Jura-Song (1952–1972) (Gustave Frossard) Jura-Song (1972–1982) (Nelly Frossard) “Early in 1952, when the market for small music box was prospering, three of Lador´s workers, among them Gustave Frossard, who was an arranger, decided – on the basis of ten-odd [more than ten] years of experience – to set up their own factory and proceeded to look for premises in the area.” (Piguet 2004, p. 242-243) “At the beginning of May, they were offered favorable conditions in the village of Vaulion, some thirty kilometers from Sainte-Croix, which was trying to attract industry likely to provide job oppurtunities. According to the SIC, they offered above-average wages at the outset, in order to attract workers. This of course was not the liking of local manufacturers who were used to fighting this type of competition.” (Piguet 2004, p. 242-243) The Junods set up their business under the name Jura-Song “The Junods set up their business under the name Jura-Song. Right from the start they offered relatively low prices so they could constitute a clientèle and this competition provided an excuse for other manufacturers to ignore the wages fixed by convention early in the year.” (Piguet 2004, p. 242-243) “In its workshops in Vaulion, Jura-Song produced mainly movements, ranging from eighteen to seventy-two notes, but more specifically thirty-six and fourty-eight-note spring and crank boxes, as well as small nine- and twelve-note movements. Right up until 1972, Jura-Song also supplied finished boxes in the form of miniature chalets, alarm clocks, musical chapels and classical boxes decorated with Alpine scenery and even inlay work.” (Piguet 2004, p. 242-243) “At the height of its activity, the company employed 18 people in its workshops and up to 158 home workers in the surrounding villages. It exported to most countries, except to the Eastern block, and produced large numbers until Japanese competition took over the market, which left them only small orders.” (Piguet 2004, p. 242-243) Jura-Song (1972–1982) (Nelly Frossard) “After the death of its founder Gustave Frossard in 1972, the company kept up music box production under the direction of Nelly Frossard, his wife, up till 1982” (Piguet 2004, p. 242-243)
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