Lonza Group AG, founded in 1897 in Basel, Switzerland, evolved from a carbide and acetylene producer into a global leader in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals. The company's journey includes key acquisitions, diversification into biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing, and a strong market presence on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
Lonza is founded in Basel, Switzerland, to exploit high-voltage electric power for producing calcium carbide and acetylene. #business #history
First production facilities begin operations in Gampel, Valais, using hydropower to manufacture calcium carbide. #manufacturing #switzerland
Lonza shares begin trading on the Basel Stock Exchange, precursor to the SIX Swiss Exchange, raising capital for expansion. #finance #ipo
Lonza begins producing nitrogen fertilizers using the cyanamide process, diversifying into agrochemicals. #chemicals #agriculture
Lonza starts manufacturing acetaldehyde and acetic acid from acetylene, marking entry into organic chemicals. #chemistry #innovation
The Lonza process for producing acetaldehyde from acetylene is developed, becoming a key industrial technology. #chemicalengineering #technology
Lonza begins manufacturing vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), entering the plastics market. #plastics #materials
During WWII, Lonza focuses on producing chemicals for Swiss self-sufficiency, including vitamins and pharmaceuticals. #war #history
Lonza expands into pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, producing intermediates for the drug industry. #pharma #diversification
Lonza builds its first biotechnology facility in Visp, Switzerland, focusing on fermentation technology for bioproducts. #biotech #innovation
Longa acquires Bionetics Research Labs in Maryland, USA, marking its first major entry into the US biotech market. #acquisition #globalexpansion
Lonza shifts toward custom synthesis and contract manufacturing for pharmaceutical companies, leveraging its chemical expertise. #contractmanufacturing #pharma
Lonza acquires a biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Slough, UK, from Celltech, expanding European biotech capacity. #biotech #acquisition
Lonza acquires a majority stake in US-based Marcor Development Corp., strengthening its fine chemicals business. #acquisition #finechemicals
Lonza acquires parts of DSM's chemical business, adding pharmaceutical intermediates to its portfolio. #pharma #acquisition
Lonza acquires Chiron's biopharmaceutical manufacturing business, becoming a leading contract manufacturer for biologics. #biologics #contractmanufacturing
Lonza acquires Inveresk Research Group, a contract research organization, expanding into drug development services. #cro #drugdevelopment
Lonza acquires the manufacturing assets of Cambridge Antibody Technology, strengthening antibody production capabilities. #antibodies #biotech
Lonza acquires Xcellerex, developer of single-use bioreactor technology, advancing flexible biomanufacturing. #bioprocessing #innovation
Despite the global financial crisis, Lonza maintains growth through long-term contracts and diversified portfolio. #finance #resilience
Lonza acquires Arch Chemicals, a global leader in biocides, for $1.2 billion, expanding into water treatment and personal care. #acquisition #chemicals
Lonza acquires InterCure, a contract manufacturer of generics and specialty drugs, broadening its small molecule capabilities. #pharma #acquisition
Lonza acquires BioOutsource, a biosimilar testing company, enhancing its biosimilar development services. #biosimilars #testing
Lonza acquires the microbial control business of Arch Chemicals, strengthening its position in antimicrobial products. #antimicrobial #acquisition
Lonza acquires Polysciences, a specialty chemical manufacturer, adding microspheres and diagnostics components. #specialtychemicals #acquisition
Lonza acquires Capsugel for $5.5 billion, a leading producer of capsules and drug delivery technologies. #capsugel #drugdelivery
Lonza sells its water treatment business to Solenis, focusing on core pharma and biotech operations. #divestiture #strategicfocus
Lonza acquires Micro-Macinazione, a Swiss contract micronization company, enhancing particle engineering services. #micronization #contractservices
Lonza invests in TissUse, a German organ-on-chip company, to develop advanced in vitro testing platforms. #organsonchip #innovation
Lonza acquires a biomanufacturing facility in Guangzhou, China, expanding its presence in the Asian market. #china #biomanufacturing
Lonza acquires VigiCell, a French cell-line engineering company, strengthening its cell and gene therapy capabilities. #celltherapy #genetherapy
Lonza acquires Cordon, a Indian contract development and manufacturing organization, expanding in South Asia. #india #cdmo
Lonza announces major investments in cell and gene therapy manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. #cellandgenetherapy #expansion
Lonza partners with Moderna to ramp up mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity, supporting pandemic preparedness. #mrna #vaccines