Company History
since 1848
The company was founded in 1848 and has been owned by the Braun family ever since. The first product, the file, was still sold until a few years ago. In the second half of the 19th century, in addition to cast steel files, the company also produces cuirasses, springs and axles for railroad carriages, as well as saddles and spike helmets made of cast steel. The excellent quality of the products earns the company I. Braun’s Sons an excellent reputation, even Emperor Franz Joseph I visits the factory.
In 1944 the first split of the company takes place, Stephanie Ringer (née Braun) starts her own business (today the Ringer company in Regau). In the mid-1960s, the abrasive cutting machine division is established, and at the end of the 1970s, the hydraulic steel construction division. In 1989, the second company split takes place, into I. Braun’s Sons, Braun Machine Company and Braun Hydropower Plants. In 1990, the division of concrete cutting and drilling machines is established within Braun Machine Company, which lays the foundation for today’s decommissioning technologies. In 2009, the company enters the field of dismantling nuclear facilities. 10 years later, the division is transformed into a company on its own – the BRAUN Decommissioning Technologies.
Foundation in a year of revolution
1848
Isidor Karl Braun transfers his father’s file smithy and forge from Konstanz to Schöndorf near Vöcklabruck in Austria, and acquires Schöndorf Castle from Count Engl, which is located on the factory grounds and is still owned by the Braun family today.
World Exhibition in Vienna
1873
The World Exhibition in Vienna demonstrates the production of I. Braun’s Sons, producing cast steel files, cuirasses, springs and axles for railroad carriages, saddles, and spike helmets made of cast steel.
Visit of Emperor Franz Joseph I
1890
Emperor Franz Joseph I visits the factory and presents a piece of jewelry with his name in diamonds as a token of his appreciation. Martin was already awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Franz Joseph in 1871 as well as a diamond ring, Isidor is also awarded the Knight’s Cross in 1903.
Technology leadership
1908
I. Braun’s Sons receives a patent for special steel. This defined composition of nickel-tungsten steel is characterized by extraordinary hardness as well as toughness and is used for the production of armor plates.
World War I
1914 - 1918
The First World War brings with it an enormous demand for files, fortress gates, armor plates, protective shields, etc. The production of bulletproof armor plates made of patented Braun steel is started on a large scale.
World economic crisis
1928 - 1938
The company was too large for the crisis, its costs were too high, while its income was too low. The plants at Pichlwang, Zöblmühle and private real estate are sold.
World War II
1939 - 1945
I. Braun’s Sons continues to supply factories with files. The company begins to recover after the world economic crisis.
Management trio
1948
100 years after the company was founded, I. Braun’s Sons is managed by the fifth generation. Back from the war, Martin Braun, Ernst Braun and brother-in-law Walter Dusl continue to expand the business.
Construction of the Hammerwerk power plant
1950
The two downward slopes near the water wheels at the file factory and the castle building are combined into one slope, so that next to Schöndorf Castle, the hammer mill can be converted into a hydroelectric power plant.
Construction of the Zöblmühle power plant
1962
The disused Zöblmühle is bought back, the turbine is rebuilt and the mill stream is relocated to meet the rapidly increasing demand for electricity due to the automation of the factory.
Start of the division steel cutting and grinding machines
1965
In 1965, the company enters the field of steel cutting and grinding technology with resin-bonded cut-off wheels. With the steel cutting and grinding machines, the company also enters the field of mechanical engineering.
Start of the hydraulic steel engineering division
1979
At the end of the 1970s, Martin Christian Braun and Wilfried Reger start the hydraulic steel engineering division for hydropower plants. The division quickly develops into a mainstay of the company.
Start of the division concrete cutting and drilling machines
1990
The start of the division concrete cutting and drilling machines lays the foundation for today’s decommissioning technologies. Already in the 80s, the first wall saw is developed, which is still the most powerful wall saw on the market today.
Plant expansion
2007
Martin Christian Braun buys the property of the former file factory. By doing so he reunites the former factory premises of I. Braun’s Sons.
Entry into the dismantling of nuclear facilities
2009
Start of the development of special technologies for the controlled dismantling of nuclear facilities by the concrete cutting and drilling machines division. 10 years later, the division is formed into a company on its own – the BRAUN Decommissioning Technologies.
