Company History of Linneborn Metallwaren GmbH

Linneborn Metallwaren GmbH looks back on a long company history. The family business was founded in 1871 and is now managed by the fifth generation. At the site in Meschede-Freienohl, hydropower has played a central role from the very beginning.

From Wood Pulp Production to Hydropower

In the first decades, Linneborn produced wood pulp as a precursor for paper and cardboard production. Hydropower provided the necessary energy. Large grindstones were mechanically driven via transmission shafts and belt drives. The wood, fed in pieces about 1.5 meters long, was ground into wood pulp.

From 1921, electrical energy was also generated. For this purpose, two water turbines were installed with a combined flow capacity of around 14 m³ per second. The generated electricity was transformed to 10,000 volts via a transformer station and fed into the grid of what was then VEW. From 1921 to 1951, the hydroelectric power plant was leased to VEW Arnsberg.

From 1951, both wood pulp production and electricity generation were operated in-house again. In 1956, Linneborn discontinued the production of wood pulp due to increasing international competition. Since then, this operational area has focused on electricity generation from hydropower.

In 1983, the hydropower plant was extensively modernized. One of the most important measures was the conversion of the old steel/wood gears to lower-maintenance oil-filled gearboxes. The use of hydropower remains an important component of the site today and enables the generation of renewable energy directly on-site.

Since 1983: Metalware for Home and Garden

Also in 1983, the operation was expanded to include metalware production. Since then, Linneborn has manufactured, among other things, stainless steel and copper chimney covers as well as weather vanes, weather cocks, spire finials, and other metalware from materials such as copper, stainless steel, brass, and zinc.

Many of our products are manufactured or finished directly at the site and can be purchased directly via our online shop.

Stainless Steel and Copper Chimney Covers

Custom-made chimney covers have been part of our range since 1983. When choosing the material, not only the appearance but also the existing roof drainage system should be taken into account. If, for example, there is a zinc gutter on the building, we generally recommend a stainless steel chimney cover. Copper-containing rainwater can attack zinc components over time if it comes into contact with them.

For buildings with copper gutters, the chimney cover can be made of either copper or stainless steel. Our custom-made covers are produced to match the dimensions of the chimney head and are designed so that rainwater drips off as far as possible outside the chimney head.

The material thickness depends on the material, size, and design. Many of our chimney covers are made of 1 mm thick material; for larger copper covers, 1.5 mm thick copper is used depending on the design. Beading and folding also increase stability.

For installation, we supply matching stainless steel mounting bolts as well as the required mounting hardware. Further information and current designs can be found in our category Chimney Covers.

Manufacturing of Our Weather Vanes

Weather vanes and weather cocks have been among the best-known products from Linneborn for decades. Depending on the design, they are made of copper or stainless steel and are cut, formed, processed, and assembled in several work steps. For individual work steps of our stainless steel weather vanes, we also cooperate with regional partner companies.

Our range includes numerous classic and modern motifs. In addition, we manufacture individual weather vanes according to customer requirements, for example based on a drawing, template, or photo.

Individual Weather Vanes and Custom Designs

In addition to weather vanes for private houses, gardens, carports, and agricultural buildings, we also manufacture weather cocks and custom designs for churches and other special locations.

All currently available models can be found in the category Copper and Stainless Steel Weather Vanes.

Assembly and Installation of Weather Vanes

For long-term secure operation, the professional installation of the weather vane is particularly important. Depending on the size and location, various mounts and mounting options for roofs, gables, walls, or chimney covers are available. Suitable accessories can also be found in our online shop.

Hydropower at the Meschede-Freienohl Site

Hydropower has been part of the history of our family business since its founding in 1871. At the site in Meschede-Freienohl, electrical energy from hydropower is still generated and used today. In doing so, Linneborn combines traditional hydropower technology with modern metalware production.