The focus: the dark story of the Bahlsen company uncovered

The focus: the dark story of the Bahlsen company uncovered

in Uffing, a small community in Bavaria, the local history faces a troubling re -evaluation. Klaus Bahlsen, the well-known biscuit manufacturer, who not only had a significant influence on the region, but was also honored as an honorary citizen, gets into the twilight due to new research results. In a current book, frightening facts about the role of the Bahlsen company were revealed during the Nazi era, which could radically change the public perception of the historical influence of Bahlsen.

Klaus Bahlsen (1908-1991), once regarded as a philanthropical patron, financed numerous projects in Uffing, including a complete fire engine and the renovation of the Bahlsen-Steg in 2023, which was completely adopted by his foundation. His legacy is also recognized in the community by naming a primary school after him and the establishment of a bust in the town hall. The citizens were proud of their honorary citizens, who was looking for a new life in Uffing after the war and generously supported the local community.

new knowledge shock the community

However, the publication of a book by two historians, Professor Manfred Grieger and Professor Hartmut Berghoff, raises profound questions. Her research shows that over 800 forced laborers in the Bahlsen factory were employed in the time of National Socialism-a number that exceeds the previous estimates and puts the image of Bahlsen into a new light as a benefactor. The historians emphasize that the Bahlsen company, like many German companies, benefited from war economy and the economic upswing after 1933, which led to the establishment and enlargement of the company.

The Bahlsen family perceives the newly discovered information as "uncomfortable and painful", as explained in the book presentation. They regret the injustice that was inflicted on the forced laborers and say that they could not face this true story earlier. But what does this mean for the municipality of Uffing and the legacy of Klaus Bahlsen?

Mayor Andreas Weiß has already dealt with the new findings. He announced that he would like to get the book to have an informed discussion about the possible re-evaluation of the projects, which were financed by the Bahlsen Foundation's means. Questions about his honorary citizenship and the naming of the primary school are in the room, and the mayor also strives to contact the Rut and Klaus-Bahlsen Foundation.

dr. Sabine Schopp, the managing board member of the foundation, admits that she, too, cannot fully record the new scientific knowledge, since she has not yet read the book. However, she speaks of Rut and Klaus Bahlsen as an altruistic person who wanted to do good. But the shadow story that is hidden behind the success of the company cannot simply be ignored.

The co-author Grieger makes it clear that it is so far unclear whether the Bahlsen assets couple have brought in the foundation from the Nazi era. This uncertainty increases the concerns that arise in the community. A picture of a company is created, the profits of which not only come from normal business operations, but also from crime conditions of the Nazi era. The realization that forced laborers worked in the production and household of Klaus Bahlsen opens up a complex debate about responsibility and reparation.

The revelations about the role of Klaus Bahlsen in the Nazi era underline an important challenge for Uffing and the entire society, a balance between historical recognition and the preservation of memorials. If the community has decided to put Klaus Bahlsen's philanthropic work in the foreground, you must now face the darker aspects of his inheritance. The books were opened and the discussion is far from being over.

In times when the collective memory of a society is increasingly being put to the test, communities like Uffing have to raise the courage to deal with their past again. The lessons from history are not only important for research, but also for the social structure that is dependent on understanding and truth.