Once just moorland, thinly covered with soil, now stands Fledder. This district in the east of Osnabrück is known for its industrial estates. But how did Fledder transform from a wet grassland to a hub of industry and commerce?
Let’s delve into the story of Fledder. Its name comes from the old term “Fladder”. This described the lowland area southwest of the city center. It was moist and primarily used for pasturage.
The transformation of Fledder began in 1912. A centrally located shunting yard was set up. It sat between the Karmann car factory and the Klöckner steelworks. This yard was significantly expanded in the 1960s. Even with the expansion, the capacity was not enough.
In 1962, the city council formally designated Fledder as an industrial zone. This decision marked a turning point for the district. It paved the way for its development into a wholesale center.
Dr. Hans-Achim Kastan played a crucial role. He was the leader of the wholesale association. He envisioned a cohesive wholesale center in Fledder. This was necessary because Osnabrück’s old wholesaling quarter faced transport problems. The inner ring road extension had dissected it.
Dr. Castan negotiated with the city council, wholesalers, and the Federal Ministry of Economics. He secured financing and development plans. This led to the fast development of the wholesale center in Fledder. Businesses quickly settled there. A railway siding and road links became essential. This further expanded the shunting yard.
Today, Fledder is home to numerous businesses and large supermarkets. The haulage and logistics firm Meyer & Meyer is based here. Founded in 1902, it employs around 2,300 people. Despite its industrial character, Fledder also holds historical remnants.
You can still find a round bunker from World War II on Schellenbergstraße. It is near the Schellenbergbrücke. The surrounding area now belongs to Karmann. An old high-rise bunker stands at Stahlwerksweg and Bielefelder Straße. Businesses use it for offices and workshops. Fledder is also home to two mosques reflecting its diverse community.
Fledder’s story is one of transformation. From a humble, wet grassland, it evolved into a vital industrial and commercial center. It illustrates Osnabrück’s growth. It also highlights the vision and determination of individuals like Dr. Kastan.