Have you ever wondered how a simple kitchen tile can be a portal to a fascinating past? Standing here, looking at the Norddeutsche Steingut building, you’re not just staring at a factory, you’re looking at a testament to German history and industry. Founded in 1869 by Bremen merchants, the “Actiengesellschaft Norddeutsche Steingutfabrik” began by producing household crockery. But their real claim to fame came in 1889, when they started making ceramic tiles. This, friends, was the start of a legacy that would see Norddeutsche Steingut become a household name across Germany and even beyond its borders.
Today, Norddeutsche Steingut is a renowned tile producer and remains one of the oldest in Germany. You’re standing in front of their main office and what was once Werk III, built in 1910. The building stands as a reminder of the company’s long and vibrant history. You can almost imagine the bustle and energy of the past, with thousands of workers creating tile masterpieces, each one telling a story of craftsmanship and innovation.
In the early 20th century, the Bremer “Steingut,” as they called the factory, played a vital role in the life of the city. It shaped the landscape with its beautiful, colorful tiles that adorned everything from grand houses to humble dwellings. The company’s creations were even recognized internationally, earning a silver medal at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, further establishing the German superiority in tile manufacturing.
The Norddeutsche Steingut company has endured through time, adapting to changing markets and technologies. Remember that name “Kerateam”? This was a new factory in Leisnig, Saxony, built in 1997 and was another chapter in the company’s story. It was all about staying competitive by creating modern factories in Germany along with the German tile industry’s vision to produce high-quality, competitive tiles.
Norddeutsche Steingut has always been an innovator, constantly pushing the boundaries of design and technology. They were the first German manufacturer to use inkjet technology, and one of the first ten in the world to produce tiles on a Continua-Plus line. From their factory in Bremerhaven (NordCeram), they also created the first 2-centimeter-thick porcelain tiles in Germany, adding to their list of firsts and innovations.
Today, NorthCeram is a major producer of high-quality porcelain tiles in Germany, with a wide range of formats and designs. Their commitment to sustainability is part of their DNA, focusing on responsible manufacturing and energy efficiency to minimize their environmental impact. The story continues here in Bremen, with their focus on water-saving ceramic finishes, the “Ceraclean 2” technology.
Norddeutsche Steingut has truly built a legacy, one tile at a time. Each one, a piece of history, a testament to innovation, and a symbol of quality. As you continue your journey, remember this place. This isn’t just an old factory; it’s a timeless tale of German industry, one that’s woven into the very fabric of Bremen.