Dare to imagine a time when rubber overshoes reigned supreme. That was the reality at the Krasny Treugolnik plant. Today we explore the Red Triangle factory, an intriguing monument to St. Petersburg’s industrial past.
The Red Triangle factory stands as a vast, mostly abandoned industrial complex. It is located on the Obvodny Canal Embankment. The factory’s story began in 1860. Hamburg merchant F. Krauskopf and his associates founded it. It was initially known as the Russian-American Rubber Manufacture Association. By 1908, it had become known as “Treugolnik”, meaning “Triangle”.
Its main product was rubber overshoes. By the late 19th century, the plant monopolized this market in Russia. In the 20th century, it grew into the largest rubber goods producer in Russia and Europe. During World War I, the Red Triangle factory adapted to wartime needs. It produced automobile tire casings, gas masks and artillery buffers.
After the 1917 revolution, the plant was nationalized in 1918. It was then renamed “Krasny Treugolnik” meaning “Red Triangle.” The Red Triangle factory played a crucial role during the Siege of 1941-1944. Workers produced aerostats, pontoons, flame gun sleeves and military hardware. The factory suffered heavy damage from air raids. Reconstruction began in 1944.
In 1960, the Red Triangle factory reached peak production. It made 80 million pairs of rubber shoes annually. The factory also produced machine belts and pipes. It created discharge valves, faucets, medical instruments and more. By the 1930s, the plant manufactured synthetic rubber goods.
After privatization in 1994, the Red Triangle factory became independent. Today, the Red Triangle site presents a diverse landscape. Some buildings are abandoned. Small companies operate in others. You can even find garages and rehearsal spaces for musicians here. Much of the property is a decaying wasteland.
As we stand here, we are witnessing a transformation. The Red Triangle factory, once a symbol of industrial might, now embodies the passage of time. It is a reminder of St. Petersburg’s ever-evolving story. The Red Triangle factory is a silent testament to a bygone era.