What if I told you this building revolutionized Danish dairy farming? This is Maglekilde Maskinfabrik. It stands as a testament to Roskilde’s industrial past. Ole Petersen founded the factory in 1865. It was initially named O. Petersen & Co. It included an iron foundry. There was also a machine factory, tool factory, and wood carving shop.
Maglekilde’s location was strategic. It was near the Maglekilde spring. The spring powered the factory until the 1880s. It was also close to transport links. These included the railway, harbor, and main road.
The factory initially produced agricultural machinery. Later, Maglekilde expanded its output. They started making fire hydrants. They also made building materials and cast iron housewares.
The invention of the cream-milk separator made Maglekilde famous. This centrifuge separated cream from skim milk. It also increased cream yield. L. C. Nielsen invented it. The Maglekilde centrifuge helped establish many cooperative dairies. These dairies sprung up across Denmark within a few decades. The original Maglekilde centrifuge is at Hjedding Dairy Museum.
In 1895, C.B. Strøyberg took over the factory. He modernized it and renamed it Maglekilde Maskinfabrik. The factory changed hands several times. Each owner adapted production to market demands. In the late 1800s, cast iron products were the main focus. After World War I, Maglekilde specialized in dairy equipment. From the 1960s, they focused on plumbing and heating.
The machine shop closed in 1980. In 2000, the last part of the company left Roskilde. Today, the building houses a design studio. The old foundry serves as an exhibition space.
Maglekilde Maskinfabrik comprises a four-winged complex. Two wings run along Maglekildevej and Hedegade. The other two extend into the property. The buildings are diverse. They were built over a long period for different purposes.
The oldest part is the former iron foundry. It was built in 1867 on Maglekildevej. Next to the foundry, another building was erected. It housed a machine shop, carpentry, smithy, and horse stable.
In the 1880s, the factory switched to steam power. The steam engine’s chimney was demolished in 1988. After C.B. Strøyberg took over, he built a new iron foundry. The existing foundry was expanded. The extension became a machine shop. Another building was built for housing and offices.
A building with a forge, boiler, and engine house was added in 1904. After a fire in 1908, the foundry hall was rebuilt. It became a machine shop. A new foundry hall was built along Hedegade. A functionary residence was built behind it.
Maglekilde Maskinfabrik represents Roskilde’s early industry. From the late 1800s, iron foundries and machine factories were vital. They mechanized agriculture. They developed machines for industrialization.
Maglekilde’s invention of the centrifuge was a breakthrough. It helped spread cooperative farming in Denmark. In the 1900s, Maglekilde became a leading supplier of dairy plants. The buildings are well-preserved. Despite different architectural styles, they form a cohesive whole. Maglekilde Maskinfabrik stands as a reminder of innovation. It highlights its impact on Danish agriculture and industry.