Bernhard Dalichow Färberei und Chemische Reinigung
Bernhard Dalichow Färberei und Chemische Reinigung in Glauchau, was founded in 1878 and specialized in industrial dry cleaning, laundry, and dyeing of fabrics. It continued operations until 2008, when the company went bankrupt. Today the site is abandoned.
The Bernhard Dalichow dyeing and dry-cleaning factory in Glauchau, Germany, has a long history. Established in 1878, it became a well-known name in Saxony for its dry cleaning, laundry services, and workwear leasing. This factory played an important role in textile care for over a century.
In 1918, the business saw its first major change when Ernst Bormann bought the company. Over the years, it continued to provide services to the region. However, its operations were interrupted during the Allied occupation after the Second World War. Like many other companies, it was initially forced to stop production. In May 1945, the laundry was permitted to reopen and resume operations.
DDR
During the DDR era, the factory was integrated into the state-run network of VEB (Volkseigener Betrieb) companies. Despite the political and economic changes during this time, cleaning and textile care remained an active part of the factory’s operations. Even after Germany’s reunification, the company continued to function for some time.
The End
In 2008, the factory was closed, marking the end of its industrial operations. Since then, the buildings have been abandoned, left to decay over the years. Today, the site reflects a mix of natural deterioration and human vandalism. The ruins show beautiful signs of decay but also bear scars of neglect. The dismantling costs for the site are estimated at around 5 million euros, highlighting the challenges of restoring or redeveloping the location.
This forgotten factory, once a hub of textile care, now tells its story through its empty halls, peeling paint, and crumbling walls. Its rich history and haunting atmosphere make it a fascinating destination for urban explorers. I visited the factory in 2022.
