Otto Braun
In the early 20th century, the economic situation generally improved: for one thing, the Lauter Valley Railway ("Lautertalbahn"), which had been opened in 1883, made it possible for workers to commute to the nearby quarries or to jobs in Kaiserslautern, and for another, new commercial establishments in Wolfstein and across the river in Roßbach offered earning potential. These included the "Pfälzische Schwerspatwerke Braun, Krieger u. Cie." (1902-1950; baryte works), the "Pfälzische Bandagenfabrik Karl Otto Braun" (1903; forerunner of "Karl Otto Braun KG"; bandages), the "Zigarrenfabrik Felsenthal u. Co." (1910-late 1920s; cigars), the "Industriewerke Roßbach" and the Kort brothers’ brush factory (1896-1923). Likewise of importance, as early as the 19th century, was the family Martin's pottery business.