In 1733, the production of iron began in the valley of the St. Maurice River, about twelve kilometres from Trois-RiviΦres. Many difficulties were encountered because of insufficient capital, poor management, and problems in recruiting specialized workers and in marketing the product. Ten years later, the government, which had loaned considerable amounts to the promoters, cancelled the debt and took charge of the operations. Over 100 workers were employed at the ironworks. A stream emptying into the St. Maurice River provided the motive power and locally-produced charcoal was used in the furnaces to melt the ore. In addition to pig iron for export and for the craftsmen of the colony, the forges produced various types of pots, nails, chimney plates and stoves. Military requirements necessitated a changeover in production and cannonballs and artillery pieces were manufactured at the forges. The engineer Franquet, who visited the operations in 1752, observed the high quality of workmanship and indicated that one could turn a profit were it not for administrative waste.
