In 1850 he produced his "Nr 1" chair. The Great Exhibition in London 1851 saw him receive the bronze medal for his "Vienna bentwood chairs". This was his international breakthrough. At the next World's Fair, "Exposition Universelle" in Paris 1855, he was awarded the silver medal as he continued to improve his production methods. In 1856 he was able to open up a new factory in Koryčany, Moravia.