 | 1945: The disastrous war has ended with Germany's (and Europe's) political and ideological division. As a bitter consequence, Zeiss is forcibly cut in two.
Zeiss managers and many scientists are evacuated to the American zone, many more scientists, designers, engineers and foremen taken to Russia. By 1947, all production facilities in Jena, save for a rest of 6%, have been dismantled and shipped abroad.
In the first years after the war, Carl Zeiss once again demonstrates the significance of a future-oriented attitude. Reconstruction in Jena starts with a workforce of about 4500.
A new start is also made by 250 people at Oberkochen, WYrttemberg. Despite adverse conditions, the old Carl Zeiss spirit refuses to give up. Splitting, in this case, means doubling. | |