In September 1882, the Louise briquette factory was put into operation, and by 1883 more than 150,000 hectolitres of raw lignite were already being processed into briquettes. Initially, only two presses were installed for briquetting. Due to the constantly increasing demand for briquettes, extensive expansions were carried out. As a result, seven presses could then be used for briquette production. In addition to the originally existing six plate dryers, two tube dryers became necessary. The first generator for electricity production was commissioned in 1896.
In 1908, construction began on the first section of the power plant hall. Further construction phases followed in 1924 and 1938, leading to the completion of the building in its current form. In 1938, the daily output of the briquette factory amounted to 360 tonnes. When the Red Army entered in 1945, operations came to a halt only for a few hours. Daily briquette production was increased to 584 tonnes, although the water content was 20 percent. On November 18, 1991, the last briquette was pressed, and on February 6, 1992, after 110 years of uninterrupted production, the briquette factory was shut down.
In September 1992, the Louise briquette factory was added to the heritage register of the state of Brandenburg. The association Freundeskreis Technisches Denkmal Brikettfabrik “Louise” e. V. was founded on September 2, 1994. Its members are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the functionality of the machines and technical facilities.
The place can only be visited via official means.
