Starowolski factory

The history of the manufacture goes back to 1894, when two brothers - Lazarz Starowolski and Nochim Starowolski, together with Izaak Piwowarski had started an ironware manufacture in Grodno. The manufacture was most likely established at Nowa street (now Młodzieżowa street) on private grounds of Starowolski family. Here in mid-20s Starowolski family did run their shop: they were selling Durkopp bicycles, Pfaff and Omega sewing machines and other brands. A the beginning of 30s Nochim Starowolski, who had already turned his company into joint stock venture, decided to invest in the factory's growth. Between 1930 and 1932 he bought a building at Brygicka 20 (now Carl Marx street). This old house, previously belonging to Trop family, was narrow on the street side, but the parcel was long - typical shape for buildings placed in the centre of medieval city. Starowolski rebuilt the place completely in modern constructionism style.

Starowolski factory short before the building's deconstruction in 2005

This site was witnessing best years of the company. Starowolski in short time doubled the number of his employees and in mid-30s the annual production reached 10 000 bicycles. Niemen bicycles were similar in design and quality to German products in this time. They were black with green or red stripes. Saddles were imported from Latvia. In 1934 Starowolski started motorbike production. Gents and ladies version was sold.

Niemen motorbike

In 1936 motorcycle production was started, first 100cc, later 125cc and 150cc as well. The smallest Niemen motorcycle was priced 900 zloty, the biggest 975 zloty.

Niemen DV 150 motorcycle with Villiers engine

Niemen machines were quite reliable and economical. They were sold by agents mainly in the east part of Poland. They could be bought in Cracow, Warsaw and at annual Poznan Fair as well. A number of Niemen bicycles and motorcycles was bought by army.

Cyclist squad in Grodno with Niemen bicycles

When WW2 broke out, the company was closed, and the factory was nationalized by Soviet authorities. Bicycle production was continued for several years, then the factory was turned into car generators manufacture. In 70s it was moved to new site at Karbyszew street. Old factory building had many owners over years, who didn't care much about renovating it. In 2005 it was replaced with a new office building. Only its deep cellars stayed unchanged.

based on the article from www.horodnia.com