There’s no future without a foundation. How a 19th-century spirits factory on the Neckar river developed into a highly specialized, international chemical company and alcohol manufacturer. And how a family business is positioning itself for the future: Read about all of this in our history.
1868 | Louis Brüggemann establishes a factory to ferment molasses and distill alcohol on Holzstrasse (“Wood Street”) in the city of Heilbronn. Henceforth the Brüggemann company produces “spirits”. |
1900 | The production facilities are expanded and the company moves to Salzstrasse (“Salt Street”) in Heilbronn. |
1926 | Production of reducing agents commences, such as BRÜGGOLIT for the textile industry. |
1970 | Start of production for polyamide additives. |
1978 | After the death of his uncle Hermann Brüggemann, Ludwig Brüggemann takes over personal responsibility for L. Brüggemann KG, and invests in needed renovation for the company. A new era begins. |
1990 | Opening of a sales office in the US (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). |
1994 | Certification of the company in accordance with ISO 9001 – one of the first medium-sized business to obtain this certification. |
1997 | Patenting of a newly developed, formaldehyde-free reducing agent. |
2006 | Founding of the subsidiary BrüggemannChemical Asia, Ltd. in Hong Kong. |
2012 | Founding of BüggemannAlcohol Wittenberg GmbH, and acquisition of ethanol-production facilities in Lutherstadt Wittenberg. |
2017 | Settlement of corporate succession by Ludwig Brüggemann: The Ayles family takes over his shares and becomes majority shareholder. |
2018 | Brüggemann celebrates its 150th anniversary. |
2022 | Acquisition of the company Auserpolimeri Srl, a leading developer and manufacturer of functionalised polymers, based in Piano di Coreglia, Italy. |
How did everything start in 1868? Roughly like this: A Hessian came to Heilbronn to distill “spirits.” For those who like a bit more detail, click to go to the “Founding Period” story.
You can find out why we like to stand up for our environment, and also for our great employees, on our “Responsibility” page.