The aggressive foreign policy of the National Socialists has been clear for years and threatens world peace, but the outbreak of the Second World War nevertheless comes as a surprise. Industry on the other hand has already been converted to war production in the preceding years, with Fichtel & Sachs setting up a “secret division” to produce munitions as early as 1935. Alongside its popular Sachs engines – primarily used as heating devices and pump units – Fichtel & Sachs supplies other essential war products, namely ball bearings and anti-friction bearings. Production of anti-friction bearings is classed as crucial to the war effort, with the biggest customers coming from the aircraft construction sector, where it is especially important to minimize loss of friction. A Ju 388 bomber thus contains 1,056 anti-friction bearings.

National Socialist Germany quickly recognizes that modern wars cannot be won with human resources alone. The Berlin leadership begins to focus on the supply of ball bearings – it is common knowledge, after all, that rearmament in the 1930s gave Germany a decisive advantage in the early years of the war. The so-called rapid ball bearings campaign initiated by the regime in 1943 is intended to ensure that supplies are not severely impacted by air attacks. So, starting from the epicenter of Schweinfurt, the company sets about identifying locations to which to relocate the production in question.  And the city of Wels, which is believed to be safe from air attacks, is selected.