Luis Rudloff

Luis Segundo Rudloff Schmidt (born 10 April 1881) was a Chilean industrialist and politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies.

Early life and education He was born in Valdivia on 10 April 1881, the son of Luis Rudloff and Luisa Schmidt.

He married Juana Roepke in Valdivia in 1906; they had five children: Gertrudis, Luis, Ilse, Ursula, and Ernesto.

He studied at the German Institute of Valdivia and Valparaíso. He also undertook technical studies in Germany and the United States.

Business career He was managing partner and industrial technician of the firm Rudloff Hermanos y Compañía, which operated several industries, including the “Ideal” ulmo tanning extract factory, a tannery, and the Rudloff shoe factory established in Valdivia, Isla Teja.

The company also owned steamship and launch enterprises and acted as agent for insurance companies La Chilena Consolidada, La Previsora, and La Comercial.

He operated the estates El Salto, Las Quemas, El Trébol, Chanco, and Huellaco, and served as director of Laboratorio Geka S.A.

Political career He was elected deputy for the 22nd Departamental Grouping of “Valdivia, Villarrica, La Unión and Río Bueno” for the 1926–1930 legislative period. During his term, he served on the Commissions of Industry and Commerce and of Labor and Social Welfare.

Other affiliations He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Chamber, Mutual Association of Industrialists, Commercial League of Valdivia, German Club, and Valdivia Club.