Josef Rodenstock

Josef Rodenstock ( born April 11, 1846 in Ershausen, † February 18, 1932 in Erl ) was a German industrialist and founder of the company Rodenstock.

Biography

At the age of 14 years, the son of merchant and merchant Georg Rodenstock began in the Rhineland a trade with sewing needles, buttons, self-made barometers, metal tachometers for worts and eyeglass frames. His father took over from Ershausen from the shipping, his brothers Alois and Michael travel activities.

In 1877 he founded in Würzburg along with his brother Michael, named after his father, fine mechanical workshop G. Rodenstock. On January 1, 1878, the company started operations. The new company sold mathematical, physical and optical equipment, especially goggles. Even before this time, Rodenstock had developed his low reflection diaphragm lenses and eyeglass Anmess apparatus, which contributed significantly to the later success of his company.

In 1882 he opened a branch in Munich and moved in 1883 to the company's headquarters there, where it was since 1884 also produced. In 1898 he opened a second plant in the rain. About outlets throughout Germany and abroad as its products have been known and appreciated for their high quality.

Rodenstock, who personally lived frugally, despite his business success, married 1880 Maria Schmöger and had with her three sons and six daughters. Since 1905, his son Alexander Rodenstock worked in the company management. In 1919 he gave his son the management and finally retired with a fortune of 3.5 million gold marks back to his estate near Kufstein.

Josef Rodenstock was the court optician of the German Emperor.