MAGNESIA SPA [IT]
Exploration #214 Magnesia spa. Quarrying was present in this area since the beginning of the 20th century, when two ovens were built for the production of dolomitic lime. Through the English Pattinson process, light magnesium carbonates were produced, which were suitable for incorporating a lot of air in the application and thus promoting thermal insulation (asbestos was used as a binder). Initially 20 employees were employed, which became several dozen in the following years.
In the 1920s, the production of calcium carbonate was also undertaken, initially by purchasing limestone as a raw material and later by introducing limestone calcining within the factory. In the 1950s, Magnesia spa also experimented with the direct sale of purgative magnesia to pharmacies. However, this route was not taken for a long time and it was preferred to produce the active ingredient, magnesium hydroxide, for specific companies in the sector.
The seventies and eighties were a period of strong development for the company, which underwent major plant renovations. Notable is the research for the development and market introduction of new types of calcium carbonates, in particular ultra-fine coated ones. In the early 1990s, Magnesia Spa was sold to the Belgian multinational Solvay, which closed the plant in 2008.
You could also check my report of another similar factory: the abandoned Magnesitwerk Aken.
