The years 1998 to 2005
For the first time JENOPTIK AG is listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange. With the acquisition of further companies Jenoptik becomes one of the leading manufacturers of traffic monitoring systems and industrial metrology. In Jena-Göschwitz, the production capacities and areas are successively being expanded. In 2003, after twelve years at the helm of the Group, Lothar Späth hands over management to Alexander von Witzleben and joins the Supervisory Board.
1998
![1998: Start at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange 1998: Start at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange](/-/media/websiteimages/chronik/acc/finance_tax_4x3.jpg?impolicy=aoiv1&width=620&height=465)
JENOPTIK AG is listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange. In the same year, the Jenoptik share is listed on the MDax index for the first time.
1999
![Jenoptik acquires Robot Foto und Electronic GmbH in 1999 Jenoptik acquires Robot Foto und Electronic GmbH in 1999](/-/media/websiteimages/people/1999-4x3.jpg?impolicy=aoiv1&width=620&height=465)
Jenoptik acquires Robot Foto and Electronic GmbH from Monheim, Germany (now part of the Light & Safety division). This takeover makes Jenoptik one of the the market leaders in the area of traffic monitoring technology.
2000
2001
![JENOPTIK Laserdiode GmbH opens new production building JENOPTIK Laserdiode GmbH opens new production building](/-/media/websiteimages/chronik/acc/15-years-diode-lasers.jpg?impolicy=aoiv1&width=620&height=465)
SolarWorld AG enters into the production of solar cells and awards JENOPTIK AG with a major order to engineer a solar cell factory.
JENOPTIK Laserdiode GmbH opens new production facility in Jena. The capacity for serial production of diode lasers is expanded.
2002
![2003: Foundation of Hillos GmbH 2003: Foundation of Hillos GmbH](/-/media/websiteimages/chronik/acc/08-2002-hilti.jpg?impolicy=aoiv1&width=620&height=465)
The Photonics division is expanded: Jenoptik and Hilti establish a production partnership for laser distance meters in 2002. Hillos GmbH emerged from this cooperation in 2003.
In November, Jenoptik strengthens its expertise in the field of sensor technology by acquiring a majority stake in Jena-Optronik GmbH, a specialist for optical and optoelectronic sensors for space technology.
2003
![Lothar Späth in the Jenoptik Supervisory Board Lothar Späth in the Jenoptik Supervisory Board](/-/media/websiteimages/chronik/acc/09-2003-lothar-spaeth.jpg?impolicy=aoiv1&width=620&height=465)
After twelve years, the former CEO Lothar Späth hands over the management of the group to Alexander von Witzleben. Lothar Späth becomes chairman of the Supervisory Board.
At the end of 2003, JENOPTIK AG acquires 100 percent of shares in Wahl optoparts GmbH. The company specializes in the development, production and distribution of custom-made optical components, as well as optomechanical and optoelectronic component assemblies made of plastics. Today it is part of the Light & Optics division.
2004
![Eisenacher PHOTONIC SENSE GmbH Eisenacher PHOTONIC SENSE GmbH](/-/media/websiteimages/chronik/2004-4x3.jpg?impolicy=aoiv1&width=620&height=465)
Jenoptik acquires more than 50 percent in PHOTONIC SENSE GmbH and gains the know-how for the production of basic optical components made of germanium and silicon.
2005
![Sultanate of Oman relies on traffic safety technology at Jenoptik Sultanate of Oman relies on traffic safety technology at Jenoptik](/-/media/websiteimages/chronik/acc/traffic-solutions-in-oman.jpg?impolicy=aoiv1&width=620&height=465)
The Jenoptik subsidiary ROBOT Visual Systems GmbH receives a major order from the Sultanate of Oman to equip its road network with stationary radar systems and corresponding exterior climate housings.
Following the example of Oman, ROBOT Visual Systems GmbH also equipped Cyprus with traffic safety technology from 2005 to 2010.