Abstract

In 1894 two companies decided to set up their new electrochemical operations in the Bitterfeld region. Both companies recognized Bitterfeld as the ideal location. A combination of factors contributed to this assessment. A decisive factor, though, was the availabilty of the cheapest lignite in Germany. It was the coal which attracted an additional chemical company to the region the following year. Together, the three businesses laid the foundation for the domination of the chemical industry in Bitterfeld for over 100 years. The new guiding sector essentially under the stewardship of the IG Farben group from 1925 onwards provided formative impulses [forward and backward linkages] to other sectors, established before and after the chemical industry came to Bitterfeld. The mining industry and production of electricity as well as the construction of heavy machinery and aircraft grew parallel to chemical industry. The region embarked upon a path of development which is evident even today.