Nothing suggests that the man we have in front of us was one of the pillars of resistance during World War II. He is 96 years old, his eyes are bright and benevolent. I met him, and he agreed to tell me the story of his life.
On June 15, 1973, by an incredible combination of circumstances, the Hubert Cloix company was born. Its founder of the same name, reviewed his history, his career, his life as a resistance fighter during the war, and everything that led him to the creation of this company. Zoom on the history of Hubert Cloix, resistant, through his interview.

Resistance and studies 

“Monsieur Cloix, you are known to have been a great resistance fighter during the Second World War. Could you tell us about this period of your life? ”

“In 1940, it was already war and the defeat of the French army. The Wehrmacht occupies all of France. I am then in high school and I decide that I will take the HEC competition at the end of my final year. 
In 1943 I started my preparatory class at the Lycée Chaptal in Paris. At the same time, I am recruited by the Secret Army for the resistance. My task is to recruit men to create a maquis in the Massif Central. Several times I miss being arrested. The enemy was everywhere. 

I passed the HEC competition. In addition to my course, I take first aid courses for the Red Cross. This allows me to move freely in the bombing zones, even despite the curfew. I can thus continue my resistance missions. 

At the same time, studies continue. With the agreement of the director, the schedules are arranged when we are on mission.
Then comes the mail. The one who summons me to my medical examination with a view to a potential departure for Germany. Mine takes place at the town hall of the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Classic visit: height, weight, medical history… At the end, the doctor who examines me asks me: “Do you want to go to Germany?” 
Of course, I answer “No!”
He then offered me a six-month reprieve. It's extraordinary, because it allows me to continue my studies and to be in a regular situation. 
This doctor took a big risk because I was in good health and quite fit to go to STO. 

End of war

“At the end of the war, you graduate from HEC, what do you decide to do at this time when everything is possible?”

On June 6, 1944, the allies land in Normandy. Less than a year later, the 8 but 1945, it's the end of the war, but also of my studies.
My father, Georges Cloix, asks me to come and work at the sawmill. I accept and become an operations manager. I train on the job to measure wood and monitor logging operations. I also take care of all the administration and accounting. It is a very enriching time for me. 

Career 

“How did you get into the food industry?”

I am offered a job in Paris. The Lowet house offers me a job as site manager. I accept and leave for the capital. I discovered a new world there: that of the construction site. I will spend eight years in this company before I am offered a new position. This time, it's a very small affair: the Rousset house. Despite my ignorance of the world of plumbing, I take everything in hand. Accounting, contact with large clients and I even learn the plumber profession by taking courses every Saturday ... 

1965. 
I am still the manager of the Rousset house, but I was offered the opportunity to take over the management of Autofrigor, a company which was then going to ruin. I accept on condition that I keep my functions at Rousset. I then discovered the world of agro-food ice machines. As soon as I arrive, I reduce unnecessary expenses and develop sectors with possible expansion.

The creation of the house of Hubert Cloix

“So you have been the manager of several large companies. When did you want to start your own business, and how did the Hubert Cloix company come about? ”

Five years after my arrival at Autofrigor, I present a positive assessment. I am leaving the company with a written agreement from the directors which authorizes me to become their competitor. I wanted to set up my own structure. AT then they thought I had no chance of succeeding. Even less to set up a valid business. 

The first machines were made with more than rudimentary tools. But after sending out flyers and phone calls, orders arrive. After the ice turbines, then the pastocuiseurs, we are developing serving tables for ice cream and multifunction machines, letting ourselves be carried along by the various evolutions that occur. 
Proud of this success, in 1973, I left the Rousset house for good and created my company. Begins a great family adventure. The story of Hubert Cloix, which still continues todayi thanks to my son, then to my grandson ... s