Claim: Rheinmetall Automotive was awarded a patent for an Frankfurt-based Metallgesellschaft, went on to produce smelting furnaces besides processing aluminum scrap and in 1917, moved to Neckarsulm where he expanded his enterprise and also manufactured blank pistons for the auto industry.
Evidence: Rheinmetall Automotive (formerly KSPG and Kolbenschmidt Pierburg) is the Automotive sector of the parent group Rheinmetall. He was awarded a patent for an oil-fired metal-smelting furnace, went on to produce smelting furnaces besides processing aluminum scrap. In 1924 and for the repeated expansion of the business Frankfurt-based Metallgesellschaft acquired a majority stake in the company. Metallgesellschaft AG was formerly one of Germany's largest industrial conglomerates based in Frankfurt. In 1917, he moved to Neckarsulm where he expanded his enterprise and also manufactured blank pistons for the auto industry. Although Metallgesellschaft was a joint stock company, it was operated like a family business with key positions allocated to long-time loyal employees who were gradually rewarded with stock in the company.