Spanish Match Industry

The table below gives a brief chronological history of the Spanish Matchbox Industry, from its beginnings in the 1840’s to the present day. More details can be found in these reference materials.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) had devastating effects on the industry as, of course, it did on the Spanish people. The factories at Oviedo, Irún, Alcoy and Carabanchel were destroyed. However, no fundamental changes in matchmaking laws were enforced during this momentous period of the nation’s history.