AÑO DE 1563. WYNGAERDEN
Vista de la Ciudad de Toledo, entrando por la Puerta de Bisagra. Imagen completa
Development of the Factory Complex
Apart from slight expansion to meet the increasing demand for gunpowder and ammunition, the factory consisted only of the Sabatini building for a century. The first real expansion of the existing facilities occurred at the start of the 20th century, when new buildings were put up for cartridge production.
By 1916 the factory occupied 220,000 square metres and included several workshops. Its architecture was to pass through several different phases, the first of which simply provided modest solutions to practical and structural problems. Fine examples of neo-medieval and, especially, neo-mudejar features are found in the group of industrial buildings put up in the first years of the century. The architecture was strikingly of its time, employing the very latest techniques in bricklaying, use of metal structures and different finishes. These all combined to produce a splendid example of industrial architecture which makes up “the other historic city” of Toledo.
Between 1916 and 1933, a number of industrial workshops were built to manufacture artillery. These new buildings were more elaborate and ornamental in style. The Factory had several different energy systems; a hydroelectric power station in Azumel, the Charles III steam power station and the Reserva station which all supplied power to the workshops, making the factory totally self-sufficient.
An industrial city gradually grew up, taking on an urban structure with streets, paths and various facilities. The complex had support services like an infirmary and cooperative store as well as housing and a school for apprentices. As time went on, the urban and factory structure continually reshaped itself to the changing technical demands of the century, embracing new products and technologies.
