The industrial complex has its origins in an 18th century hammer mill and a 19th century wood screw factory and tool factory. It was last operated by the iron foundry F.W. Kruse KG until it was closed down in 2005. Since 2007, the site with its two listed buildings, the slate house and the brick building, has been the basis of the Ennepetal Industrial Culture Foundation and the Ennepetal Industrial Museum.
In Ennepetal-Altenvoerde, a private and support group initiative (Förderkreis Industriekultur Ennepetal and Stiftung Industrie-Kultur-Ennepetal) is transforming the former Kruse iron foundry into an industrial museum. In addition to the remains of the foundry in Neustraße, other exhibits from the region's industrial history are to be preserved. The Kruse iron foundry, which was established in 1951 from predecessor companies, is located directly on the Ennepe and the Ennepetalbahn. The three-storey brick main building was erected around 1890 by the Boedeker, Ebbinghaus & Co. wood screw factory. Cast iron columns support the floors. The foundry's fettling shop was last located on the first floor, while the upper floors housed the model warehouse and the company exhibition, which still exists today. The two-storey residential building, built around 1800, was clad in slate and is typical of the Bergisch-Märkische Sauerland region.
The company office, built around 1951 by Paul Garthe, is characteristic of the architecture of the time with its "round corner". The former heart of the company is the casting hall with its unique roof construction. Adjacent to this is the furnace hall with the remains of two cupola furnaces. There is also a canteen and social rooms typical of the 1950s. The Kruse foundry ceased operations in 2005. Professor Reinhard Döpp had the courage to take over not only the Kruse collection (castings, photos, models and tools) but also the entire building stock from the insolvency estate in 2006. The aim of the initiative is to preserve the buildings, which are unique in terms of industrial history, to preserve the industrial history of the region and to introduce young people to the fascination of technical professions. (Jens Schaefer, Heiko Wenke)
The collection of company history exhibits (castings, photos, models and tools) in the buildings of the former Kruse iron foundry (originally the "Boedecker, Ebbinghaus & Co" wooden goods factory) will soon be presented as the Ennepetal Industrial Museum. However, visitors with an interest in technology can already get an impression of this by visiting the site and the beautiful industrial hall dating back to 1890.
Opening times
April to Nov. every first Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (whenever the museum railroad "Teckel" is also running), for groups also by appointment, tel.: 0 23 33 / 60 59 07. From April to Oct. the classic car enthusiasts also show their vehicles at the museum.
The Ennepetal Industrial Museum is a place of experience on the >South Westphalia Iron Route and an attraction on the >WasserEisenLand - South Westphalia Industrial Heritage Trail.
Photos: Museum / Alexander Cremer (casting demonstrations)