industrial group, he brings his own skill-set to the company, while continuity of product, technology, approach and attitude is ensured by the continuing involvement of Jean-Christophe Calmettes. As Jadis embarks on its third generation, hopefully new-blood will reinvigorate the brand taking it to an even higher level.
My first ‘high-end’ amplifiers were a pair of JA30s: I still own them, they still work perfectly and I still love them. They did suffer one problem: the collapse of an output transformer. Imagine my pleasant surprise when a new transformer was promptly wound, supplied and fitted, free of charge under the company’s lifetime warranty! Now that’s high-end…
www.jadis-electronics.com
