AEG Kabelwerk Oberspree

Hidden within Berlin’s vibrant tapestry lies a story of innovation and industry, a story woven within the walls of the AEG Kabelwerk Oberspree. In 1897, Emil Rathenau, the visionary behind AEG, sought to expand his empire. He chose Oberschöneweide, then on the outskirts of Berlin, as the birthplace of the AEG Kabelwerk Oberspree, or KWO. He envisioned a place where electricity’s lifeblood – cables and wires – would be forged. The factory quickly became a bustling hub, employing 1800 people. The distinctive yellow brick buildings, now historically protected, stand as a testament to this era of rapid industrial growth. Rathenau entrusted the leadership to his younger son, Erich, who oversaw the production of insulated wires, high-voltage cables, and mikanite products. Tragedy struck in 1903 with Erich’s untimely death, leaving Emil to personally guide the KWO’s destiny. The AEG Kabelwerk Oberspree continued to evolve, mirroring Germany’s technological advancements. In 1898, a copper rolling mill and wire drawing plant were added. The following year marked the beginning of telephone cable production. By 1903, the KWO pioneered flexible high-voltage cables with paper insulation. The factory’s reputation for excellence reached international shores. In 1904, the KWO secured a major contract to supply 12-kV mass impregnated cables for the London Underground. Closer to home, in 1908, 30-kV cables were laid in Berlin’s suburbs. The years 1910 and 1911 saw the development of long-distance cables and Pupin coils, further solidifying the AEG Kabelwerk Oberspree’s position at the forefront of innovation. A significant expansion in 1913 increased the factory grounds by 62,000 square meters. This allowed for new production halls to accommodate the growing workforce, which had swelled to 8000 employees. The AEG Kabelwerk Oberspree did not only produce cables; it fostered groundbreaking research. In 1912, it housed a laboratory dedicated to the industrial production of the Lieben tube, the first electron tube. This marked a crucial step in the evolution of electronics. Even amidst industrial progress, personal tragedies continued to intertwine with the KWO’s history. In 1915, Emil Rathenau passed away, and his body lay in state within one of the factory halls. His eldest son, Walther, who later became Germany’s foreign minister, delivered the eulogy, a poignant moment linking personal loss with the industrial heart of Berlin. After surviving two world wars and the division of Germany, the AEG Kabelwerk Oberspree ultimately closed its doors in 1995. Today, these historic yellow brick buildings have found new life. Some now house the HTW Berlin – University of Applied Sciences, while a large factory building on the Spree’s banks serves as an event venue. The AEG Kabelwerk Oberspree stands not just as a landmark but as a symbol of Berlin’s resilience. It’s a reminder of how industry, innovation, and history intertwine to shape a city’s identity.