5
Orion‘s History
ORION Leuchten is a third-generation Austrian family business
that has been producing high-quality chandeliers and lighting
for residential and commercial properties since it was founded
in 1948. Today we have over 250 employees and a global net-
work of distributors and partners.
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 ma-
chinery.
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 indus-
trial lighting production and builds a factory in Vienna-Oberlaa.
The range of lighting models is extended and in-house develop-
ments are patented.
1969: Leopold Molecz establishes a showroom “Lighting Cen-
ter” in Vienna Neubau – the largest, most distinguished lighting
retailer at that time in Europe.
1973: The lighting factory is expanded by an electroplating de-
partment. 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-divi-
ding it into branches for production and retail.
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 ex-
port, which has already expanded worldwide.
1985: Export is driven by taking on special projects. In coopera-
tion with architects ORION develops and manufactures special or-
ders 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 democra-
cies 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 fa-
mily members and the company’s entire workforce. ORION’s qua-
lity 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. 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 “Kommerzial-
rat” (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 ma-
nagement since 1987.
What started out in 1948 as a simple sales agent has grown into a
modern, Austrian family owned-business producing world renow-
ned high quality lighting in all styles
An Austrian success story
