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Exhibition about Willi Stoph: Memories from the Caminau kaolin factory
An exhibition on the history of the Caminau kaolin factory in Königswartha opens on June 21st, focusing on the GDR period.
Exhibition about Willi Stoph: Memories from the Caminau kaolin factory
On March 25, 1981, Willi Stoph, the then Chairman of the GDR Council of Ministers, held an important event at the Caminau kaolin factory. The commissioning of a new conveyor and processing plant marked a historic moment for the company. The kaolin factory, which has played an important role in the region since the foundation stone was laid in 1973, which was completed with the last partial object in 1978, is now being honored in an exhibition. This is entitled “Caminau Kaolin Works – Periods of History up to 1989” and will be opened by the RAK Königswartha historical association on June 21st, coinciding with the celebrations for the 135th anniversary of the local fire department.
The exhibition presents an impressive collection of photographs, including those documenting the “big day” in 1981, and highlights the challenges faced by workers at the kaolin plant. The chairwoman of the historical association, Annemarie Rentsch, hopes to meet numerous contemporary witnesses who can share their experiences and memories. Mathias Haase, who was technical manager of the plant from 1980 to 2024, will probably also be one of the older employees who can provide valuable insights.
The kaolin factory: a model company
The Caminau kaolin factory, which belongs to the Quartzworks Group based in Frechen, has been in operation for 115 years and has made a name for itself. Kaolin has been mined in the Upper Lusatia region, known for its wealth of raw materials, since the middle of the 19th century. Kaolin, which is of great importance for the production of porcelain and paper, was discovered in 1904 by a farmer who came across the valuable deposits while digging a well. Within a few years, mining experienced a significant increase, especially after the Second World War, when the Soviet occupying power forced operations.
In 1984, production peaked at 135,000 tons - a huge increase considering that only 15,000 tons were mined in 1950. In the 1960s, the factory even received a connecting railway to make the transport of valuable raw materials easier. Today the factory employs around 105 people and plans to continue to operate successfully by attracting new customers, particularly tile manufacturers.
Shaping the future
With a mineable rock from a deposit of around 2.5 km², the kaolin factory can breathe a sigh of relief: mining is expected to be secured for the next 25 years. Meanwhile, the mill has been trying to reposition itself in the market in recent years as the paper industry faces challenges. There is great potential in collaboration with companies involved in industrial ceramic production, especially in northern Italy.
The past and the challenges of working in the kaolin factory show us how the economic landscape has changed over decades. The upcoming exhibition offers special insights into this history, where memories of the kaolin factory and its role in GDR history are evoked.
Visitors are cordially invited not only to visit the main exhibition, but also to explore other interesting exhibitions in the club room at Gutsstrasse 4c. These celebrations are an excellent opportunity to experience the history of the region and the Caminau kaolin factory up close.