Charlottenburger Chaussee 109
13597 Berlin
030 3325772
marian@ich.ms
Oberspree Cable Works
Testimony to German industrial history
Berlin's industry grew rapidly at the end of the 19th century as the Industrial Revolution progressed. Manufacturing districts were moved to the outskirts of the city. Emil Rathenau, the CEO of AEG founded the Oberspree Cable Works (Kabelwerk an der Oberspree or KWO) in 1897 in Oberschöneweide to produce electrical cables and wires. In 1913, AEG bought the neighbouring property and expanded its campus to the east along the entire bend in the Spree.
Emil Rathenau, the CEO of AEG founded the Oberspree Cable Works (Kabelwerk an der Oberspree or KWO) in 1897 in Oberschöneweide to produce electrical cables and wires. In 1913, AEG bought the neighbouring property and expanded its campus to the east along the entire bend in the Spree. Production continued in the GDR, but after the wall fell, the business collapsed. The plant was subsequently closed in 1995 and the uniform yellow brick buildings are now listed for historical preservation. The surviving administrative and production buildings on the site have been partially restored and are now home to HTW, the Berlin University of Applied Sciences. One of the large former factory buildings sitting directly on the banks of the Spree is now being used as an events venue
