Heinrich Ehrhardt (1840 – 1928) in 1889, founded Rheinische Metallwaaren- und Maschinenfabrik AG (Rhine Metalware and Machine Factory Joint-Stock Company) in Düsseldorf on the Rhine, commencing cannon production in 1896. A major producer of weapons during World War I, it was forced to diversify following the limitations placed on armament production by the Treaty of Versailles.