The Fábrica de Tabacos Finos de C.E. Beck y Ca. by Punch Joe

[El Presidente]

The Fábrica de Tabacos Finos de C.E. Beck y Ca. by Punch Joe

This factory was founded by Carlos E. Beck in 1905 (supposedly of German origin) Established in Calle Real No. 202 - 204, PO Box No 21. Marianao. Tel: FO 7111. Known as the Beck factory until 1934 when its name changed to Martínez y Cía. when all the operations were passed down to Mr. Bernardo Martínez Gutiérrez and Mr.Luis García.

Born in Oviedo, Asturias in 1893 Martínez arrived to Cuba in 1908 and since 1919 began working in the cigar industry. His factory employed 600 workers distributed in three workshops reaching a daily production of 50.000 cigars in 1945. He owned 19 cigar brands of which Los Statos de Luxe Troya still exist today, the latter created in 1932.

1934 marked the year when the cellophane wrapping was introduced. Initially it was used only for machine made cigars and cheap smokes. They were also producing cellophane wrapped cigars.

From March to November, 1944, Martinez y Cía. managed to export 7 034 060 cigars to the US and European markets.

Some people have told me this could be the original building where Los Statos and Troya were made.

[CUBANO]

Thanks Prez and Jose

[tomj]

Very interesting

[PuffDaddie]

Great history thanks for the info.

[Stogiedude3]

Im really enjoying all this history.

[OkieJoe]

Very impressive info

[stargazer14]

Great post. Once again.

[subport]

Cheers Rob

[cottierm]

Thanks Jose! Always fascinating.

[laficion]

Always GREAT, Thanks José.!!!!!!

[Strada]

Gracias José!

[LLC]

Great information, thanks Jose.

[Jimmy2]

Great stuff as always ! Thank you Jose

[PuroDan]

Learned something new today. Very interesting