Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Days turned to weeks as Poul and Jonathan were in constant meetings with the director of the Imperial Railway Office of the German Empire. The industrialist duo took this opportunity to explore the cities of the Empire, looking for a spot where they could erect their first-ever overseas branch.

Then they saw one in Hanover, the capital of the state of Lower Saxony. They were gazing up at the brick building before them.

Poul turned to Jonathan and said, "What do you think, Jonathan? Do you think this building could serve as the branch for our air brake company in the German Empire?"

Jonathan hummed in thought before responding, "With a few refurbishments and renovations, this building would be perfect to become the headquarters of our air brake company in the German Empire. It's in the perfect location, near the railway station, making it easy for us to transport our products across the country."

Poul nodded, "Yes, you're right. The railway station is just a stone's throw away, and there are several tracks connected to it. It will be convenient for us to transport our air brakes to other cities in the German Empire."

Jonathan added, "Plus, the building itself has a solid structure, and we can easily turn it into a modern and functional workspace."

Poul smiled, "That settles it then. We'll take this building and turn it into the headquarters of our air brake company in the German Empire."

"Ms. Weiss, did you hear that?" Jonathan glanced over his shoulder, looking at Amelia who had been silently watching the two stare at the building.

"I do, Mr. Axelsen. I'm taking notes. So, would that be your final decision? Because if it is, we can forward your decision to the Imperial Railway Office and start working on the necessary licenses and documents."

Poul and Jonathan looked at the building again, pondering their decision.

The location of the building in Hanover was ideal for their air brake company because it was situated near the railway station. This made it convenient for them to transport their products across the country as well as receive raw materials for production. The railway was the primary mode of transportation in the German Empire, and having their branch near the railway station meant that they could easily reach their customers and clients throughout the region.

Additionally, being located near the railway station meant that the air brake company could easily tap into the existing network of railway lines that crisscrossed the German Empire. They could work closely with the railway authorities and provide them with their air brake systems, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for passengers and cargo alike.

The building itself was also suitable for the air brake company's needs, with ample space for manufacturing, storage, and administrative functions. Poul and Jonathan envisioned transforming the brick building into a state-of-the-art production facility that would showcase the latest advancements in air brake technology.

Jonathan then shared a meaningful glance and smiled.

"That's our final decision," Poul and Jonathan said in unison.

"Great, have you already thought of a name for your first overseas company?" Amelia asked another.

"We did, Ms. Weiss," Jonathan replied. "We had to look up a German dictionary to translate English to words," he said but it was a lie. They have been hiding the fact that they can speak German fluently due to them having to cover their background.

"Really Mr. Axelsen? May I know the name of the company?"

"Poul, you tell it to her," Jonathan gave the floor to Poul, who then cleared his throat and spoke.

"Axelsen & Nielsen Bremsen-Gesellschaft," Poul revealed.

"Axelsen & Nielsen Bremsen-Gesellschaft," she repeated, trying out the name. "It has a nice ring to it."

Poul and Jonathan smiled at Amelia's reaction.

"This company will not only serve the German Empire but also other European countries. France, Austria, Russia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Ireland," Poul said,

"But you are also going to plan on setting up a branch there as well, right?" Amelia asked.

"The plan is to expand into as many countries as possible," Jonathan said, imagining the future where their companies have expanded to the whole of Europe, Japan, and China.

"Indeed, Ms. Weiss. Our goal is to provide our air brake systems to as many countries as possible, to ensure the safety of railway transportation globally," Poul said, his eyes shining with ambition. After all, it was the reason why they started the company in the first place.

If they haven't witnessed such an accident, where men, women, and children are crying in anguish, they wouldn't have started the air brake company and instead pursue an electric company, which they are already planning.

"That's touching," Amelia nodded, impressed by their vision. "I have no doubt that with your expertise and determination, Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company will become a renowned name in the railway industry not just in Germany, but worldwide."

Poul and Jonathan thanked her for her kind words, and they all headed back to the Imperial Railway Office in Berlin to settle the last meeting.

In the office, Stephan handed the industrialist duo a document. Poul opened it and Jonathan leaned over to see the contents.

"That is the list of railway companies that are willing to adopt your air brake and signaling system," Stephan announced.

Poul and Jonathan read the names.

Prussian State Railways (Preußische Staatseisenbahnen).

Royal Saxon State Railways (Königlich Sächsische Staatseisenbahnen).

Grand Ducal Baden State Railways (Großherzoglich Badische Staatseisenbahnen).

Royal Bavarian State Railways (Königlich Bayerische Staatseisenbahnen).

Grand Ducal Hessian State Railways (Großherzoglich Hessische Staatseisenbahnen).

Imperial Railways in Alsace-Lorraine (Reichseisenbahnen in Elsaß-Lothringen).

Royal Württemberg State Railways (Königlich Württembergische Staats-Eisenbahnen).

Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg State Railways (Großherzoglich Mecklenburgische Friedrich-Franz-Eisenbahn).

Royal Hanoverian State Railways (Königlich Hannöversche Staatseisenbahnen).

Grand Ducal Oldenburg State Railways (Großherzoglich Oldenburgische Staatseisenbahnen).

"Ever since the Reichstag has mandated that all steam locomotives must be equipped with air brake systems and other safety devices to make locomotive transportation safe, they were the first ten to have filed an order in your company."

"This is huge," Jonathan said. "I mean this is amazing, Herr Stephan. But as you can see we also have a huge market in the United States. It will be hard for us to keep up with the sudden increase in demand."

"So you are not going to accept the orders?" Stephan asked.

"You are misunderstanding, Herr Stephan," Jonathan chuckled. "Of course, we want to accept these orders but as you all know, the United States is far from Germany. So instead of having us ship all the air brakes and signaling equipment out to this country, why not help us establish a branch here so that we can domestically produce it? We already found a location."

"Oh? Where is that?" Stephan asked.

"In Hanover," Jonathan answered.

"Hanover huh? Very well, I'll have my team look into it and inform you of its progress."

"That would be helpful, thank you, Herr Stephan," Stephan stood and offered a handshake. Poul and Amelia followed.