The industrial history of Eibar once again takes center stage in the museum's narrative with an exhibition dedicated to the centenary of Trust Eibarrés, one of the most recognizable brands in the local armory and metallurgical tradition. The exhibition, organized by the Armory Museum under the title Trust Eibarrés (1926-2026), is open until May 17 with free admission. This journey not only pays tribute but also offers a historical perspective on the company's evolution and its significance in the city's identity.
The exhibition presents Trust Eibarrés as an example of a manufacturing approach deeply linked to Eibar's productive character. Founded in 1926, the firm initially manufactured cartridges specifically designed for hunters, although in its early years it also produced and marketed shotguns. A century later, the museum emphasizes the continuity of that initial philosophy: careful selection of components, comprehensive control of manufacturing processes, stringent quality checks, and an outward-looking commercial vocation.
This export profile holds a prominent place in the exhibition. As detailed in the display panels, Trust's international activity began to strengthen in the late 1980s, first by opening to Latin American markets and later expanding to other destinations. Currently, the company exports 70% of its production to countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, Korea, and the Americas, showcasing the global reach achieved by a firm born in the industrial Eibar of the 20th century.
“"I would say that in the early years, the key was not just having one thing, but creating a complete hunting catalog, from shotguns, cartridges, they even had pistols, and then all the hunting equipment, spare parts, etc."
The exhibition also delves into the material dimension of this trajectory. The original workshop was located in the upper part of Txonta, while the office and distribution warehouse were on a ground floor in Urkizu. In the early 1960s, operations moved to the Azitain facilities, where the company continues its activity today. To construct this complex, the then-manager, Estanislao Aramberri Mallaviabarrena, requested authorization in December 1958 for the project signed by architect Ramón Martiarena. The industrial facility was specifically designed for cartridge manufacturing, incorporating high safety measures: two pavilions, one for shipments and another for cartridge loading, in addition to eight powder magazines.
With this proposal, the Armory Museum reiterates a central idea running through much of its programming: Eibar as a “workshop city,” a community whose urban, social, and economic identity cannot be understood without its industrial fabric. The centenary of Trust Eibarrés thus serves to recover the history of an emblematic brand, but also to explain the pulse of a city that made industry its way of being in the world.
Visiting hours will be from Wednesday to Saturday, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
