150 Years of Henkel
Henkel was founded in 1876. On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, the company is not only celebrating its long history – it is also looking ahead. Because shaping the future starts today.
Future? Ready!
What began with the company’s founding by Fritz Henkel, reached its first milestones with the launch of “Henkel’s Bleich-Soda” (bleaching soda) in 1878 and the invention of the first self-acting detergent Persil in 1907, has today grown into a global company with around 47,000 employees worldwide.
The 150th anniversary is themed “Future? Ready!” and conveys the message: Henkel draws on its tradition to actively shape the future. The commitment to maintaining the pioneering spirit of Henkel’s founder to this day is also reflected in the company’s purpose: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.
In its anniversary year, Henkel is setting a variety of initiatives that make the company’s pioneering spirit tangible – both internally and externally. Employees are at the center of these initiatives. For example, all employees worldwide receive an additional day off in their birthday month. They also benefit from exclusive advantages in the employee share program: For 25 years, Henkel has offered an employee share program giving employees the opportunity to become co-owners of the company. In the anniversary year, Henkel increases every investment by 41 percent – 25 percent more than usual. Throughout the year, but especially on September 26 – Henkel’s founding day (“Henkel Day”) – special celebrations take place at Henkel locations worldwide.
Our 150th anniversary is a source of tremendous pride for all of us at Henkel. Our pioneering spirit has shaped our progress with purpose. We are proud of our heritage and the values that have guided us. However, our anniversary is more than looking back. It’s a commitment to the path ahead and bolding shaping what’s to come. Here in North America, our anniversary continues to inspire us to lead with purpose and heart, create real impact, and build a brighter tomorrow for future generations.
Rajat Agarwal, President, Henkel North America; Corporate Vice President, Packaging, Henkel Adhesive Technologies
Pictures
Fritz Henkel laid the foundation for 150 years of Henkel history.
Fritz Henkel (left) with his family around 1901.
With the new site in Düsseldorf-Holthausen, Henkel’s industrial expansion began in 1900. To this day, it remains the company’s headquarters.
With “Henkel’s Bleaching Soda,” Henkel achieved its breakthrough in 1878. The product marked the beginning of Henkel’s brand story and made quality its trademark.
With Persil, the world’s first self-acting detergent, Henkel made laborious hand washing easier in 1907 and revolutionized everyday life for many people.
In the early 20th century, Persil was sold in the United States through Roessler & Hasslacher, a subsidiary of Degussa AG (a German chemical company). Roessler & Hasslacher was based in New York and acted as a distributor for various German chemical products, including Persil.
In the garage of a house in Los Angeles, the first Purex household cleaner was developed in 1922: Purex Bleach, which subsequently launched its first light duty detergent “Trend” in 1946.
Dial was introduced by Gold Seal Company in 1948 (later acquired by Armour and eventually Henkel) in Chicago, Illinois. It was marketed as the first antibacterial deodorant soap in the U.S. The name “Dial” came from the slogan “Round the clock protection”, emphasizing 24-hour odor protection.
1 of 8
With the Pritt stick, Henkel launched the world’s first glue stick in 1969 – a simple idea with a big impact, inspired by the mechanism of a lipstick.
Founded in the USA in 1953, the Loctite brand quickly became synonymous with high-performance adhesives. With its acquisition by Henkel in 1997, American pioneering spirit and German engineering excellence combined to create a global success story.
Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board and Chairwoman of the Shareholders’ Committee of Henkel.
Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel.
1 of 4
Did you know that...
1 of 7
Press Releases
Contact
Learn more about our
150 Years of Henkel Anniversary
150 Years of Henkel Anniversary
