John, The Zeplin works is across the Bodensee in Freidrickshafen (sp?) the works in Lindau were built just before the war purely to make military aircraft. The location was chosen because it is hidden from all sides and even the air due to the trees, so that the allies couldn't "find it and bomb us". They also built a hidden rail line to Freidrickshafen to transport bits between the two factories.
It's a fascinating place that is still as it was built under the instruction of the third reich. Outdoor swimming pool with his and her wooden changing huts next to the (then officers/ managers) dining room looks straight out of any old war movie, it took nothing to close your eyes and imagine them running from the huts to the water in their blond haired Bavvarian summers
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The place was never found by the allies during hostilities, only at the end of the war and was taken over by the allies at the end of the war - (the French initially) who "took everything, even ze light svitches off ze walls!! how could ve make bombers vith light svitches!!"
After the war they adapted the factories to use whatever technologies they had, so they started a weaving machine business because they knew a lot about intricate machines, this took off hugely after the invention of nylon. They also knew a lot about ovens (ffs), so got involved in making what we call Stenter ovens used in the manufacture of plastic films.
I spent a lot of time there and could go on for hours - there's some fascinating history to the place.
Btw the people were charming, amusing, very very professional and an absolute pleasure to work with and spend time with. I suspect going backin history they'd have been exactly the same. MAkes you think dunnit.
