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1848-1898

Factory establishment and first successes

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1875-1900

Plant Expansion

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1900-1925

Expansion and shrinkage after World War I.

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1924-1950

Global economic crisis and World War II

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1950-1975

Reconstruction and entry into mechanical engineering

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1975-1995

Introduction of the 6th generation

Establishment of two new production divisions

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1995-2010

Expansion to China and USA

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2010 to present

Innovation and intenationalization in all three divisions

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1848

Founding of the Factory

Transfer of the file cutting and forge to Schöndorf in Austria from Constance via Isidor II Braun.

1854

First Highlight

Thanks to Isidors knowledge of crucible cast steel production and its outstanding quality, the plant obtained an excellent reputation.

1863

Generational Change

Isidor Karl Braun passed the Schöndorf ownership to his two sons, Martin and Isidor III, with each son recieving half. I. Braun's Söhne was founded.

1873

World Fair in Vienna

World fair in Vienna. Production included cast steel files, springs and axes for railroad cars, saddles, cuirasses, and spike helmets made out of cast steel.

1890

Awards for Products and Quality

Honors and awards. Emperor Franz Josef I visited the plant. Martin and Isidor were awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Franz Joseph as well as a diamond ring in 1871.

1897

Technological Leadership

Due to the patent law from January 11, 1897, the company was issued a patent for special steel (chromium molybdenum vanadium steel) for armor plates.

1898

50th Anniversary Celebration

Setting the course for succession. Preparation to transfer ownership to Ernst and Isidor IV, graduates of the Technical University of Leoben and the Technical University of Vienna.

1900

Large Order from the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary

Products manufactured by the I. Braun's Söhne company were exported to many european countries.

1904

Käthe and Isidor (3rd Generation) / Stephanie and Isidor (4th Generation)

Transfer of ownership from Isidor, Sr. to Ernst Braun and Isidor Braun on October 7, 1904.

1906

Fein Stretch Rolling Mill

Acquisition of the Zöblmühle. Construction of the hydroelectric plant (6 m³/s, slope 2.3 m).

Construction of the electric steel plan with a steel-melting furnace.

Reconstruction of the armor plate production and the Feinstreck rolling mill.

 

1914-1918

Electric Steel Plant Zöblmühle

The outbreak of World War I brought about an enormous need for armoring for fortresses, munitions vehicles, protective shields. The number of employees increased to 350.

1918-1928

Number of Employees During the Depression

The plant shrank to 44 employees. Files, shovels, axes, tools for woodworking were created. Inflation destroyed all financial reserves.

1928-1938

Global Economic Crisis

Global economic crisis. Keeping the skilled workers cost a lot of money. The branch in Pichlwang, Zöblmühle and private real estate had to be sold. The plan shrank to a handful of employees.

1938-1945

World War II

Army services for the Germany Reich. Subcontractor for Steyr plant and Hermann-Göring plant.  Employees who were required to do military service were replaced with Polish and French prisoners of war.

1944

First Company Split-up

Stephanie Ringer (nee Braun) began her own business with the blacksmith on the other side of the river.

1948

100 Year Celebration

The company changed to a limited partnership (KG) by Martin and Ernst Braun and Maria Dusl (nee Braun) for the 100 year celebration.

1948

The New Leading Trio

Back from the war, Martin Braun, Ernst Braun, and their brother-in-law Walter Dusl built up the company.

1950-1965

Development of File Exports

The rationalization of the file factory in the production and export of files to Europe and the USA causes the number of employees to rise to 120. The number of files manufactured increases tenfold.

1962

Construction of the Zöblmühle Power Plant

Repurchasing of the inoperative Zöblmühle, reconstruction of the turbine and transferring of the plant's creek for the increased demand in electricity due to the automation of the plant.

1965

Formation of the Hydro Steel Structures Division

Introduction to mechanical engineering. New technology includes a large abrasive cutting machine which is used for research purposes for Tyrolit.

1974-1979

Introduction of the 6th Generation

Successive introduction of the sixth generation to the company. Gerhard Dusl, Michael Braun, Martin Braun.

1980

Formation of the Hydro Steel Structures Division

Beginning of the Hydro Steel Structures division through Martin Braun and Wilfried Reger, which very quickly became the mainstay of the company.

1989

2nd Division of the Company

Division of the company:

Michael Braun took over the file factory and the abrasive plant.

Martin Braun took over the machine factory and the Braun power plant.

1990

Formation of the Concrete Cutting Division

Beginning of the product line for drill rigs and wall saws for concrete cutting specialists.

1998

Maschinenfabrik Employees

Company celebrated 150 year anniversary.

First high pressure surface grinding machine was developed and produced. Pictured: Maschinenfabrik employees.

2000

USA Subsidiary

Founding of the American subsidiary: BRAUN Machine Technologies, LLC

2007

Plant Expansion

Purchase of the former file factory property.

Merger of the former I. Braun's Söhne KG plant premises with the three shareholders in the Martin Braun family. Martin Braun became the sole owner.

2010

China Subsidiary

Founding of the Chinese subsidiary: BRAUN Machine Technologies (Beijing) Co., Ltd. It was the prerequisite for the following sale successes.

2011

Introduction to the Decommissioning Business Sector

Began the development of mobile machines and tools for decommissioning.

2017

Introduction of the 7th Generation to the Company

Lennart Martin Braun began his work in various divisions in the company following his studies in Austria and abroad as well as his professional activity in England and Luxembourg.