The city of Magdeburg, on the banks of the Elbe River, was one of the most important industrial cities in Germany since the end of the 19th century. The heavy industry, related to the metal, was the great dominant within the local economy.
Among the many major firms, such as Polte and Krupp, was the Buckau R. Wolf Machinery Factory Machinery Factory. This company was initially dedicated to the manufacture of boilers, steam engines and diesel engines.
As was the case with other companies in the area, Wolf soon made the leap into weapons production. From the 1930s until the end of World War II, arms production expanded. At first, Wolf produced torpedoes for the Kriegsmarine. However, little by little he was receiving more orders from the armed forces of Nazi Germany.
The Gebirgsgeschütz 36 light mountain guns, the 88 mm guns for Tiger tanks or the PAW 600 anti-tank guns were produced here.
As was happening throughout the country, production had to be maintained thanks to new labor, since most of the men had left for the war. Women were employed here from the very beginning, which was rare in Germany until 1943.
Despite this reinforcement in the workforce, the production had to be completed with slave labor. There are records of the use of around 1,500 prisoners of war and 500 foreign forced laborers in Wolf's workshops.
The factory was heavily damaged during the war, but was rebuilt after the conflict. After the fall of East Germany, the company was privatized. Much of it has been closed, but many buildings from the original large factory complex are still standing. Although in poor condition, they are all protected under German heritage law.
How to get to the Buckau R. Wolf Machinery Factory
The former Wolf workshops are located south of the city of Magdeburg. To get there, take the tram to the Turmpark stop.