Walter Holzer (inventor of the Timer "HOLZER"), Schutzenrain, Meersburg
(Bodensee), Germany.
Walter
Holzer was in the 60s and early 70s one of the largest employers in the
Meersburg region. At the Lake of the studied electrical and
telecommunications technician came in 1947 at the invitation of the
French Navy. It was necessary to repair radios and to build testing
equipment.In 1948 a pioneering step: Walter Holzer founded the "Meersburger electric KG", the later "Holzer Group" the mother-company. The researchers and inventors Holzer dealt at this time especially with non-tracking plastics. A patent has been filed by one, and with a corrosion resistant, magnetic eddy current regulated timer (Timer) succeeded in 1955, the breakthrough. Far more than 15 million units were built from it.
The high demand has resulted in new production facilities. Emerged in Markdorf, Frickingen and Stetten am Kalten Markt new factories, some three times as big as the "mother house" in Meersburg. Business was so good that Holzer became active abroad (Italy (Venice Region) and England), while its product range with thermostats, water softener and solenoids extended. 1972 was the "Holzer group" went up to the leading manufacturers of program controls and optional accessories for the washing machine industry in Europe, the market share was 55 percent. About 3,300 workers were employed at Holzer.
At the peak of its economic success then the surprising withdrawal. Holzer sold the entire business to the US company Eaton. A decision which has been controversial from the workers, the new owner but the late 70s, early 80s began to cut jobs. Today Eaton is only involved at the Markdorf location, and with much less staff than in the 70s. In retrospect, the sale has turned out to be "hostile takeover" Eaton has been pushing a competitor from the market.
The decline is probably connected with the fact that has been put on electromechanical technology for too long at Holzer and especially later in Eaton, the triumphant advance of electronics has not detected early enough. A former employee of Holzer's management recalls in SÜDKURIER conversation: "We have been missing then electronics." The advantage of electronic timers have, for example, located in the fact that they could be replaced in 20 minutes, the electromechanical components after Holzer Patent contrast only within an hour.
But to put after selling just his hands in his lap, which did not reflect the character of Walter Holzer. He fiddled on, now particularly in the fields of optronics, laser technology, environmentally friendly etching process for printed circuit boards, solar heaters, biotechnology and medical engineering. Up to November 2003 brought the visionary to 3100 patent applications.
Clear that this professional biography honors moved to itself. In the corresponding honors, also repeatedly stressed that Holzer has built 140 apartments for its employees. He was awarded, among others, the Federal Cross of Merit and the Great Golden Badge of Honour of the Organization for International Economic Relations. In addition, the man, who was also the Meersburger council from 1965 to 1970, the professional title of Professor was conferred.
Walter Holzer, the inventor, visionary producer On the night of Wednesday april 2004 died after a long and serious illness at the age of 84 years.
The highly decorated entrepreneur and innovator died shortly after his 84th birthday. Holzer is buried in Meersburg.