The first document mentioning the mill in our area is dated June 24, 1370.
It operated with interruptions for centuries, and despite occasional pauses, it never lost its functional character (after the war, it temporarily served as a grain warehouse).
It is one of the oldest mills in the former East Prussia.
Since the 17th century, the mill has been privately owned.
History of the Mill
History of the Grodzki Mill
- 600 years of excellent flour
Grodzki Młyn has a history comparable to the oldest Polish castles and temples.
The first written mentions of the mill in this location date back to the end of the 14th century, although it may have existed much earlier.
Sometimes we like to say that we are more than 14 times older than Apple and almost 4 times older than Wedel. This is, of course, a playful comparison, but it shows the scale of tradition we are dealing with here.
Here are some of the most important dates from our history:
14th Century: The First Flour
18th Century: A successful Auction
Further records only appear several hundred years later, documenting the activities of subsequent owners.
In 1864, the mill was purchased at auction by Adolf Gramberg. This was a significant moment in the history of the milling industry in this region—his family greatly contributed to the development of milling in this area.
19th Century: The Fire That Helped
The Gramberg family successfully developed the mill, and in 1898 (the end of the 19th century, which can already be counted as the beginning of the next century), a fire completely destroyed the buildings and machinery.
The resourceful owners used this as an opportunity for growth, purchasing modern equipment and rebuilding the infrastructure.
The new mill had more grinding units, larger warehouses, and storage facilities.
The mill’s capacity increased by 400%, reaching over 4,000 tons of production annually. The annual turnover reached 200,000 marks.
The Grambergs could be proud of their achievements.
20th Century: An International Mill
At the very beginning of the 20th century, in 1901, the mill was inherited by the sons of the owner, Paul and Adolf Gramberg. Grodzki Mill once again increased its efficiency and became the largest and most modern mill in East Prussia. Flour from Reszel reached Kaliningrad, Rotterdam, the Ruhr Valley, Westphalia, Rhineland, Baden, and Württemberg.
The 1930s: Crisis and War
The beginning of the 1930s brought a global crisis that affected almost every industry. It began on Wall Street but quickly spread to the food industry and to trade worldwide. However, the mill continued to operate steadily and even recorded an increase in production — until another fire in 1940. Rebuilding under wartime conditions was no longer as easy as before, and the mill suffered significant losses.
Back to work
The mill resumed normal operations only in 1943, in the final years of the war. It was saved by the enormous demand for flour, which enabled the purchase of the first electric motors in East Prussia and a return to record efficiency, comparable to the mill’s best years. Grodzki Mill once again became the leader in the region.
Peace That Brought Ruin
The end of World War II did not bring peace without problems. The retreating Soviet soldiers completely dismantled all the equipment that was in the mill. Everything that could be taken, even items torn from walls or pulled from floors, was looted.
The mill was shut down for decades.
1994: We’re back in business!
For over 50 years, the mill building served as a warehouse for the Polish Grain Company. In 1994, a new chapter began in its history—another beginning in its turbulent story. The Młynomag company carried out careful renovations and installed a modern wheat milling line. In 1995, wheat flour production began, and five years later—rye flour as well.
Today
When you work in a place like this, it’s easy to feel pride—but history is also a responsibility. We remember this every day when we arrive early in the morning at the mill. Grodzki Mill has seen moments of great success, but also great hardship. We strive to ensure that the moments of success are the most numerous.
