Papierfabrik Hainsberg

Located in the serene town of Freital in Saxony, Germany, the Papierfabrik Hainsberg, known locally as Hainsberg Papier, stands as a testament to the rich industrial heritage of the region. This historic paper factory has been a cornerstone of the community since its inception in the 19th century, and it continues to thrive as a modern producer of high-quality recycled paper. A visit to this remarkable site offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of paper manufacturing and the enduring legacy of industrial innovation in Germany.

The Birth of Papierfabrik Hainsberg

The story of Papierfabrik Hainsberg begins on February 6, 1838, when it was founded by Gerhardt Friedrich Thode, a merchant from Dresden, and Wilhelm Eduard Michael, a pharmacist from Chemnitz. Initially named Thode & Michael Papierfabrik, the factory commenced its operations in 1842 with a single paper machine that produced an impressive 77,000 kilograms of paper. The factory quickly grew, employing 80 workers in its early years.

In 1851, the factory expanded with the addition of a second paper machine, thanks to the leadership of Thode's sons, Friedrich Edmund and Robert Wilhelm. By 1856, the company had been sold to the Allgemeine Deutsche Creditanstalt in Leipzig and transformed into a joint-stock company under the name Thode’sche Papierfabrik zu Hainsberg. This marked the beginning of a period of rapid growth and technological advancement.

Expansion and Technological Advancements

By 1858, the Papierfabrik Hainsberg had grown to employ approximately 550 workers. The factory saw the installation of two additional paper machines in 1859 and 1863, significantly boosting its production capacity. Within a decade, the factory's output had increased dramatically, producing over 5 million pounds of paper by 1865.

In 1868, the factory integrated the Rabenauer Mühle wood grinding mill, enhancing its raw material supply chain. This move was further bolstered in 1882 by the establishment of a railway connection via the Weißeritztalbahn, facilitating the efficient transport of materials and finished products. The factory continued to innovate, with Emil Nacke, a student from the Polytechnic Institute in Dresden, setting up a straw processing plant in 1869. This facility utilized sodium bicarbonate in rotating spherical cookers to process straw, a novel technique at the time.

Modernization and Challenges

The early 20th century brought further modernization to Papierfabrik Hainsberg. By 1935, the factory boasted five long-screen paper machines and five large power grinders. The 1930s also saw the acquisition of the Köttewitz paper and cardboard factory and the Gröba paper factory, expanding the company's production capabilities.

World War II posed significant challenges, leading to a temporary halt in production. However, the factory resumed operations on May 15, 1945, and was placed under Soviet Military Administration on June 9 of the same year. Despite these challenges, the factory continued to operate, eventually becoming part of the Zentrale Druckerei-, Einkaufs- und Revisionsgesellschaft (Zentrag) in 1952.

Revitalization and Specialization

The 1960s marked a period of renewed investment in Papierfabrik Hainsberg. A new power plant was constructed by 1964, and in 1973, the factory began using recycled paper as a raw material. This shift towards sustainability was further solidified in 1974 when the factory became part of the Zellstoff und Papier Kombinat in Heidenau. The integration of the Technitz and Nossen paper factories in 1976 further strengthened the company's position in the industry.

Following the reunification of Germany, the Dresden Papier AG was established on July 1, 1990, incorporating the newly formed Papierfabrik Hainsberg GmbH. The factory specialized in the production of graphic recycling papers and completed a state-of-the-art recycled paper processing plant in 1994. In 2000, the factory was sold to Golzern Holding GmbH, which invested 7 million euros in modernization efforts.

Resilience and Future Prospects

Despite facing significant challenges, including the devastating floods of 2002, Papierfabrik Hainsberg has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The factory resumed partial operations on October 9, 2002, and in 2010, it was acquired by Hoya Papier GmbH. Today, the factory employs around 120 people and produces approximately 45,000 tons of recycled paper annually, generating a revenue of around 27 million euros as of 2006.

A visit to Papierfabrik Hainsberg offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing the evolution of paper manufacturing from its humble beginnings to its modern-day operations. The factory's commitment to sustainability and innovation makes it a shining example of industrial heritage and progress. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about the world of paper production, Papierfabrik Hainsberg is a must-see destination in Freital, Saxony.