Interestingly, the Roland Mehl is more than just a mill. It is a landmark that silently narrates Bremen’s rich industrial past. The Roland Mehl stands as a testament to the city’s enduring connection to grain processing.
Let’s delve into the story of this mill. The Roland Mehl is a significant player in Germany’s milling industry. Roland Mills United operates this large and modern milling company. It has sites across Northern, Eastern, and Western Germany.
The history of Roland Mehl dates back over 125 years. The family Erling started their milling tradition in 1811. They initially worked as mill builders in Bremen. By 1832, the Erling family had built their first mill on the Bremen Wall. This windmill remains a charming feature of the city today. In 1897, the Roland Mill was constructed at its current location. It was built as a steam mill in the newly developed Bremen wood and factory harbor.
The Roland Mehl is Germany’s only seaport mill. It has become a leading producer of grain milling products in Europe. The mill processes an impressive 360,000 tons of grain each year. It also has storage for 70,000 tons.
At the Roland Mehl, various grains are processed. These grains include spelt, rye, and wheat. The location on the deep-sea waterway is advantageous. It allows the mill to source grain from the best growing areas worldwide. This independence from fluctuating harvest qualities is very important. The port also provides a key logistical advantage for flour exports. Large storage silos for grain and flour ensure a reliable supply.
In its long history, the Roland Mehl has faced many challenges. In 1945, the planned demolition of the mill was stopped by World War II. On February 6, 1979, a fire triggered one of the largest peace-time explosions. A cable fire caused a dust explosion in a sample chamber. The fire spread quickly, igniting flour dust. The roof of the silo was blown off. The walls collapsed. Windows broke even far away. Flour dust rained down on 30 hectares. Fourteen people died and seventeen were seriously injured. The damage was about 100 million Deutsche Mark. After this catastrophe, the Roland Mehl was rebuilt.
Today, the Roland Mehl is equipped with modern silos. There are twelve small and three large silos. This mill remains a major employer in its district. It is an important part of Bremen’s harbor economy. A large portion of its production is exported. Around 100 to 200 ships dock directly at the silos.
The Roland Mehl is now part of Roland Mills United. This group was formed in 2004 through a merger. It included Bremer Rolandmühle Erling, Mills United Hovestadt & Münstermann, and Heyl-Mühlen.
So, as you stand here, remember the Roland Mehl. It is a symbol of Bremen’s industrial heritage. It is a place where tradition meets modern milling technology.