J.F. Germain & Son began manufacturing tobacco in 1820 under ideal climatic conditions on the island of Jersey in the British Isles and has played an important economic role there for more than 180 years with its remarkably successful, multi-generational family business. The reconstructed factory is situated on the site of the original premises facing the harbor of St. Helier where Jersey-built schooners once sailed to many parts of the world in search of high grade leaf tobacco for Germain's factory.