Under the banner of 75 Years of Driving Innovation, Rohde & Schwarz invited more than 200 guests from around the world to celebrate its landmark 75th anniversary at its state-of-the-art Technology Center in Munich, Germany, which opened in 2005. The Prime Minister of the State of Bavaria, Horst Seehofer, delivered a greeting and the American physicist and futurologist Michio Kaku offered an insight into the high-tech world of the year 2025.
Dr. Hermann Schwarz and Dr. Lothar Rohde founded the company in 1933 under the name Physikalisch-Technisches Entwicklungslabor Dr. L. Rohde und Dr. H. Schwarz, and today the electronics group boasts around 7,500 employees worldwide. The founders’ sons, Friedrich Schwarz and Professor Ulrich L. Rohde, looked back over 75 years of company history.
The scientist and entrepreneur Professor Ulrich L. Rohde drew a rather personal sketch of the company and his father. "Discussions with my father about various measurement problems were part of my upbringing even at an early age," recounted Rohde. "And his ideas always went a step beyond the ordinary."
Friedrich Schwarz took stock of his 35 years at the company – first as a member of the Executive Board, then as president and CEO from 1995 to 2005. He pointed out how vital it is for the company, especially in times of crisis, to continuously re-invent and further develop itself both internally and externally. He painted an optimistic picture of the company's future, saying: "We address two basic human needs – communications and mobility. This will still be true in 25 years."
Taking on the theme of technological development and looking to the future, Michael Vohrer, president and CEO, pointed out how important innovations are for Rohde & Schwarz as a high-tech company: "They are our foundation, our future." He made it clear that anyone who wants to survive in today's market must remain constantly in search of new ideas and concepts. "This requires first and foremost highly qualified and motivated employees – particularly in times like these," said Vohrer. He stated that the international thrust of the group of companies is a basic requirement for spotting future trends and promptly offering innovative products to drive them forward.
