Here’s a question. What do giant concrete structures and Dortmund’s industrial past have in common? We are standing before the Ehemalige Kühltürme. These former cooling towers whisper tales of a time when steel production dominated the city.
Let’s delve into the story of Phoenix West and its Ehemalige Kühltürme. Once, this area was a vital part of Dortmund’s steel industry. The Hermannshütte needed more pig iron. So, in 1853, they began building a blast furnace plant. Six blast furnaces eventually went into operation. The first tapping of a blast furnace in Hörde was in 1854.
These Ehemalige Kühltürme played a crucial role in the cooling process. The steel production generated immense heat. These towers helped dissipate it. They were essential for the smooth operation of the plant. The Ehemalige Kühltürme stand as a monument to Dortmund’s industrial prowess.
The Phoenix West plant became known for its rapid pig iron production. In 1871, a railway line connected Hermannshütte and the blast furnace. This sped up the transport of materials. More blast furnaces were added in 1873 and 1878. These further boosted production.
The old blast furnaces were replaced in 1880. The new facilities increased pig iron production. It rose from 20 tons to 120 tons per day. By 1913, Phoenix West had six modern blast furnaces. They produced 250 to 300 tons of pig iron daily. A seventh blast furnace was added in 1921.
During World War II, bombs damaged Phoenix West. The blast furnace plant and coking plant suffered. Despite this, operations restarted in September 1945. In 1961, the first large blast furnace IV started operating. Two more followed by 1965. These could produce up to 2,300 tons of pig iron per day.
Blast furnace VI was modernized in 1969. After modernization, it produced up to 80,000 tons of pig iron monthly. It produced 10.13 million tons until its closure in 1981. The remaining blast furnaces III, V, and VI continued operating until 1998. After almost 150 years, all blast furnaces at Phoenix West were shut down.
Thyssen-Krupp’s takeover of HOESCH AG in 1991 marked the end of steel production in Dortmund. Duisburg was chosen for its superior infrastructure. The Phoenix West blast furnaces were decommissioned in 1998. The steel mill at Phoenix Ost closed in 2001.
Today, parts of the Ehemalige Kühltürme still stand. They are protected as historical monuments. Visitors can marvel at these structures. The skywalk offers a close-up view of the old facilities. From there, you can appreciate the scale of what once occurred here.
These Ehemalige Kühltürme remind us of the past. They show how industry shaped Dortmund. The Ehemalige Kühltürme are a symbol of change. They represent Dortmund’s transformation. They went from industrial giant to a modern technology hub.
The Ehemalige Kühltürme are more than just steel and concrete. They are a testament to the city’s resilience. They demonstrate Dortmund’s ability to adapt and thrive. Next, we’ll explore another fascinating facet of this area. It’s located just beyond these Ehemalige Kühltürme.