As in the American commercial metropolis, so also in Paris a house was founded, not merely to manage the important trade with France and the neighbouring countries, but also to minister to the fine tastes and elegant requirements of the French, which are of so much advantage to any product intrinsically excellent.
In like manner, in order to supply the requirements of England, India and Australia, an agency was established in London in the year 1851 with Mr. A. Heintzmann, now Heintzmann & Rochussen, of No 9 Friday Street, City, E. C.
While thus the external relations of the manufactory continued steadily to extend themselves, its internal developement likewise advanced step by step.
On the very spot, where once the little house stood, the extensive factory premises are now erected on either side of the Rednitz, the water power of which river proving too insufficient and fluctuating, steam had to be called into requisition and a large engine erected.
As already stated, almost each year demanded an addition to the premises and considerable enlargements and alterations rendered necessary partly by the constantly increasing business and partly by sanatory or ornamental considerations, so that the very character of the locality underwent considerable change.
Gardens now enclose the whole establishment on three of its sides. In one of them stands the residence of the proprietor of the manufactory, Lothar, visible from afar by reason of the height of its situation and remarkable on account of the peculiarity of the style of its architecture; in the other the house of his younger brother, Johann, so that everything stands together in the closest connexion like the life of a large family.
The proprietor, while endeavouring in every way to advance all the ends of the manufactory in the most perfect manner, has not omitted to bear in mind at the same time the moral and material welfare of his workmen, whom he has accustomed himself to recognise as men and his fellow creatures.
In their interest there were in the first place factory rules drawn up, which regulated the duties and rights of the individual in the most precise manner and especially took cognisance of the moral conduct of the workman. They also gave the most diligent workmen and such as were more advanced in years, opportunities of increasing their income by ensuring them an increase of pay under certain conditions.
In order to awaken and encourage a spirit of frugality in the men and to render their future more comfortable and independant, a Workman’s Savings Bank was instituted, with the following fundamental principles: Acceptance of the smallest deposit at any time; interest at four per cent to commence as soon as the deposit reaches the amount of five florins; deposits to be withdrawn only on account of some notoriously pressing necessity. This institution found immediate recognition and by degrees came into almost general favor, so that now many an individual, who formerly had to battle with economical cares, finds himself in the possession of a little property and rejoices in his wellregulated family affairs.
There is likewise a special fund for sickness.