Gabriel 150 years - Flipbook - Page 27
Good years in a difficult period
±∫µ∞-±∫µ∂
The war years were unusual ones for Kjærs
There is, however, no indication that goods
Mølle. Throughout the period of the Ger-
were sold to the German occupation forces.
man occupation of Denmark, no wool could
The good times meant a steady increase
be imported, and it became necessary to use
in employees who often had to work over-
the poorer quality Danish wool and imagina-
time. It may well have been the pressure of
tive wool substitutes. Although the quality
too much work and the strict discipline exer-
was not as good as that previously used, de-
cised by the director that created an atmos-
mand was great and earnings high. The con-
phere of unrest in the company in ±∫µ≥.
tinued profitable operation of the factory
When liberation came, the director fled.
made it possible to purchase new equip-
The Communists had a strong position in the
ment. In this situation, it was an advantage
factory, and they forced the resignation of two
to have a director who was friendly with the
salaried employees. Not until the autumn of
Germans and had good connections to
±∫µ∂ was an atmosphere of calm restored to
German manufacturers of textile machinery.
Kjærs Mølle.
Folke Müller did, however, make good use
Machines from Germany
of his connections to German manufacturers
When the Germans occupied Denmark on ∫
of textile machinery. These connections eased
April ±∫µ∞, the manufacturing conditions at
the purchase of new, updated equipment in
Kjærs Mølle underwent a dramatic change. First
Germany, and the factory’s production facili-
and foremost, the import of wool was brought to
ties underwent a much-needed modernisation.
an immediate halt, and Kjærs Mølle had to seek
When necessary, Folke Müller could also ac-
other raw materials. But in spite of the decline
quire spare parts quickly from Germany.
in the quality of the goods, demand on the Dan-
Until ±∫µ≤, the weaving mill was divided
ish market was great and profits were high.
into several departments on the first and se-
Kjærs Mølle could once again afford to make
cond floors, and the warps were hauled up
large investments in manufacturing equipment.
through the lift shaft. But in ±∫µ≤, a new weav-
During the occupation, Kjærs Mølle con-
ing room and a new sewing workroom stood
tinued to manufacture for the Danish market.
ready for use. That same year, ten German
Although the question naturally arises because
Schönherr power looms were installed, and in
Managing Director Folke Müller was known to
±∫µ≥ four new looms were added.
have Nazi sympathies, there is nothing to suggest that Kjærs Mølle worked for the Germans
Kjærs Mølle’s financial situation remained sta-
during the period of occupation.
ble throughout the occupation. All the annual
1940-1945
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