The Vinalesa factory was the greatest attempt to modernise and improve the methods used for the spinning and twisting of silk in 18th century Valencia. Its construction resulted from the privilege granted in 1769 to the French technician Guillermo Reboull, in order to apply in it the most innovative methods that Jacques Vaucanson had introduced in France. The initiative was financed by Josep Lapayese, a French merchant established in Valencia, who finally assumed the management of the company.