Germany's industrial development has accelerated since the country's creation in the 1970s. Factories related to the metallurgical industry sprang up everywhere, supplying the needs of a growing population.
In 1855 the Hermann Gruson company was founded in Magdeburg. The original purpose of the company was the production of industrial machinery and ships. Although Magdeburg is located in the heart of Germany, its location on the banks of the Elbe River, one of the most important in the country, allows it to be a city with shipyards.
The company was characterized from the outset by technological innovation. This fact allowed to attract the attention of the Prussian army, which began to carry out important orders of armored plates for ships from very early dates.
The firm's final takeoff came in 1893, when it merged with the Krupp company. From then on, the Magdeburg factory specialized in the manufacture of weapons for the armed forces. In 1933, the Krupp-Gruson factory was nationalized.
From this date and until 1945 it became one of the largest armament factories in Nazi Germany. All kinds of tanks, ammunition or even parts for the famous U-Boats were produced here.
Although the factory suffered extensive damage due to repeated air raids, it survived World War II. After the war, the GDR nationalized it, thus maintaining its activity. Today it is a private company.
How to get to the Krupp-Grusonwerk Factory
The former Krupp-Gruson factory, today under the name SKET, is located south of Magdeburg. To get there, you can take the local S-Bahn train to Magdeburg SKET Industriepark station. .