In 1940, after the Armistice, the new premises of Ateliers Industriels de l'Air in Limoges were leased to Gnome & Rhône, which took over all personnel and diversified production. As well as producing engines, the factory made gas generators and tools, and offered various truck repairs. After 1942, production was supervised by a German officer and was intended for the German army.
Gnome & Rhône engine, 1919
Heavily bombed in 1944, the factory was three-quarters destroyed. Gnome & Rhône did not survive the war. The company was nationalised on 29 May 1945, and led to the creation of SNECMA, the National Company for Design and Construction of Aircraft Engines, which took possession of the Limoges works.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION…
Book : Michel Vivien, Limoges, de l'Arsenal à Renault trucks (Michel Vivien, Limoges, from the Arsenal to Renault Trucks), Lavauzelle, 2011
Article : https://www.multicollection.fr/Colombes-Usine-Gnome-et-Rhone