May 09

Born in 1837 in Rüsselsheim, Germany, Adam Opel started his career as a locksmith and bicycle maker. In 1862, he established the Opel workshop, initially producing high-quality sewing machines and later expanding into bicycle manufacturing. Opel's innovative designs and management skills laid the foundation for an enterprise that would become one of Germany's leading automobile manufacturers. Shortly after his death in 1895, his sons transformed the business into a car production company. The Opel brand became renowned for engineering excellence and mass-market vehicles across Europe. Today, Opel is recognized as a key player in the automotive industry, reflecting Adam Opel's pioneering spirit.

Born in 1845 in Orsa, Sweden, Gustaf de Laval was a mechanical engineer whose inventions advanced dairy and power industries. In 1878, he patented the centrifugal cream separator, revolutionizing dairy processing worldwide. He also developed the de Laval nozzle, enabling high-speed steam turbines and impacting modern propulsion technology. De Laval founded the Gustaf de Laval Company to commercialize his inventions, promoting industrial machinery across Europe. His work earned him international patents and honors, and he held numerous engineering professorships. De Laval's inventions laid the groundwork for advancements in energy production and food processing. He passed away in 1913, leaving a legacy of innovation that shaped multiple industries.

Henry J. Kaiser was born in 1882 and rose from humble beginnings to become a leading industrialist. He pioneered mass-production techniques in shipbuilding during World War II, founding Kaiser Shipyards that built Liberty and Victory ships at unprecedented speed. Kaiser's methods revolutionized wartime logistics and contributed significantly to the Allied victory. After the war, he diversified into healthcare, founding Kaiser Permanente, and entered the automobile, aluminum, and construction industries. His innovative approach to business emphasized efficiency, worker welfare, and community investment. Kaiser received numerous honors for his contributions to industry and public health. He died in 1967, leaving a lasting impact on American manufacturing and healthcare.