E. Plage T. Laśkiewicz, Poland

The history of factory dates back to 1860, when „Fabryka Wyrobów Miedzianych” (Copper Products Factory) was founded, with Albert Plage as an owner. The factory initially produced and repaired distillery equipment, pans and bathtubs. In 1894 name has been changed to „Fabryka Budowy Maszyn i Kotłów” (Boiler and Machine Production Factory). Albert’s son, Emil Plage became co-owner. In 1896 factory had 28 employees, and already 50 in 1896. Emil, in 1897 bought factory from his father for 18 950 Russian roubles. In 1899 factory employed 90 people. In March 1900, Emil Plage signed company with Teofil Emeryk Laśkiewicz, and as result factory name changed to Zakłady Mechaniczne E. Plage i T. Laśkiewicz (Mechanical Workshops E. Plage & T. Laśkiewicz). After Plage’s heirless death in 1909, his shares were sold eventually to T. Laśkiewicz and eng. Kazimierz Arkuszewski. During w.w. I the factory suffered heavy losses, because retreating Russian army confiscated tools, machines and other goods. Employment decreased to 30 persons only. After W.W. I, the reborn Polish state took decision to commence aircraft production. Several factories declared their will to take this challenge, but the offer of Mechanical Workshops E. Plage & T. Laśkiewicz was chosen. The Aicraft Branch was founded, and total factory area was extended to 14 ha.

In 1922 new grounds for factory airfield were bought. In 1920 the contract for production of 100 Ansaldo A-1 fighters and 200 reconnaissance A-300s was signed. The first flight of manufactured A-300 plane took place on June 15th 1921 and first A-1 took off on June 21st. Unfortunately these aircraft soon gained deserved reputation of “flying coffins”. Next plane built under French license, Potez XVA2, were much better quality (first one took off in May 1925). In 1926 the factory began to produce Potez XXVA2. Totally 225 of them were built. Just for Potez XXV the only known example of preserved propeller made by P&L propeller workshop was intended. Propellers made by P&L were probably copied from French originals. In case of Potez XXV it was Ratier 242 propeller. The factory had no capability to design propellers. So new props were designed by Szomański’s factory. Part of propellers made in Lublin were protected by Tonkilaque laquer by Szomański. The price of laquering one propeller was 57 zloty (without cost of delivery and package). The factory bankrupted in 1935, and next year were nationalized and took new name: Lubelska Wytwórnia Samolotów (Lublin Aircraft Factory).