upswing at MMM. However, in the long run the disadvantages of the outdated factory buildings (three-storey and winding) could not be compensated for even by various rationalisation measures. The capital was not sufficient to reduce the large investment backlog. New competitors also made it increasingly difficult to hold one's own in the market and to achieve the necessary prices. Due to rising costs and economic stagnation sales, liquidity problems became increasingly apparent as early as 1974, which then led to insolvency and bankruptcy filing in 1975. Production was discontinued and the company liquidated. Buildings The buildings that are still preserved from the Melle furniture factory show themselves today in a very well-kept condition. Some are listed. The original gatehouse was unfortunately demolished around 1980. The three-storey factory building on Oldendorfer Straße. Built in 1904 in the Neo-Renaissance style. The factory building on Bismarckstraße, used for various offices and surgeries. Built 1923-1927 The office building in Bismarckstraße. Built in 1924 in the style of reform architecture, now used as the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses Villa "Haus Sonneck" built in 1927 in the style of reform architecture, today much altered by alterations and additions. The street front of the former wooden shed with the archways. Built ca. 1927 in the style of Neoclassicism The three clinker brick houses of the listed factory housing estate in “Bismarckstraße”, today nos. 23, 25 and 27. Built in 1949. Products 1909-1930: rubbing varnish, pored and painted bedrooms, dining rooms and living rooms as well as natural lacquered kitchens. 1930-1939: Elegant sanded lacquer, bedroom and daughter rooms as well as natural and coloured lacquer kitchens 1945-1952: Modern kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and writing cabinets 1952-1975: High-quality period furniture, modern living rooms, business and study (room)s as well as office furniture, upholstered furniture and tubular steel armchairs. For its furniture, Meller Möbelfabrik was the holder of some patents such as for a piece of furniture convertible into a desk or a special cabinet insert. In the mid-1950s, when bookcases became fashionable, MMM had the brand name "Socrates Wohnmöbel" for these models in order to appeal to the educated Kundschaft. The name was so well received by customers that the entire furniture range was soon sold under this name. The furniture was sold throughout Federal Republic to wholesalers and retailers for home furniture, bank furnishings and school furniture. The trademark with the superimposed MMM was used from around