Opel created its empire with the production of sewing machines 160 years ago

The assembly of the first sewing machine took several months. When it was finished, the tailor Hummel from Rüsselsheim bought it and let it run for 40 years. Even then his motto was ‘Opel, reliability’

Opel is celebrating a very special anniversary. 160 years ago
adam opel founded his company in Rüsselsheim. With this he laid the foundation for an internationally active and successful company in the most diverse sectors. Starting with the production of sewing machines in 1862, Opel became the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer and eventually an internationally renowned car brand. The guideline that has distinguished all ‘made by Opel’ products from the start, to ensure that innovations are
affordable for everyone, still valid. Opel is strongly committed to electrification by offering a wide range of vehicles through different versions of its electric-powered models.

As the eldest son of the master locksmith
Philipp Wilhelm OpelAdam’s path was actually predestined: one day he would take over his father’s business and continue it. But Adam had other plans, his big dream was the city of Paris. After crossing Liège, Brussels and London, he finally reached his long-awaited destination, where he made the important decision to get into the sewing machine business. In late August 1862, the 25-year-old returned to his hometown of Rüsselsheim and set up his own modest workshop at his parents’ home, at the time against the wishes of his father, who had no interest in sewing machines. . After spending time in cosmopolitan cities, returning to his hometown was a big change for this able young man. But it was here, in the then town of Rüsselsheim with its 2,000 inhabitants, that Adam laid the foundations for the global company Opel.

The assembly of the first sewing machine took several months. When it was finished, the tailor Hummel from Rüsselsheim bought it and let it run for 40 years. Even then his motto was ‘Opel, reliability’. In 1863 Adam Opel set up his first own production factory in the disused stable of an uncle of his. From Paris, his brother Georg supplied Adam with steel, oscillating shuttles, needles and complete sewing machines for resale. A first ad was placed and Adam hired his first employee. Opel not only built sewing machines, but also marketed them with great success.

In the following years, the sewing machine trade flourished and Opel expanded. In 1868 he built his factory in a new building with a two-storey production hall, a steam engine and an adjacent residential and office building. After the move, 40 people worked for the young company. That same year, he married his wife Sophie, who took care of not only the house but also the company’s bookkeeping, which was a breath of fresh air for the company. Production figures rose rapidly, not least because Opel adapted to the specific wishes of customers by designing special sewing machines for specific requirements. In 1886 18,000 machines left the factory. The company became one of the largest sewing machine manufacturers in Germany, with exports all over Europe.

Industrialization opened up other business opportunities for the Opel family in the 1880s. During a trip to Paris in 1884, Adam Opel was introduced to the velocipede, as bicycles were already a common mode of transport in the French capital. The entrepreneur decided to purchase such a device, but several months passed before the first of his models left the factory in Rüsselsheim in 1886. In the autumn of 1887, a price list marked the official beginning of an important period in the history of the company.

As with the sewing machines that preceded it, Opel was quick to apply modern technology to its bicycles. In 1888, the velocipede that marked the beginning of bicycle manufacturing in Rüsselsheim was replaced by the modern safety bicycle with low wheels. By 1890, 2,200 two-wheelers had been sold. Adam and Sophie’s five children were the brand’s best ambassadors, responsible for more than 550 victories in cycling races. In the 1920s, Opel became the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer; 15,000 dealers sold bicycles from Rüsselsheim. After the introduction of the assembly line in 1923, a bicycle rolled off the assembly line every seven seconds.

The decisive step in the company’s history, promoted by the five sons after the death of Adam Opel in 1895, was the start of car production in 1899. Opel thus becomes one of the pioneers of this industry and in one of the most traditional car manufacturers in the world. On January 21, 1899 Opel acquires the ‘Anhaltische Motorwagenfabrik’ from Friedrich Lutzmann from Dessau. In the same year, car production starts in Rüsselsheim with Opel’s “Patent-Motorwagen System Lutzmann”. In 1906, the 1000th vehicle was built and the final breakthrough came the following year, when the Rüsselsheim car manufacturer was named supplier to the Imperial Court. However, Opel was always committed to the democratization of the car, for example with the small 4/8 hp ‘Doktorwagen’ in 1909.

In the following decades, Opel becomes a trendsetter. Comfort, safety and new technologies have always played an important role. In this process, the brand has continuously developed without losing touch with its central axis: making mobility accessible to everyone. 160 years ago, Adam Opel managed to please everyone with his first sewing machines.

In the same way, Opel is bringing modern, future-oriented mobility to the market today. The brand already offers numerous electrified models, in three emission-free versions. Bestsellers such as the Opel Corsa and Mokka, and the trio of light commercials, with the Combo, Vivaro and Movano with 100% electric technology or the Opel Grandland and Opel Astra, which are available as plug-in hybrids. The range of electric drive systems is now complemented by the Opel Vivaro-e Hydrogen. Young drivers over the age of 15 can also start their journey to electric mobility thanks to the Opel Rocks-e two-seater four-wheeler.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.