Lord Of The Rings, Germany

The Lord Of The Rings; I think this is my favourite codename for a long time. This dusty and rusty industrial location is located in Germany. This factory was once part of a huge glass works. The huge contraption that dominates these photos is a ring furnace. It is one of the biggest preserved examples in the world, making it a fascinating industrial relic.

I explored this wonderful industrial relic during the Germany Summer 2021 Tour. As the sun set a wonderful ever-shifting golden light filled the space, a treat to photograph.

History of the abandoned glass factory

The factory was founded in the early 1900s. At this time this area was an up-and-coming industrial hub, with new factories popping up all over. This factory produced hand-blown hollowed glass, initially producing glass for petroleum lanterns.

Later the company merged with another glass maker, forming a new partnership. The factory expanded and diversified over the coming decades. By the 1970s the site covered 7 hectares, including seven glass furnaces. During the company’s heyday it was the biggest employer with around 1,500 employees. The company now produced everything from glass table wear, to fashionable lampshades.

All things come to an end, and the factory began to struggle in the 1990s. Production began to be relocated to eastern Europe, to take advantage of cheaper production and running costs. By the early 2000s the company was circling the drain, and by the mid-2000s it filed for bankruptcy. Lord Of The Rings finally closed.

What does the future hold for the abandoned ring furnace?

Much of the immense site still lays in ruins. Some buildings have been brought back into use, as life begins to return. There are plans to renovate the Lord Of The Rings furnace building. It looks like the ring furnace will be preserved. The building may be used for events, although plans are still in early stages.