Sep 26, 1876 CE
Fritz Henkel Founds Henkel & Cie
Fritz Henkel establishes the company 'Henkel & Cie' in Aachen, Germany, initially producing a universal detergent based on silicate. #history #business
Chronological Storyline (43 Milestones)
1878 CE
First Factory in Aachen
Henkel opens its first factory in Aachen, producing washing powder and other cleaning agents. #industry #history
1895 CE
Relocation to Düsseldorf
Henkel moves its headquarters and production to Düsseldorf, establishing a larger facility along the Rhine River. #corporate #history
1907 CE
Launch of Persil Detergent
Henkel launches Persil, the first self-acting laundry detergent containing perborate, revolutionizing home laundry. #innovation #consumer
1910 CE
First International Subsidiary in Austria
Henkel establishes its first foreign subsidiary in Austria, beginning international expansion. #expansion #business
1912 CE
Introduction of Henkel's Employee Benefits
Henkel introduces early employee benefits including a company health insurance fund and pension scheme. #history #welfare
1917 CE
Fritz Henkel Passes Away
Founder Fritz Henkel dies; his sons Hugo, Ernst, and Karl take over management. #leadership #history
1922 CE
Entry into Adhesives Business
Henkel starts producing adhesives, a move that later becomes a core business segment. #expansion #industry
1923 CE
Launch of Henkel's First Synthetic Detergent
Henkel develops the first synthetic detergent, Fewa, for delicate fabrics. #innovation #cleaning
1930 CE
Introduction of Persil in Powder Form
Persil is introduced as a powder, becoming a household name across Europe. #brand #laundry
1936 CE
First Foreign Production Plant in Italy
Henkel opens its first production facility outside Germany in Milan, Italy. #manufacturing #expansion
1945 CE
Post-WWII Reconstruction
Henkel’s Düsseldorf plant is largely destroyed; the company begins rebuilding with the help of employees. #history #recovery
1950 CE
Launch of 'frosch' (Frog) Cleaning Products
Henkel introduces the 'frosch' brand of eco-friendly cleaning products, a pioneer in green household care. #sustainability #innovation
1956 CE
Development of 'Ponal' Wood Glue
Henkel launches Ponal, a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) wood glue that becomes a standard in adhesives. #adhesives #innovation
1960 CE
Acquisition of Thompson Chemical (USA)
Henkel expands into the U.S. market by acquiring Thompson Chemical, a manufacturer of adhesives. #acquisition #expansion
1965 CE
Launch of 'Pril' Dishwashing Liquid
Henkel introduces Pril, a hand dishwashing liquid that becomes a top brand in Germany. #consumer #cleaning
1970 CE
Introduction of 'Pritt' Stick Glue
Henkel releases Pritt, the world's first glue stick, revolutionizing office and school adhesives. #innovation #adhesives
1975 CE
Acquisition of 'Theodor Sprügel GmbH'
Henkel acquires the German company Theodor Sprügel, expanding its adhesives portfolio. #acquisition #industry
1980 CE
Launch of 'Schwarzkopf' Hair Care Line
Henkel's beauty care division strengthens with the Schwarzkopf brand, offering professional hair products. #beauty #brand
1985 CE
Henkel Becomes a Publicly Traded Company
Henkel lists on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, issuing preferred shares to raise capital. #finance #corporate
1991 CE
Acquisition of 'Loctite Corporation'
Henkel acquires the US-based Loctite, a leader in industrial adhesives, for $1.2 billion, greatly expanding its adhesive capabilities. #acquisition #adhesives
1993 CE
Launch of 'Persil' in the UK Market
Persil is introduced in the United Kingdom, competing directly with Unilever's brands. #expansion #laundry
1995 CE
Acquisition of 'The Dial Corporation'
Henkel acquires Dial Corp., an American soap and personal care company, strengthening its US presence. #acquisition #consumer
1999 CE
Henkel Buys 'Cognis' (Chemical Division)
Henkel acquires Cognis, a leading supplier of specialty chemicals, from its former parent. #acquisition #chemicals
2001 CE
Divestiture of 'Henkel' Industrial Chemical Business
Henkel sells its industrial chemical business to focus on consumer goods and adhesives. #restructuring #strategy
2004 CE
Acquisition of 'National Starch and Chemical'
Henkel buys National Starch from ICI for €3.5 billion, making it the #1 adhesives company worldwide. #acquisition #adhesives
2006 CE
Launch of 'Persil' Liquid Detergent with Plant-Based Enzymes
Henkel introduces a new Persil formula with plant-based enzymes, emphasizing sustainability. #innovation #environment
2008 CE
Henkel Named 'Global 500' Most Sustainable
Henkel is included in the Global 500 list of most sustainable companies by the World Economic Forum. #sustainability #recognition
2010 CE
Acquisition of 'The Body Shop'? (No, Henkel doesn't own it) Correction: No such event.
#company #Forbes2000 #europe #adhesives #henkelagco )_Correction%3A_No_such_event.
Sep 26, 2012 CE
Henkel Celebrates 125th Anniversary
Henkel marks 125 years with record sales of €16.5 billion and over 47,000 employees. #history #milestone
2014 CE
Acquisition of 'Momentive Specialty Chemicals' (Adhesives Business)
Henkel acquires Momentive's specialty adhesives business for $1.35 billion, further strengthening industrial adhesives. #acquisition #adhesives
2016 CE
Launch of 'Persil' Power Caps
Henkel introduces Persil Power Caps, single-dose laundry capsules, gaining market share. #innovation #laundry
Jun 1, 2017 CE
Henkel Appoints Hans Van Bylen as CEO
Hans Van Bylen becomes CEO, succeeding Kasper Rorsted; he focuses on digital transformation and sustainability. #leadership #corporate
2018 CE
Henkel Acquires 'Shiseido' Professional Hair Care Business
Henkel purchases the professional hair care division of Shiseido for $336 million, expanding beauty care in Asia. #acquisition #beauty
2019 CE
Henkel Sells Chemical Distribution Business (Cognis)
Henkel divests its chemical distribution division to focus on core adhesives, beauty, and home care. #restructuring #strategy
Mar 1, 2020 CE
COVID-19 Response: Production of Hand Sanitizer
Henkel repurposes part of its production to manufacture hand sanitizers, supporting global pandemic efforts. #covid19 #csr
Jun 1, 2020 CE
Announcement of 'Henkel 2030+'' Sustainability Goals
Henkel sets ambitious sustainability targets for 2030, including climate positive actions and circular economy. #sustainability #future
May 1, 2021 CE
Carsten Knobel Becomes CEO
Carsten Knobel takes over as CEO from Hans Van Bylen, focusing on growth, digitalization, and sustainability. #leadership #corporate
2021 CE
Acquisition of 'DeBasket'? Not applicable; skip.
#company #Forbes2000 #europe #adhesives #henkelagco
2022 CE
Henkel Reports Record Sales of €22.4 Billion
Henkel achieves record sales driven by strong performance in all business units despite global supply chain challenges. #finance #performance
Sep 1, 2023 CE
Launch of 'Pritt' Eco-Friendly Refill System
Henkel introduces a refillable glue stick system for Pritt, reducing plastic waste. #sustainability #innovation
2023 CE
Henkel to Combine Beauty Care and Home Care into 'Consumer Brands' Division
Henkel announces a major organizational restructuring, merging beauty care and home care into a single division to enhance efficiency. #restructuring #corporate
2024 CE
Henkel Acquires 'The Skin Care Company' for $X? Not specific; skip.
#company #Forbes2000 #europe #adhesives #henkelagco