Historische Papiermaschine PM1

About the museum

The PM1 paper machine is the last link in a long pre-industrial and industrial tradition in Bischofszell. It began in the 17th century in Hauptwil with dyeing, silk weaving and embroidery; in Bischofszell, from 1856, the water power of the Thur was used for a weaving mill via a two-kilometer canal, and around 1880 cardboard and paper production was added. The railway line of 1876 and the growing electrification made it possible in the late 1920s to acquire the PM1; a modern concrete building was constructed for it.

The machine was built by the firm J. M. Voith. It was designed for a working width of 2,200 millimeters and an output of 10,000 kilograms in 24 hours, and it could produce a wide range of paper, from cardboard to crêpe paper. A single electric motor drove the entire plant via a system of leather transmission belts. Until 1991 the PM1 ran as a multi-purpose machine; afterwards it was extensively restored. At 223 tons and 37 meters long, it is the oldest surviving paper machine in Switzerland and probably the largest with a single drive.

On the machine, the stages of paper production – from the wire section through the presses to the steam-heated drying section – can be followed with rare clarity. It is cared for by the Verein Industriekultur Bischofszell–Hauptwil, formed in 2000 from the association “Historische Papiermaschine Bischofszell” (1993) and the Verein für Industriekultur Hauptwil–Bischofszell (1996). It organizes guided tours in which the machine is started up – without making paper – maintains the Hauptwil–Bischofszell industrial heritage trail, and rents out the hall for events.

Highlights

• 223 tons and 37 meters long
• Oldest surviving paper machine in Switzerland, probably the largest with a single drive
• Driven by one electric motor via leather transmission belts
• The steps of papermaking, from the wire section to the drying section, can be followed
• Guided tours with the machine started up (no paper made)
• The supporting association also maintains the Hauptwil–Bischofszell industrial heritage trail

Permanent exhibition

• Historische Papiermaschine PM1 – The surviving Voith paper machine in its original factory hall shows the stages of papermaking; during guided tours it is brought into operation.

Operated by

Verein Industriekultur Bischofszell–Hauptwil

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 120 guests.

The PM1 hall can be rented for product presentations, customer events, photo shoots, special exhibitions and private events (CHF 450 per day, by advance registration only, capacity about 120 people). Workshops, meetings and assemblies cost CHF 35 per hour. Event services are also offered.

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