Wickede


Wickede, officially Wickede , is a municipality in the district of Soest, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Wickede lists the town of Jemielnica in Poland as its twin city and enjoys the cultural exchange and relationship.

Geography

Wickede is situated on the river Ruhr which runs directly through the town and shapes the townscape. Wickede is situated approximately 20 km south of Hamm and 20 km south-west of Soest. The town encompasses 25.2 square kilometers and is located on the southern flank of a hill called "Haarstrang".

Neighbouring municipalities

[Image:Wickede (Ruhr) Mannesmanngelände FFSN-1132.jpg|thumb|Aerial photograph of Wickede]

Division of the town

After the local government reforms of 1969, Wickede consists of the following five districts:
  • Echthausen
  • Schlückingen
  • Wiehagen
  • Wimbern
  • Wickede

Economy and Infrastructure

Wickede experienced growth primarily in the 19th century with the beginning of the industrial age and the formation of a glass hut. At the beginning of the 20th century, this was replaced by a steel factory, the most important workplace in town.
Today, high-end clinical and nursing home equipment, primarily produced by the companies "Wissner Bosserhoff" and "Schmitz u. Söhne GmbH & Co. KG" are a major component of the local economy. Additional major employers are the bike component producer "Wilhelm Humpert GmbH & Co. KG" and the chain factory "HEKO".
The town experience significant industrial growth with the foundation of the "Westerhaar" industrial zone between Wickede and the neighboring town of Werl.
As of June 2010, the town saw 4391 employed inhabitants.

People

Notable people