STARTED WITH AN IDEA
GROWN THROUGH INNOVATIVE SPIRIT
From 1837 to the present day, our history has been characterized by historic moments of success and a consistently clear vision: to shape the future through innovative thinking and action.
Our historical roots
The North German instrument maker David Filby founds a store for nautical instruments and maps in Hamburg, which 100 years later becomes C. PLATH KG after being taken over by Carl Christian Plath.
With passion and a pioneering spirit
Dr. Maximilian Wächtler, who later joined PLATH, begins his research in the field of radio navigation (RDF) and receives his first patent in 1935. He publishes various scientific articles and starts the production of radio direction finders at C. PLATH KG in 1949.
Foundation in the Kompasshaus
The economic wonder is in full swing and the demand for radio navigation devices is so strong that the business branch grows into an independent company: Dr. Maximilian Wächtler founds C. PLATH GmbH in the "Kompasshaus" at Stubbenhuk 25 in Hamburg.
Success through innovation
The key to PLATH's success is to offer the right product at the right time. The company brings many innovative products and solutions to patent maturity - often on a small budget under the difficult conditions of the post-war period. Dr. Wächtler's ability to drive this development forward is crucial to PLATH's great success at this time.
PLATH as a global player
At the end of the 1980s, PLATH was the global market leader in the field of radio direction finding. The respected 'Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung' newspaper wrote in September 1987 that even manufacturers from the USA had "nothing comparable" to PLATH's products.
On November 22, 1988, company founder Dr. Maximilian Wächtler passes away. By this time, the company has registered around 300 patents.
On November 22, 1988, company founder Dr. Maximilian Wächtler passes away. By this time, the company has registered around 300 patents.
Strategic reorganization
PLATH is consistently pursuing its growth path and strengthening the group's future orientation through a strategic reorganization. As part of this process, two business units are spun off as independent companies and from now on operate on the market as PLATH GmbH & Co. KG and PLATH Signal Products GmbH & Co KG. In the new organization, the parent company PLATH Corporation GmbH (formerly PLATH GmbH) now performs typical holding tasks and offers shared services for the companies in the group.
On course for 70 years
The group celebrates 70 years of PLATH. We look back on seven decades of enthusiasm, growth and innovation, which still inspire and drive us all every day.
