Anton Philips facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anton Philips
|
|
|---|---|
(photo by Franz Ziegler)
|
|
| Born |
Anton Frederik Philips
14 March 1874 |
| Died | 7 October 1951 (aged 77) Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
|
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Known for | Founding Royal Philips Electronics N.V. |
| Spouse(s) | Anne Henriëtte Elisabeth Maria de Jongh |
| Children | 3 (including Frits Philips) |
| Parent(s) | Frederik Philips (1830–1900) Maria Heyligers (1836–1921) |
| Relatives | Gerard Philips (1858–1942) (brother) Lion Philips (grandfather) Karl Marx (uncle) |
Anton Frederik Philips (born March 14, 1874 – died October 7, 1951) was a very important Dutch businessman. He helped start the famous company Royal Philips Electronics N.V. in 1912. He did this with his older brother, Gerard Philips, in a city called Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Their father and Gerard had actually started the first Philips Company back in 1891. Anton later became the CEO (the main boss) of the company from 1922 to 1939.
Contents
Anton Philips' Early Life
Anton Philips was born into a Dutch family with Jewish roots. He was the second son of Maria Heyligers and Benjamin Frederik David Philips. His father worked in the tobacco business and was also a banker in Zaltbommel, Netherlands. Anton had an older brother named Gerard Philips.
Building the Philips Company
In May 1891, Anton's father, Frederik, helped his son Gerard Philips start the Philips Company. It began as a family business. In 1912, Anton joined the company. They then changed its name to Philips Gloeilampenfabriek N.V., which means Philips Lightbulb Factory.
During World War I, Anton Philips was very clever. He managed to sell more products. Many countries were not buying German goods. Anton made sure Philips could provide other products instead. This helped the company grow a lot.
Anton and his brother Gerard were known for caring about their community. In Eindhoven, they supported education and social programs. They also helped create facilities for people. One famous example is the football team of the Philips Sports Association, now known as PSV Eindhoven. This team grew into a professional football club.
Anton Philips also brought his son, Frits Philips, and his son-in-law, Frans Otten, into the company.
Philips During World War II
Just before the Nazi Occupation of the Netherlands during World War II, Anton, Frans Otten, and other family members left the country. They went to the United States and came back after the war ended.
However, Anton's son, Frits Philips, chose to stay in the Netherlands. He managed the company during the occupation. Frits was held for several months in a camp called Vught after his workers went on strike. He survived this difficult time.
Frits Philips did something truly amazing. He saved the lives of 382 Jewish people. He told the Nazis that these people were absolutely necessary for his factory. This helped them avoid being taken away to dangerous camps. For his bravery, the State of Israel honored him in 1996. They gave him the title Righteous Among the Nations.
Anton Philips passed away in Eindhoven in 1951. He received several awards, including the Order of Saint Sava.
Today, you can visit a wonderful museum in Eindhoven, Netherlands. It is dedicated to Anton Philips' life and the history of the company. The museum shows what their first factory was like and tells the story of their incredible journey.
Anton Philips' Family Life
Anton Philips married Anne Henriëtte Elisabeth Maria de Jongh. They had three children together. Their children were Anna Elisabeth Cornelia Philips, Frederik Jacques Philips, and Henriëtte Anna Philips. His son Frits later became a very important leader in the Philips company.
See Also
- Philips (family)
