Elektrowerk Weisweiler

Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH (EWW) is a German manufacturer of ferroalloys based in Eschweiler-Weisweiler near Aachen. Founded in 1917, the company has specialised for over a century in the production of low-carbon ferrochrome (LC FeCr) and other specialty ferroalloys such as ferromanganese, ferro-molybdenum and ferro-tungsten. Some of these specialty alloys are produced worldwide only at this site. The company operates a plant in Eschweiler-Weisweiler where around 145 employees produce up to 32,000 tonnes of high-quality ferrochrome annually. Its products are used internationally in the superalloy industry, for example in aerospace, power generation, the chemical industry and medical technology, as well as by steel and stainless steel works, foundries and forges. EWW also offers analytical services through its in-house laboratory, providing material analyses and quality testing for metals, alloys, mineral raw materials and foundry products. Since its acquisition by the Finnish AFARAK Group, EWW has been part of an international network. The chrome ore processed at the plant comes from the group's own mines in Turkey, ensuring consistent raw material quality from extraction to processing. The company emphasises transparent processes and responsible action along the entire value chain. EWW is certified according to relevant industry standards. Historically, the site was known for its own works railway from 1917 to 1988, and a 175-metre chimney erected in 1972 for ferro-molybdenum production became a local landmark before being reduced to 99 metres in 2012 and completely demolished in 2023.

Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH was founded in 1917 in Weisweiler, today part of the city of Eschweiler in the Städteregion Aachen, as a plant for the production of metal alloys such as ferrochrome, ferromanganese, ferro-molybdenum and ferro-tungsten. From 1917 to 1988 the works operated its own railway with a connection to Weisweiler station; two bridges remain, one a steel structure over the Inde dating from the founding year and a later structure over the Bundesstraße 264. In 1925, a nearby residential street with company housing was named Elektrowerk. In 1972, a 175-metre-high chimney was erected for the production of ferro-molybdenum. After this production ceased in 1986, the chimney remained unused. On 26 April 1988, a plastic pipe inside the chimney caught fire; the fire spread to other plant facilities and caused damage in the millions. The concrete chimney's structural integrity was not affected, and in subsequent years it was used as a transmission mast by various mobile phone providers. When the providers built their own masts and let their contracts with the Elektrowerk expire, the chimney lost this function as well. Due to the high estimated cost of converting the non-compliant firing system, the chimney, which until then was the second-tallest building in Eschweiler, was reduced to a height of 99 metres in 2012 and subsequently sealed. In 2023 it was completely demolished. Over the decades, the company evolved from a regional producer to a globally leading manufacturer of low-carbon ferrochrome specialties (LC FeCr). At its site in Eschweiler-Weisweiler, around 145 employees produce up to 32,000 tonnes of high-quality ferrochrome annually. The company is part of the Finnish AFARAK Group, and the chrome ore it processes comes from the group's own mines in Turkey. The company also operates an Analytical Services division offering professional analyses in its in-house laboratory.

• 2023

  The chimney is completely demolished.

• 2012

  The chimney is reduced to a height of 99 metres and sealed.

• 1988

  A fire in the chimney causes damage in the millions; the works railway is discontinued.

• 1986

  Ferro-molybdenum production ceases; the chimney becomes unused.

• 1972

  A 175-metre-high chimney is erected for ferro-molybdenum production.

• 1925

  A nearby residential street with company housing is named Elektrowerk.

• 1917

  Elektrowerk Weisweiler founded in Weisweiler as a plant for metal alloys.

World-leading manufacturer of low-carbon ferrochrome specialties, focused on customised high-quality alloy solutions for demanding applications.

• Low-carbon ferrochrome (LC FeCr)

  High-quality ferrochrome for superalloy industry, aerospace, power generation, chemical and medical technology.

• Ferromanganese

  Specialty ferroalloy produced at the site.

• Ferro-molybdenum

  Specialty ferroalloy produced at the site; production ceased in 1986.

• Ferro-tungsten

  Specialty ferroalloy produced at the site.

• Analytical Services

  In-house laboratory offering material analyses and quality testing for metals, alloys, mineral raw materials and foundry products.

1. 1Elektrowerk Weisweiler official websiteelektrowerk.de
2. 2Über uns | Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbHelektrowerk.de
3. 3Analytical Services | Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbHelektrowerk.de
4. 4Elektrowerk Weisweiler – Wikipediade.wikipedia.org
5. 5Elektrowerk Weisweiler – Wikidatawikidata.org