The engineering firm ČKD stands as a legacy to the technical innovation of Emil Kolben, who pioneered the integration of electrical systems into heavy manufacturing. Born in 1862 in Strančice, Kolben leveraged international experience in the United States and Switzerland to transform industrial production in Bohemia, building a vast corporate empire that eventually employed 15,000 workers.
Early Career and American Experience
After completing his education at the German Technical University in Prague, Kolben utilized a Gerstner's stipend to pursue studies across Europe before moving to the United States in 1888. During his five-year stay, he held positions at Edison Machine Works in Schenectady and served as an assistant to Thomas Edison in New Jersey. His exposure to poly-phase alternating current systems, including research at Nikola Tesla’s laboratory, proved foundational for his subsequent career as a chief designer at the Oerlikon company in Switzerland.
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Returning to Bohemia in 1896, Kolben founded his own company, Kolben a spol., in the Vysočany district of Prague. The firm initially focused on manufacturing alternating current generators, producing a 60 kW alternator as its first system. Following a successful transition into a stock holding company in 1898, the business was renamed Elektrotechnická a. s. in 1899. Kolben maintained an active relationship with his former colleague, inviting Edison to visit Prague in 1911.
Expansion and the Formation of ČKD
Kolben's enterprises modernized industrial equipment by replacing centralized power sources and mechanical transmitters with individual electrical engines. In 1921, his company merged with Českomoravská strojírna, eventually joining with A. s. strojírny in 1927 to form Českomoravská-Kolben-Daněk, known as ČKD. In addition to this primary venture, he established Pražská továrna na káble in Prague-Hostivař and Pražská elektroinstalační společnost in Prague-Hloubětín, while authoring numerous articles on engineering.
Final Years and Legacy
Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939, Kolben was removed from his role as director on 16 March. He was subsequently interned at the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where he died in 1943. While his family faced significant persecution, his grandson Jindřich survived. Today, Kolben is commemorated by the Kolbenova street and Prague Metro station located in the industrial districts where he once operated.
Fast facts
- Born: 1862, Strančice
- Died: 1943, Theresienstadt concentration camp
- Academic degree: Doktoringenieur
- Primary company: ČKD
- Award: Order of the Iron Crown (Kingdom of Italy)
- Burial site: Vinohrady Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the ČKD company?
ČKD became a major engineering firm in Czechoslovakia, employing up to 15,000 people and specializing in hydro-electric power stations, locomotives, and industrial plants.
Did Emil Kolben have a connection to Thomas Edison?
Yes, Kolben worked as an assistant to Thomas Edison in New Jersey and later served as a chief engineer in Edison's laboratories during his time in the United States.
Achievements
- Order of the Iron Crown (Kingdom of Italy)
