Papierfabrik Scheufelen
This is Papierfabrik Scheufelen, a big paper factory in Oberlenningen, Germany. It opened in 1855. The factory made art paper and coated paper. It was one of the first factories in Europe for art paper. The site is scheduled for redevelopment.
This old paper mill tells a long story of work, hope, and change. The place started small, grew big, and now stands silent. Its empty halls and broken floors show a past full of energy. When you walk here today, you feel the history in every corner.
In 1855, Karl Scheufelen leased a small paper mill in Oberlenningen. One year later, it became his own. Five workers made paper by hand. Over time, Scheufelen added modern machines. The mill grew fast and produced paper more efficiently.
Double-sided coated paper
In 1892, the factory reached a milestone. It became the first mill in the world to make double-sided coated paper by machine. Around 1900, it expanded again. Famous architects from Stuttgart designed new buildings. More halls followed during and after the First World War.
Between 1933 and 1945, the factory survived the war without major damage. But there were no raw materials, so the machines stood still. In the 1950s, the mill reached its peak with about 2,000 workers. Its paper travelled far. NASA used special flame-retardant sheets for the Apollo missions. VW used its paper for catalogues. The 1972 Olympic posters were also printed on Scheufelen paper.
Bankruptcy
From 2003, the situation changed. Costs rose and work declined. In 2008, the company went bankrupt. New owners tried again, but without success. In 2018, another company took over. It focused on bright white and deep green paper made from plant fibers. One year later, this company also failed. Many workers lost their jobs.
Silphie Paper became the next owner and planned a new future. But in August 2021, it also stopped all activities. The huge paper machines were removed. Today, deep holes in the floor show where they once stood.
The site now waits for a new start. Plans suggest a modern quarter with homes, shops, and places to relax. Some historic buildings will stay, keeping the memory of this important factory alive.
