From 1936, the town of Ludwigsfelde south of Berlin was the home of the Daimler-Benz aircraft engine factory. During the Second World War, the plant made engines for Luftwaffe aircraft using forced labour. The plant was bombed and after the conflict its equipment was taken by Soviet Russia. In 1952, the factory was redeveloped by the German Democratic Republic as the state company Industriewerke Ludwigsfelde (IWL). It manufactured diesel engines at first but soon specialised in trucks and vans and, from 1953, motor-scooters. From 1991 the company was part of Mercedes-Benz.
The museum is run by the local authority and focuses on the industrial history of Ludwigsfelde from 1936. Its primary exhibits are the engineering products. On display are aero engines, the first W50 lorry from 1965 and the L60 truck from 1988 as well as lorries, vans and minibuses by Mercedes Benz and the full range of motor-scooters. Displays explain design and manufacturing processes through photographs, tools and components.
Ludwigsfelde Town and Technology Museum
Am Bahnhof 2
14974 Ludwigsfelde
Germany
+49 (0) 3378 - 804620
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