The scent of history hangs heavy in the air. We stand before Evonik Goldschmidt in Essen a titan of industry.
This isn’t just a factory. It’s a legacy. Evonik Goldschmidt’s story began over 120 years ago in 1890. Long before Evonik Industries existed it was the Chemische Fabrik Th Goldschmidt. It started small focused on detinning tin plate. Berlin lacked the resources. Karl Goldschmidt sought the booming Ruhr area. Essen became its home.
The citizens protested. They feared a chemical plant. The mayor ignored them. He was only interested in tax revenue. Production began. World War One impacted the plant dramatically. By then it occupied only a fraction of its current size. Electrolytic alkali and chlorine-based processes were central to the plant. Goldschmidt also ran Europe’s largest tin smeltery.
The war’s end brought hardship. Hyperinflation and economic turmoil hit hard. Yet this adversity spurred innovation. The tin smeltery closed. The company needed to diversify. It began producing building protection agents emulsifiers and glue film. Emulsifiers laid the groundwork for Evonik’s successful care specialties.
The Nazi era saw increased production. Emulsifiers saved fat. Glue film reduced casein imports. The Essen factory thrived. Until 1943. Air raids began. Forced labor increased. By September 1943 around 24 percent of its 680 employees were non-nationals.
Bombs destroyed 85 percent of the factory. Ironically this destruction opened opportunities. Goldschmidt expanded acquiring neighboring properties. The post-war boom transformed the site. Bombed factories were rebuilt. Modern design and facilities were implemented.
New factories expanded production. Silicones and organomodified siloxanes for various uses were produced. The plant created stabilizers wetting agents dispersing agents and antifoaming agents for diverse applications.
Modernization continues. Old buildings are demolished new ones constructed. The Essen Goldschmidtstrasse site is Evonik Industries’ oldest. With over 1400 employees it is Essen’s largest production site a testament to its enduring legacy. A legacy you are standing within.