Kovács László: Ganz Ábrahám (Öntödei múzeumi füzetek 16., 2006)

Greetings on the Occasion of the Opening of the Ábrahám Ganz Exhibition Swiss migrants to Hungary have contributed to important development processes. Since the 18th century, the representatives of several trades have settled here. Although the Swiss did not come in large numbers to Hungary, thosefew played a significant role. The names of Swiss-born Kari Jákob Haggenmacher, Eduárd Weber, Emil Gerbeaud and Wilhelm Egger are all well-known in Budapest and other parts of Hungary. Somé of them established factories and thus gave a boost to Hungary's economic development. Industrialist Ábrahám Ganz (1814-1867) was one such Schweizer Pionier, i.e. Swiss pioneer. The company established by him has left a lasting impression. The Chain Bridge, probably the most recognized structure in Budapest, alsó bears the mark of Ábrahám Ganz. Ábrahám Ganz is thefounder of modern heavy industry in Hungary. In particular, he had success in the production of railway carriage wheels, as one can evidence it during a visit to the Foundry Museum of Budapest. Ganz's foundry was one of the largest Hungárián factories in 1865. The Foundry Museum set up in the farmer foundry of Ganz Holding in 1969 pays tribute to the great Swiss-born entrepreneur. I am very pleased that the Museum has arranged such an interesting exhibition on Ábrahám Ganz's activities. This is an important initiative towards thefurther strengthening ofrelations between Switzerland and Hungary. Marc-André Salamin Ambassador of Switzerland