Rudolf Kottmann
Rudolf Kottmann (1878-1952) was an industrialist and businessman best known as chairman of the Kottmann family's Lanco factory in Langendorf. Rudolf had a lower profile than his older brother Ernst Kottmann, but the two were strong partners who stabilized the factory, which grew under their watch to be the largest in Switzerland.
Biography
Rudolf Kottmann was born in 1878, the son of the famed Dr. Auguste Kottmann. Like his older brother, Ernst, Rudolf chose to focus on commerce rather than medicine. Two other brothers, Walter and Kurt, followed their father's profession. Rudolf studied at the Business School in Solothurn, then in Neuchâtel. He then took practical training in Geneva, Lyon, and London.
In 1901, Rudolf Kottmann went to work at the Langendorf watch factory. His brother Ernst had joined the firm in 1898, seeking to assuage the poor worker relations that plagued Lucien Tièche, who had replaced his uncle Charles following his death. The brothers were given signature power over the firm in January, 1903, following the resignation of Tièche. On February 10, 1915, the brothers were promoted to co-directors of the firm.
Like Ernst, Rudolf quickly rose through the ranks and spent 50 years of his career there. In collaboration with his brother, Kottmann was credited with much of the development of the Lanco factory. Rudolf was president of the workers' crisis fund when it was established in 1943; his nephew Guido was made treasurer and replaced him as president after his death.
Rudolf Kottmann died on August 9, 1952, following a long illness. His brother Ernst had died in 1944, and management of the firm passed smoothly to Rudolf's nephews, Hans and Guido.