La Unión Metalúrgica
Roger Tarrats Balet
La Unión Metalúrgica: Domènec Balet's Poblenou Factory (1898)
Right in the industrial heart of Poblenou, on Carrer dels Almogàvers, one of Barcelona's most historic metallurgical companies was born. Although its origins date back to a small invention workshop, it was Master Builder Domènec Balet i Nadal who, in 1898, designed the first large factory that would consolidate the business.
The history of this building is the story of Catalan industrial evolution: from ingenious patents for street cleaning to metal smelting and collectivization during the Spanish Civil War.
Origin: The Ingenuity of Dionisio Bobín (1885)
It all began in 1885, when Dionisio Bobín Sirot registered a patent for a "broom-brush" to clean the streets from his workshop in Poblenou. However, the real business leap came in June 1891, when Bobín patented a revolutionary system to "thread and stamp metals without waste."
Faced with business growth, Domènec Balet i Nadal was commissioned to design a new factory, with construction finishing in 1898. This original building by Balet served as the foundation for the company's expansion.
Evolution: From Expansion to Collectivization
In 1903, with the entry of five new investors, the company transformed into a corporation named "La Unión Metalúrgica," dedicating itself to the purchase, sale, and smelting of iron and other metals.
The conflict with the Cerdà Plan (1908-1914): In the early 20th century, many factories in Poblenou faced legal issues because their structures clashed with the new urban layout of the Cerdà Plan (Pla Cerdà). To solve this, the factory underwent a major remodel by architect Josep Maria Plantada, who built new warehouses and the main facade that is preserved today.
Spanish Civil War: At the start of the conflict, the company was collectivized as a "Workers' Collective" (Colectividad Obrera). Although there is little data, its specialization suggests it was repurposed for the war industry.
Today, the original company still exists at a different headquarters, keeping alive the legacy that started in those Poblenou workshops.
Project Fact Sheet
Project: La Unión Metalúrgica Factory.
Original architect: Domènec Balet i Nadal (Project completed in 1898).
Subsequent remodel: Josep Maria Plantada (1908-1914).
Founder: Dionisio Bobín Sirot.
Historical location: 119-123 Carrer dels Almogàvers (Poblenou, Barcelona).
Use: Metallurgy (Smelting, buying and selling of metals).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did they originally manufacture?
In its early days, Dionisio Bobín patented curious inventions like street-cleaning brushes, but the business was consolidated with a proprietary system for threading and stamping metals. Later, as La Unión Metalúrgica, they focused on iron smelting.
Which part of the building is by Domènec Balet?
Domènec Balet designed the original factory completed in 1898, which allowed for the company's first major expansion. The current main facade and rear warehouses are the result of a remodel by Josep Maria Plantada between 1908 and 1914 to adapt to the Eixample street grid.
Does the company still exist?
Yes, La Unión Metalúrgica continues its professional activity today, although it no longer occupies its historic headquarters on Almogàvers Street.
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