100 voltageciting TRAMAG Years – From 1923 to Today

In the first ten years since the company was founded, Hans Magnus has built up a considerable product portfolio. In 1933, TRAMAG offered special transformers, special electrical machines and apparatus, protection transformers for hand lamps and ovens, as well as small, testing and regulating transformers.

The seizure of power by the National Socialists in 1933 initially had no effect on TRAMAG’s success. In 1938, however, the situation for Hans Magnus also becomes more and more critical. In July 1938, the law amending the trade regulations came into force. It marks the beginning of the final ousting of Jewish tradesmen from the German economy. For Hans Magnus, too, these regulations mean that he cannot continue his business for much longer.

Struggle for the company: Forced expropriation and saving contacts

Threatened with compulsory expropriation, he tries to sell his business in time. When he goes on a business trip to negotiate with interested parties, Hanns König’s trap snaps shut. The adjutant of the Nuremberg Gauleiter had an administrator installed who was allowed to sell the company while Hans Magnus was away.

The transformer factory is finally bought by another of Hanns König’s straw men for a ridiculous low price. When Hans Magnus returns to Nuremberg, he is no longer allowed to enter his company. Hans Magnus only escapes further persecution by the National Socialists through the good contacts of his aristocratic wife in the highest military circles.

While Hans Magnus no longer has any influence on the business of his company after the forced sale, this in turn forms the foundation stone for the great career of another young engineer. Paul Metz, who had no knowledge of the events surrounding the expropriation, was offered the purchase of TRAMAG in 1938. He accepts and founds “Transformatoren- und Apparatebau Paul Metz” in Hans Magnus’ factory premises, which later becomes the successful Metz-Werke for consumer electronics.

 Next week, in episode 3 of our exciting web news series, you will find out how the TRAMAG company history continues.