Isn’t it interesting how a street can tell a story? Today I want to share the story behind Max Winkelmann here in Münster.
Max Winkelmann was born in Recklinghausen on May 4 1862. He wasn’t just any merchant. He was the founder of Glasurit. Glasurit is a well-known producer of paints and coatings.
At 19 Winkelmann gained industry experience in the USA. This helped him later with manufacturing paint materials. After his return he completed his military service. He served in the Imperial Navy in Kiel.
In 1888 Max Winkelmann founded a trading company. It was located at Alte Gröningerstraße 23 in Hamburg. He sold paint varnishes and paints wholesale. These were made from imported China lacquer and pigments. By 1893 his paint factory had moved to Banksstraße 113/115. He patented Kristall-Weiss as a trademark. This first self-developed product was a success. Initially, it was used in shipbuilding. It coated ocean liners. Later it was also used on Hamburg trams.
In 1898 Max Winkelmann decided to sell his products under a uniform brand name. The brand Glasurit was registered. Today it is still one of the most famous brand names for paints and coatings. In July 1903 Max Winkelmann bought land for a paint factory. It was in Münster-Hiltrup. He chose the Münsterland for its rail links. Also the nearby canal was important. Today the site belongs to BASF Coatings. It remains the largest employer in the region. Max Winkelmann died on December 15 1935. He was 73 years old.
The Max Winkelmann Straße in Hiltrup runs south of Marktallee. It connects the railway stop with the school center. Thus it serves different functions. It serves residents and local businesses. These include physiotherapy and speech therapy practices. It also serves visitors to Marktallee and train travelers. They use it for car parking. The Max Winkelmann Straße is also an important cycling route. This is especially true during school hours.
In summer 2020 the Max Winkelmann Straße was redesigned. It was done according to urban quality standards for cycle streets. A red epoxy resin coating was applied. This highlights its function as a cycle street.
The roadway was to be widened for cyclists by banning parking for cars. However local feedback led to the parking bans not being introduced. The district council of Münster-Hiltrup made a decision on further implementation. This was based on written public participation. Max Winkelmann Straße stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of the man who shaped an industry and left his mark.