Very soon, the profound changes caused by the industrial revolution were leaving their mark on Heilbronn - as early as 1838 some 500 workers were already toiling away in the factories of the city.
After 1871 the industrial development gained momentum, stimulated by the increasing capacities of river and rail transport. Engineering works became more and more important; food, beverage, tobacco and chemical companies acquired fame beyond the Heilbronn city limits.
At the turn of the century Heilbronn was one of the leading industrial locations in Württemberg with a total of some 9,000 factory workers.