Ludwig Hartmann unknowingly laid the foundation of the HARTMANN GROUP in 1818
The factory "Ludwig Hartmann" produced "caps, stockings and handkerchiefs"
Heidenheim, Germany, around 1800 with the spinning mill on the Brenz River, behind the Scheckenbleiche (bleaching plant)
It is 1818, an economically risky time at the end of Napoleon’s Continental System. This also meant the end of many textile mills in Württemberg. This fate also overtook the long-established Meebold spinning mill in Heidenheim, Germany, which informed its customers in a letter dated March 1 “that Mr. Hartmann’s business dealings would be continued for his sole account”. This referred to Ludwig Hartmann.
Ludwig Hartmann, born on April 24 1766 in Stuttgart as the son of the Court Councilor of Duke Karl of Württemberg, was a familiar face in the Meebold cotton manufacturing factory. At the age of 17, Ludwig Hartmann denied his father’s wish and did not attend the well-known school “Hohe Karlsschule“ (Karls-Akademie) in Stuttgart, Germany, like his brothers and instead went to Amsterdam. In Holland he devoted himself not to scientific findings but rather to the more profound nature of a commercial profession and completed his education and training in the commercial firm "Braunsberg, Streckenson and Compagnie". In 1791 Ludwig Hartmann moved to Sulz, Germany, and became the managing director of the Meebold, Schühle and Co. cotton manufacturing factory. In 1802 the company was moved to Heidenheim on the Brenz River, Germany, where there had been a branch plant since 1774.
Then in 1818 Ludwig Hartmann’s chance came with the take-over of his previous employer. The risk would pay off soon: The company “Ludwig Hartmann” quickly developed into one of the largest cotton-spinning mills in the state and produced "caps, stockings and handkerchiefs". Ludwig Hartmann took the next step on his career path in 1826 when he became a member of the Land Parliament. He could also take credit for the establishment of a customs union with Bavaria in the same year. Thanks to his good connections with the king and the authorities, he achieved considerably improved travel and post connections for the city of Heidenheim, Germany. In 1833 King Wilhelm I of Württemberg dubbed the successful entrepreneur Ludwig Hartmann knight of the order of the Württembergian crown and granted him a personal title of nobility for his long service in the development of the Württembergian industry and in recognition of his life’s work.
Ludwig Hartmann laid the foundations of the later HARTMANN GROUP
1867 bought Paul Hartmann the Scheckenbleiche (bleaching plant) and founded the company "Paul Hartmann - Bleiche, Färbereigeschäft und Appretur- anstalt" (bleaching and dyeing mill and dressings company).
Ten years later in 1843, Commercial Councilor Ludwig von Hartmann handed over the spinning mill and the bleaching mill to his sons, connected with the wish "that the establishments remain unseparated and together".
However one descendant of the Hartmann family did not fulfill this wish. In 1867, Paul bought the Scheckenbleiche (bleaching plant) in Heidenheim, Germany, and founded the company "Paul Hartmann - Bleiche, Färbereigeschäft und Appreturanstalt" (bleaching and dyeing mill and dressings company).
If he had not passed away on June 16, 1852, Commercial Councilor Ludwig von Hartmann would have had to realize here at the latest that paternal power is limited. But still in 1818 Ludwig Hartmann laid the foundations of the later HARTMANN GROUP even if unknowingly and ignorant.
