DDR

Establishment and structure of electronics production

• Origins dating back to 1946 as an association of state-owned enterprises (VVB Radio- und Fernmelde-Technik).

• The trademark RFT was officially registered in 1957.

• RFT was not a single company, but rather a brand and industry association for electronics, radio, television and communications technology in the GDR.

Production and significance

• Many state-owned enterprises produced televisions, radios, amplifiers, telephones, measuring devices and electronic components under the RFT logo.

• Important businesses:

  • VEB Fernsehgerätewerk Staßfurt (television sets)

  • VEB Funkwerk Erfurt (semiconductors, radio technology)

  • VEB Nachrichtenelektronik Leipzig (communications technology)

  • VEB Elektronische Bauelemente Teltow (resistors, filters).

• RFT was considered the hallmark of the GDR electronics industry and was widespread throughout the Eastern Bloc.

Economic development

• In the 1970s and 1980s, several combines were established to centrally manage research, manufacturing and sales.

• The "Rundfunk- und Fernsehtechnik Staßfurt" combine became the best known.

After reunification (1990)

• After German reunification, the combines were dissolved; many businesses were privatised or closed down.

• In 1990, RFT AG Staßfurt was briefly established, but later disappeared.

• Today, the Warenzeichenverband RFT e. V. exists to maintain the brand name.