Ever wonder what it was like to work in a state-of-the-art cigarette factory in the early 20th century? Today, we’re standing in front of the Garbáty-Fabrik. This was once a bustling hub of industry and innovation. Josef Garbáty-Rosenthal founded his cigarette company in 1881.
Garbáty’s story began modestly. He started with his wife Rosa Rahel producing cigarettes in their home. By the turn of the century, Berlin was the heart of the German cigarette industry. Garbáty’s business grew quickly. His brands like Königin von Saba became incredibly popular. Soon, the original location was too small.
Between 1890 and 1900, Garbáty expanded his operations. He moved production to Schönhauser Allee. Then in 1906, he built a new factory complex in Pankow. The Garbáty-Fabrik consisted of several buildings on Hadlichstraße and Berliner Straße. These were connected to the city center by tram.
Paul Ueberholz designed the initial U-shaped building. Its facade featured bright neoclassical elements. Later additions included red-brown brickwork and Jugendstil decorations. In 1913, Ueberholz added another factory section. This created an almost square courtyard. The street-facing side boasted a monumental facade.
The Garbáty-Fabrik was more than just a production site. It was a pioneer in employee welfare. According to a 1921 report, the factory was exemplary. It featured exceptional order, cleanliness and hygiene. There were advanced worker protection measures. Garbáty provided amenities like a canteen, locker rooms and break rooms. There was even a bathhouse with tubs and showers. A company library, choir and sports club fostered a sense of community.
In 1929, Josef Garbáty passed the company to his sons. Eugen and Moritz took over. They commissioned Fritz Höger to design a five-story extension. Höger was known for brick expressionism. He created a modern warehouse with light glazed bricks. This created a visual connection to the older buildings.
Sadly, the Garbáty family’s success was short-lived. In 1938, the Jewish family was forced to sell the factory. The Jacob-Koerfer Group from Cologne took over. The sons fled to France and then to the United States. Josef Garbáty died in 1939.
During World War II, the Garbáty-Fabrik remained largely intact. However, it burned after looting in 1945. After the war, cigarette production continued under the GDR. In 1995, a final attempt to produce cigarettes failed. The factory closed for good.
Today, the Garbáty-Fabrik has been renovated. It now offers upscale apartments within a historic landmark. So the Garbáty-Fabrik stands as a reminder of Berlin’s industrial past. It symbolizes innovation, social responsibility and the impact of historical events.