Located in the heart of Germany’s Ruhr industrial region, Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) in Duisburg stands as one of Europe’s most significant integrated steelworks. For industrial photographers and historians alike, the vast complex represents both the enduring strength and evolving story of heavy industry in the region.

A Pillar of Duisburg’s Steel Industry

The plant in Duisburg is operated by Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann, a joint venture historically connected to industrial giants such as ThyssenKrupp and Salzgitter AG.

Strategically positioned along the Rhine River, HKM benefits from direct access to inland shipping routes; a critical factor for transporting iron ore, coal, and finished steel products. Duisburg itself is home to one of the world’s largest inland ports, reinforcing the city’s role as a logistical powerhouse in European steel production.