Nexans was the biggest factory in Chauny which was recently closed in 2009. It ran for over 40 years. 220 workers were laid off with no new prospects for new work in their hometown.

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Chauny- Square Fosch ( square dedicated to the veterans and French revolution)

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I met Yann on his door step while he was smoking. I asked "may I take your picture?" He replied "no". I asked "are you alright?" he said "oh if I´d tell you my life..." as his tears when down his face. "I have no job, no friends, I live with my mother, why do you want take my picture anyways?" I said " I don´t know, I see something in you..." finally he replied "alight then if you really want to."

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Backyard

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Boy from Chauny

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Old wooden dining table left on the side of the road.

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Buchers at work. Longuet is the boucherie of the town who carries fresh localized meets, dairy products as well as vegetables.

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The blanchisserie of Chauny has also been running for over 40 years, even my grandmother worked there in her young days. All workers are still women.

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Young construction worker.

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Metal industriel (since 1870) is one of the oldest and few factories still remaining in the area. Metal is being made through molten lava flow. The job is highly dangerous as they have to handle fire by hand and work in over 50 degrees rooms.

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Metal industriel (since 1870)- Worker with Machine that melts metal

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Metal industriel (since 1870)- Workers with bucket of metal

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Metal industriel (since 1870). Worker bending metal.

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Metal industriel (since 1870). Worker melting metal.

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Metal industriel (since 1870). Chef d´équipe (team leader).

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Metal industriel (since 1870). Worker in front of Machine.