1900

1900 Chances in Russia

A subsidiary plant is established in St. Petersburg. The Russian Empire massively expands its railway network and annually imports several hundred Morse telegraphs from Lorenz manufacturing. The new subsidiary further deepens business with Russia.

1903 Competitors

Emperor Wilhelm II. exercises his authority: Siemens & Halske and AEG, the two major companies in the German electrical industry, shall bundle their activities in the field of wireless telegraphy – also to attack the Marconi’s dominant market position. In May 1903, the Gesellschaft für drahtlose Telegraphie m.b.H., System Telefunken is launched. In the following decades, Telefunken will continually influence Lorenz’ development: as a competitor in competitive markets, as a supplier and licensor, as well as partner in different joint ventures. A century later, parts of both companies will be merged under the umbrella of Thales.

1906 Stock market launch

To account for the continuing growth, Held transforms the company that is currently managed as individual companies in to the C. Lorenz Aktiengesellschaft – the basis for the further international development.

1906 Entry into radio technology

Lorenz enters into a licence contract with Valdemar Poulsen’s Amalgamated Radio Telegraph Company. With his arc converter, the Danish physicist and engineer has decisively improved the current technology. By securing the sales rights for the Poulsen transmitter and establishing an own department for wireless telegraphy under Walter Hahnemann, the company enters into radio technology. With its top scientists on board and a test station in Eberswalde, Lorenz is doing pioneering work in the upcoming years.

1906 Magic tube

Since Thomas Edison's time, the vacuum tube with cathode and anode has been significantly improved by John Ambrose Fleming. In 1906, the Austrian physicist Robert von Lieben files a patent application for his cathode ray relay. In the same year, the US-American inventor Lee de Forest applies for a patent for his audion. Unlike the previous rectifier diodes and for the first time, both tubes allow for an amplification of electrical signals. The competition between the two inventors will lead to a long-standing patent battle – and break new ground in communications engineering.