FAUR Factories

S.C. “Faur” S.A. is an industrial complex located on the eastern outskirts of Bucharest, historically significant for its specialization in the manufacturing and repair of rolling stock. Commonly referred to as the “Faur” factories, the site has undergone several name changes throughout its existence, previously known as “Malaxa” and later as “23 August” during the communist era.

At its peak, before 1989, the factory employed approximately 20,000 workers, making it one of the most important industrial hubs in Romania. However, following the decline of heavy industry in the post-communist period, the workforce dwindled to only a few hundred employees, reflecting the broader deindustrialization trend affecting many similar sites across the country.

One of the factory’s most striking features is its vast industrial halls, which once housed crucial sections such as steelworks and iron foundries. These massive structures stand as remnants of an era when large-scale production was a cornerstone of Romania’s economy. A notable counterpart to the Faur industrial site is the Laminor Hall of the Republica pipe factory, its “twin” in architectural and functional terms. Both now remain largely abandoned, their skeletal frameworks echoing a bygone era of industrial might.

Despite its decline, the Faur industrial complex continues to hold historical and architectural significance, standing as a testament to Romania’s once-thriving industrial sector. Discussions about repurposing such industrial spaces have emerged in recent years, with potential projects aimed at revitalizing these historic sites for new commercial, cultural, or mixed-use purposes.

Text & photos: Alex Iacob