History

Take a trip through the history of the tradition-minded company L. Brüggemann KG. From its founding through the war-torn years up until its entry into the Chinese market, here following you find the highlights of the company history.

1868

Louis Brüggemann founds a factory in the Holzstrasse in Heilbronn, in which molasses is fermented and, following distillation, alcohol is produced (="Sprit").

1900

Expansion of production and relocation of the company to a new industrial site north of town. Walter Brüggemann, son of the founder of the company, takes over the factory.

1922

The process of producing alcohol from molasses is changed to, solely, refining crude alcohol.

1926

Beginning of the production of chemical products (reducing agents for the textile industry, e.g. "BRUGGOLITE").

1928

Hermann Brüggemann, grandson of the founder, joins the company.

1944

Towards the end of WWII the plant is almost completely destroyed.

1950

After fast reconstruction the plant is expanded gradually, and production capacities grow continually. The range of reducing agents is increased and zinc oxides and -carbonates are produced.

1970

Beginning of the production of polymer additives.

1978

The 4th generation, Ludwig Brüggemann, takes over the management of the company. His main task is to modernize all production units. This is followed by the introduction of computerized process control systems. Highest demands of industrial safety, environmental protection and quality control are fulfilled and productivity is increased substantially.

1990

Opening of a sales office in the U.S. (in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).

1992

The site is expanded and numerous buildings are renovated or newly constructed (administrative building, warehouse, production unit for polymer additives). More and more products are developed for environmental protection, e.g. reducing agents for the detoxification of effluent containing heavy metals and additives for the recycling of plastics.

1994

The company is certified according to ISO 9001.

1997

The new administrative building and the new production unit for polymer additives are completed.

1998

Preparation of new spray drying plant.

1999

Completion of development of the new formaldehyde-free reducing agent, BRUGGOLITE FF6, in addition to the already existing range of reducing agents.

2000

Joint Venture with Royal Nedalco B.V., Netherlands, is established for the sale of alcohol to the drinks-, food-, cosmetic- and industrial sectors. The company BrüggemannChemical is certified according to ISO 14001.

2001

First represantation activities in Shanghai/China.

2003

Acquisition of RIM nylon Business from DSM Fibre Intermediates B.V. BrüggemannChemical now produces raw materials and delivers technical support to producers of high-performance nylon block copolymer products.

2004

Acquisition of the worldwide trading business for AP-Caprolactam from DSM Fibre Intermediates B. V.

2006

Foundation of the subsidiary BrüggemannChemical Asia, Ltd in Hong Kong.

2007

Building of a barge loading and discharging station at the Neckar.

2008

140 years anniversary

2009 

Termination joint venture BrüggemannAlcohol GmbH & Co. KG,
new foundation BrüggemannAlcohol Heilbronn GmbH