1791
Establishment of the Halsbrücke smeltery’s amalgamation works. This is seen as a model establishment for European barrel amalgamation – a method based on the work of Christlieb Ehregott Gellert and that originated in Halsbrücke and was adopted in countries such as Russia and America.
1826
Former site plan of the Halsbrücke smeltery site
1845
Change in production methods due to the introduction of English reverbatory furnaces.
At the same time, Wellner’s double furnaces also start to be used for the smelting of lead ore. Production increases three-fold to 30,000 tonnes per year by 1865.
1866
Gay-Lussac towers are used at the Halsbrücke smeltery for the sulphuric acid lead-chamber process. In the same year, the first Pilz furnaces are introduced for the processing of lower-grade ores. The “Plattner gold extraction” process using chlorine gas is introduced in 1885. However, the continual increase in production volumes leads to increased environmental impact.
1889
At 140 metres, it was the highest chimney stack in the world: the “Hohe Esse”. Combined with its geographical location, this means that exhaust gases are emitted at a height of over 500 metres above sea level, which is a huge help in the dispersion of harmful substances out of the Muldental valley. Feinhütte Halsbrücke is still responsible for the full functionality of the Hohe Esse today.
Almost all of the emissions are now guided to the Hohe Esse via a 500-m-long flue gas duct. The smokestack is still literally one of the biggest attractions in our regions, and continues to be a proud symbol of the Halsbrücke smelting history.
1890
This and other postcards show how proud the region was of the “Hohe Esse” smokestack.
16 July 1892
On 16 July 1892, King Albert of Saxony visits the Halsbrücke smeltery to demonstrate his deep connection to the mining and smelting site of Halsbrücke. (The original bronze casting is exhibited in the administration building.)
1931
Halsbrücke starts performing the process of lead electrolysis, which is used here as a refining method until 1991. From 1937, ore is once again mined from the Freiberg galleries and processed in the Halsbrücke smeltery.
1940
The Nazi dictatorship and the ongoing war lead to a massively increased strain on the site, both socially and economically. In the final months of the second world war, Halsbrücke suffers attacks and destruction by low-flying aircraft. And then the surrender. Shortly after, the supply of steam and electrical energy is shut off.
1946
The Halsbrücke smelting works is initially allocated to “Industrieverwaltung 5” [industrial management 5] for non-ferrous metals and is therefore under the control of a department for state-owned companies within the Ministry for Economic Affairs. In 1949, the company changes its name to VEB Hüttenwerk Halsbrücke – a name it keeps until 1956. VEB Freiberger Bleihütten is then formed from Halsbrücke and Muldenhütten.
1992
The determination of the founders of Feinhütte Halsbrücke GmbH pays off: The new GmbH (private limited company) is established on 7 August 1992. Production starts just 3 months later. With eight remaining employees and no external or other investors. Despite all doubts and resistance from the Treuhand (‘Trust Agency’) and other sceptics, proper operation is restored in record time and new customers in Germany and Europe are won over by the “Made in Halsbrücke” quality over the following years. It’s no coincidence that many customer and supplier relationships have existed for over 25 years.
2012
Re-founded and never standing still: With investments in the high tens of millions, all processes are continually optimised. And further investments are made in the company every year. The current status: The Feinhütte Halsbrücke smelting plant now produces practically every tin and lead alloy, in an almost unlimited number of variants and formats. And for customers from all branches of trade and industry. The results: “Made in Halsbrücke” metallurgical quality is once again synonymous with top quality, individual solutions and innovations all over the world.
2013
1638 m² roof area, 250 kWhp: With its own latest-generation photovoltaic system, the Feinhütte Halsbrücke smelting plant becomes more independent, and more green. It is making an active contribution to the energy revolution and reducing CO₂ emissions.
April 2017
When Tobias Patzig enters the company, one thing is clear: Family tradition is key here. After passing his degree in Dresden and spending a year gaining practical experience abroad, the young industrial engineer decides: He’s going to join the company founded by Lothar Patzig. Grandson Tobias probably already knew that long before as he carried out internships and holiday work in every department while his interest in the smelting craft continued to grow.
06/10/2017
Toasting the first quarter of a new century. With colleagues and 200 invited guests. In an unusual yet magnificent setting. After all, as well as celebrating 25 years of Feinhütte Halsbrücke GmbH, the occasion also marked four hundred years of smelting tradition at the same site. To many more years of successful and reliable partnership. Glück auf!
24/12/2018
Latest construction site completed: Another piece of history is showcased thanks to the completely renovated administration building and the complex and faithful reproduction of the stone coat of arms that used to adorn the former amalgamation works. And of course it’s a more pleasant working environment too.
01/02/2019
Electrolysis reloaded: With the restoration and optimisation of the in-house electrolysis technology, atomic purification is now used, which allows for the production of outstanding tin-lead alloys. The degree of purity of these alloys far surpasses that of customary solders – companies involved in tin-lead applications all love using the new “Feinhütte Elyt”.
06/07/2019
The Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The region applied for the title with 17 component parts on the Saxon side and 5 on the Bohemian side.
With its 800-year history in silver and tin mining and the subsequent ore smelting, Freiberg and the surrounding area is now one component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decision by the World Heritage Committee underlines the metallurgical history of the entire region.
We at Feinhütte Halsbrücke want to continue to drive forward metallurgical innovations in the future, and to carry on contributing to the success story of the Freiberg/Halsbrücke region. Glück auf!