1850: Emile Dupont and Charles Demarle open a small plant producing quick setting cement (so-called "Roman cement") in Boulogne-sur-Mer. 5 years later, the "natural Portland cement from Boulogne-sur-Mer" receives a first medal at the Paris World Fair.

1861: The company, under the corporate name of "Demarle et Cie", sells more than 10.000 tonnes during the year.

1881: Through a merger with the Compagnie des Ciments Portland Desvres, the company evolves into a Limited Liability Company with a share capital of 22 million French francs under the corporate name of Ciments Français . Cement production exceeds 100,000 tonnes.

1913: After twenty years of steady growth, the company owns 5 plants (Boulogne, Desvres, Guerville, La Souys and Couvrot) and production is over 400,000 tonnes.

1931: Record production of 673,000 tonnes prior to the depression of the 1930's; this level will not be reached again before 1947. Acquisition of two new plants (Beaucaire and Espiet).

1941: The historic plant at Boulogne-sur-Mer is wiped out and the head office is transferred to Guerville.