Milestones: 1951 to 1975

The “economic miracle” arising from the reconstruction of Germany allowed business to bloom. People appreciated these economic objectives, but also longed for peace, tranquillity and prosperity. Important events of this period included the first manned spaceflight, and the beginning of the computer age, led by Apple, Microsoft and others. The German football team became masters of the Beautiful Game by winning the first World Cup to be held in Germany, in 1974 (after previously bringing it home in 1954).

< Milestones: 1976 to 2000

		1973 The hose workshop occupies a series of basement rooms at Am Wall 126, which seriously limits the amount of space available for working in.
		1972 Walter Haunroth leaves the company in 1972 on health grounds, although he retains his limited-liability partnership, and continues to act in a consulting capacity. Alfred Warner continues the running of the firm, with three authorised signatories: Rainer Jäkel, Walter Niemann and Werner Utzat.
		1970 The VIGOT F88 fire-sleeve is developed under the leadership of Rainer Jäkel.
		1967 Werner Utzat manages to obtain a Rust-Oleum dealership.
		1966 Walter Niemann becomes an authorised signatory, and is also appointed Head of the Industrial Supplies Department. Werner Utzat expands the programme of cooperation with the PHOENIX rubber manufacturing works, above all in the area of Megi products and industrial hoses.
		1965 Walter Niemann negotiates a programme of cooperation with KILIAN in Hamburg (Germany) for the manufacture of special reel devices.
		1964 Johann Friedrich Wessels dies, after having led the company for 57 years. The firm is transformed into a limited-partnership company. Authorised signatories Alfred Warner and Walter Haunroth become limited-liability partners, along with Dagmar Wessels. They take over the management of the company. Werner Utzat is engaged in a commercial capacity. He works in the Industrial Supplies Department, where he is responsible for both procurement and sales.
		1962 Initial commercial relationship with Aeroquip Germany. The manufacture of hydraulic hoses begins.
		1959 The company ceases its activities in the areas of rubber products for medical use, raincoats and baby articles.
		1957 The company’s trade in technical items takes on more importance, and develops into a wide range of rubber and plastic products. VIGOT products are presented at the IAA trade fair in Frankfurt (Germany).
		1956 The patent rights to the successful VIGOT vehicle jack expire.
		1954 Most German cars are equipped with VIGOT jacks. The first major customers include Mercedes, VW and BMW. “VIGOT” therefore becomes a trademark belonging to the company.

Milestones: 1901 to 1950 >