The workshop for precision mechanics and optics opened by Carl Zeiss in Jena in 1846 already enjoyed a sustained period of prosperity during its early years. On the basis of Ernst Abbe’s scientific achievements, a global player in the field of optics gradually evolved. This period of success continued for a century. The enforced partition of Germany as a result of political circumstances after World War II led to two Carl Zeiss companies.

With the political change in the former East Germany in 1989/90, the two competitors reunited to form a single company in 1990. Reunited, Carl Zeiss became stronger than ever before in its eventful history. Today, the company looks to the future with optimism and anticipation.