The History of the Company

The Beginnings around 1910

The beginnings of the RUDOLF company go back to the year 1910, when Franz Rudolf sen. started manufacturing the first surgical scissors at home.

Foundation of the Company in 1950 

However, the official founding year of the company is 1950, when JOHANNES RUDOLF FABRIK CHIRURGISCHE SCHEREN was registered with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Tuttlingen.

Johannes Rudolf sen., founding father of today's company, pushed the development of the company with his drive, hard work and perseverance. The know-how about the production of surgical scissors dates back to this time. Johannes Rudolf passed on his knowledge to the next generation.

His son Franz Rudolf jun. trained as a surgical mechanic, passed the master craftsman's examination and in 1973 he was appointed managing partner.
 

The Years of Growth

From 1973 onwards, the company experienced a major burst of growth. The product range was constantly expanded. Instruments and devices for endoscopic surgery were added to the scissors and other products for open surgery.

Further markets were opened up worldwide. International sales developed simultaneously with the automation of production, the expansion of the product range and the increase in production volume.

As for his father, the growth of the company was also the purpose of life for Franz Rudolf Jr. Until 10.03.2013, when he suddenly passed away at the age of 77, he was active in the company every day. His wife Sabina Rudolf worked and supported her husband actively.
 

Entering a New Era

With Ulrich Rudolf, son of Franz Rudolf, the family tradition was continued. Ulrich Rudolf completed his training as a surgical mechanic in 1984. He obtained his master craftsman's certificate in 1989 and took over responsibility in production.

In 2000, the construction of the current administration and logistics centre in Fridingen, Zollerstr. 1 began. The move to the new headquarter took place at the end of 2001. The state-of-the art production remained at the old location in Fridingen, Tuttlinger Str. 4. With the beginning of the new century, there was also a change in the company structure. Ulrich Rudolf was appointed as an additional managing director.

Ulrich Rudolf is already the 3rd generation to run RUDOLF Medical, and his wife Gabriele has been at his side for more than 35 years.

Their two sons, Maximilian and Johannes, hold leading positions in the company, so that the company continues to have bright prospects for the future and the business can be carried on into the 4th generation.

To this day, the company has remained true to its old values: manufacturing expertise passed down through generations and on the basis of the latest technology with a view to further development and progress.
The long-standing, trusful relationship with partners worldwide, as well as the trusting, family-like working atmosphere in the company also contribute to the company's success.
The sense of responsibility towards employees, business partners and customers guarantees the high quality and reliability of the RUDOLF products.