 Sept 19 2024 - Oct 21 2024

 Ljubljana

An open-air exhibition in Krakovski Nasip along the Ljubljanica River in old town Ljubljana looks back on the history of turbine maker Litostroj, which employed 4,500 people in its heyday.

Mounted by the Ljubljana Historical Archives and the Ljubljana City Library, the display chronicles the rise and fall of the erstwhile industrial giant on 22 panels through photographs and text.

Litostroj was established in 1946 to meet the demand of the industry post World War II for cast machine parts and machines.

Soon, the plant, located in Ljubljana's Šiška borough, shifted its focus on the production of hydro plant turbines, as well as other hydro power equipment, servicing not only Yugoslavia but over 20 countries across the world.

In addition to water turbines, turbine regulators and locking devices, Litostroj made pumps used in drinking water supply and industrial water handling, and hydraulic presses. It also produced special water pumps and cranes used in nuclear power plants.

But by the end of the 1980s Litostroj was struggling, with unrealised projects in Iraq and the disintegrations of Yugoslavia driving the final nails into its coffin.

Despite numerous attempts at reconstruction, the company went bankrupt. Only two segments survived: the turbine maker Litostroj Power and a forklift production operation. The former was sold to the Czech group Energo Pro in 2014.