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Rudolf Molecz
Founder
1948
Founding of retail business „Rudolf Molecz – Sales Agent Electronic Devices and Materials” in Vienna Simmering. Originally intended as an electronic parts retailer, the employees soon start manufacturing hand-crafted lighting. The products quickly are in high demand and Rudolf Molecz extends production to small machinery.
1953
The company moves to Vienna Favoriten. For presenting the growing product range, additional surfaces are acquired to build show rooms. Son Leopold officially joins the company which is re-named to “Rudolf Molecz & Sohn OHG”.
1959
The Molecz family acquires the business license for industrial lighting production and builds a factory in Vienna-Oberlaa. The range of lighting models is extended and in-house developments are patented.
1969
Leopold Molecz establishes a showroom „Lighting Center “in Vienna Neubau – the largest, most distinguished lighting retailer at that time in Europe with 2.000 m² sales floor.
1973
The lighting factory is expanded by an electroplating department. Surfaces now receive a uniquely developed finishing that lets them retain their shine over a long period of time. Trade relations abroad are established and prosperous export begins. First trade fair visits lead to Budapest and Moscow – many more follow.
1975
In honor of a particularly successful product series the family changes the company name to „ORION Lighting“, sub-dividing it into branches for production and retail.
Paul Molecz
Export
Peter Molecz
Product development and Production
1976
The third generation joins the company: first Leopold Molecz's sons Peter – followed by their brother Michael in 1982. Step by step ORION lighting showrooms are opened throughout Austria. (The company – in the true sense of the word – turns into a family business.)
1984
ORION Lighting opens its main distribution center with the export department attached to it. Peter Molecz takes on the management of production, Michael of purchasing and Paul of export, which has already expanded worldwide.
1985
Export is driven by taking on special projects. In cooperation with architects ORION develops and manufactures special orders for large scale lighting projects as well as complete lighting equipment for palaces and hotel chains.
1990
ORION extends its export countries to the new democracies in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the CIS-countries.
1994
Founding of branches in Budapest (Hungary) and 1997 in Prague (Czech Republic).
2000
ORION is awarded the license to carry the Austrian coat of arms by the Ministry for Economics and Labor, for long-term outstanding achievements for the Austrian economy from all family members and the company’s entire workforce. ORION’s quality management system receives the international certificate ISO 9001:2000 confirmation.
2002
Opening of new store in Gerasdorf near Vienna: ORION Licht Nord
2005
Opening of a new store in Bratislava.
2006
Austria’s Labor Ministry honors ORIONs commitment to high quality vocational training with its National Award. Since 1950 hundreds of young people have successfully completed their apprenticeship at Orion, becoming highly skilled craftsmen and -women.
2006
The fourth generation of the Molecz family – Florian and Bastian – join the company.
2009
Opening of a new Orion Showroom in Graz.
2011
Opening of a second Orion Showroom in Prag Ruzyne.
2012
Leopold Molecz receives the honorary title “Kommerzialrat” (Councilor of Commerce) for his outstanding achievements for Austria’s economy.
2014
Austrian artisan craftsmanship is held in high esteem in Asia: Far Eastern countries gain increasing importance in Orion’s export structure.
2015
The third generation takes on business leadership: Peter, Paul and Michael Molecz, all successful members in Orion’s management since 1987.
