Future of the Gmünder foundry: Discover secret stories in decay!

Future of the Gmünder foundry: Discover secret stories in decay!

Mutlanger Straße, 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd, Deutschland - The once flowering foundry Gatter & Schüle in Schwäbisch Gmünd, founded in 1881 by Ferdinand Gatter and Georg Klein, is now facing an uncertain future. This historical industrial area in Mutlanger Straße is now characterized by a morbid charm. The large halls are mostly empty, while birds nest in the steel carriers. Some outbuildings are still inhabited by smaller companies and a metal recycling company, report the Remszeitung on the current state of the foundry, which has been part of the city's history for over 120 years

The city has ambitious plans for the area, which is now owned by the city. The aim is to create an inviting "business card" at the northern city entrance. However, specific construction plans and time frames have not yet been determined, which raises questions about future development. The working conditions hired with which former employees such as Uwe Friedel were faced with the considerations. Friedel reports on hard conditions, dust pollution and health problems that were reinforced in the 1970s by the lack of effective trigger and filter systems.

history of the foundry and the city

The foundry experienced glamorous times when around 100 people, including many Turkish guest workers, were employed there. In the 1970s, Schwäbisch Gmünd was characterized by strong industrialization that began around 1840 and was particularly manifested in the silver, gold and bijouterie industry. In 1861, these companies employed around 1,500 workers within the city walls. The importance of these industries for the local economy remained until after the First World War, although the global economic crisis hit the city hard in 1929 and it was declared an emergency area in 1934 how the city history is documented.

The foundry reported bankruptcy several times and finally stopped operating in 2021. The traffic connection for heavy saddle tractors that transport raw material and products is difficult. However, the decommissioning of the production facilities offers the opportunity to give space to a contemporary development that may be in line with the city's industrial past.

Economic development in Schwäbisch Gmünd

The development of the city ran through various economic currents. Some large employers, such as ZF steering systems and voestalpine, are currently shaping the landscape of industrial demand in the region. The city also sees itself as a duty to promote active economic growth through cooperation with chambers and counties. Schwäbisch Gmünd shows that the Gügling trade and industrial area, which is around 140 hectares and houses around 8,000 companies and over 3000 jobs

The history of the city is not only characterized by industrial development, but also by cultural achievements and historical turning points. In the 2nd century AD. Roman legionaries built the Limes for delimitation, and in the 9th century the spots "Gamundias" was mentioned in a certificate. Schwäbisch Gmünd lived through a cultural blossom and achieved city rights in 1162. Also the resettlement after the Second World War, when many displaced people rebuilt the Gablonz fashion jewelry industry, contributed to the economic recovery of the city.

The question of what will become of the abandoned foundry remains open. With a view of the past and the ongoing developments in the city, however, the area could play an important role in the future.