Only few people know that the cradle of industrialisation in mainland Europe lies in the home of SW-Stahl. As early as the 18th century, the interplay between different natural raw materials was put to use in the so-called Bergisch tri-city area of Remscheid, Solingen and Wuppertal.
The tributaries of the Rhein, which have their source in the Bergisch Land, supplied the energy required for production to countless forging hammers, the so-called Kotten. The existing raw materials in the ground form the origins for a varied industrial landscape.
The introduction of steam power marked a turning point and another upswing. Manufacturing operations began to settle near cities away from the predominantly manual production in narrower valleys. Streets and railways were built. Raw materials and goods could be transported more cost effectively. There were more workers available.
Remscheid became the „capital“ of tool production, Solingen for blades and steel ware and Wuppertal for textiles and the chemical industry, despite all the changes and globalisation. Entrepreneurial ambition, energy and inventiveness ensure that the companies in Bergisch Land will maintain their position on all markets even in the future.
