On the chocolate side of the Ruhr Valley
The Tengelmann headquarters in Mülheim has been a reliable employer in the Ruhr region for over 100 years. When owner Karl-Erivan Haub failed to return from a skiing trip to the Matterhorn, the family sold the headquarters along with the holding company based there and the entire property. 250 employees lose their jobs and the city loses a piece of its identity.
In March 2020, SORAVIA acquired the site including existing properties. After an initial inspection, it is clear that the project is similar to Tabakfabrik Linz in terms of size, environment, history and region. There is also a mixture of industry and creative industries (the Ruhrpott was also Capital of Culture 2010, one year after Linz), crafts and high-tech, education and training.
It also became clear that the area was regarded by the local population as a mysterious factory behind high walls. CMb.industries therefore took steps to open up the area to the public and make visits possible. COFO Entertainment was the best partner for this. With a repertoire of musicals, touring exhibitions and stars from show business, the area could be filled with a suitable program. This made the areas more attractive, created acceptance among the population and broke visitor records.
