OUR
STORY
History and Family
BAERLOCHER THROUGH THE YEARS
The Baerlocher group of companies is one of the world’s leading additive suppliers, drawing on experience from more than 200 years of company history. Our expertise in the production and use of plastic additives is closely linked to the success story of plastic materials. Our 1150 employees, along with a global presence make sure that we stay close to our customers.
1823
The company was founded by the chemist Dr. Johann Gottfried Dingler and his business partners authorized by the Bavarian King, Max I. Joseph. They built the first Bavarian plant for the manufacturing of sulphuric acid in Augsburg.
1864
In 1835 Bosch & Comp bought the “Königliche Bayerische Privilegierte Schwefelsäure-Fabrik”. 1864 Otto Bärlocher acquired the company from the former owner Bosch & Comp. He named the sulphoric acid company “Chemische Werke Otto Bärlocher”.
1909
On May 25th, 1909 “Chemische Fabrik Otto Bärlocher” from Augsburg and “Chemische Werke München GmbH” in Munich-Moosach merged with the intention to process waste streams from the municipal gas supply company.
1946
The company was taken over by Dr. Christian Rosenthal, with special emphasis on the production of metal soaps.
1975
Dr. Rosenthal signed the contract for the new production site in Lingen, Germany, creating more than 100 new jobs.
1978
Baerlocher moved the production of solid stabilizers from Munich to the new site in Lingen/Ems. The newly built Plant 1 of the Baerlocher group commenced production in Lingen. Estabilizantes Baerlocher is founded in Brazil as the first Joint Venture outside Europe.
1980
Dr. Michael Rosenthal took over the management and led the way for Baerlocher to become the world’s biggest producer of PVC stabilizers and leading manufacturer of polymer additives.
1982
Baerlocher purchases Commer, Lodi/Italy, which becomes Baerlocher Italia a few years later.
1987
Baerlocher acquires La Ceresine, Marseille/France, which becomes Baerlocher France four years later.
1989
Incorporation of Baerlocher USA in Dover/Ohio as Joint Venture.
1990
Baerlocher assumes 50% shares in SO.G.I.S, Cremona/Italy, a producer of fatty acids and metal soaps. Lingen, Germany: Production of metal soaps starts at plant 2. Lingen opens a dedicated production facility for Ca/Zn only.
1993
Cooperation with Ciba Specialty Chemicals AG on production of Additive Blends for Polyofins. Termination of production at the old site in Munich.
1994
Production starts at Baerlocher Malaysia in Seremban, near to Kuala Lumpur.
1995
Baerlocher assumes 50% shares in the following companies in South America: Baerlocher do Brasil (Brazil), Lestar Quimica (Argentina) and Compania Quimica (Peru).
1997
Production starts at Baerlocher UK in Bury, Lancashire. Lingen, Germany: Production of fatty acid and glycerine starts at plant 3. The spelling of the company name is changed from Bärlocher to Baerlocher.
1998
In 1990 all production was transferred from Munich to Lodi and Lingen. In 1998 the headquarters moved from the center of Munich to Unterschleissheim on the outskirts of the city.
2000
Baerlocher takes over production plant in Dewas, India, forming Baerlocher India. Baerlocher takes a leading role for additives in the industry voluntary commitment “Vinyl 2010”.
2004
Dr. Michael Rosenthal, Managing Director and Majority Shareholder, retired from day-to-day operations and became Chairman of the Board.
2010
In 2010 Arne Schulle assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), taking over full responsibility for the Baerlocher Group of Companies.
2012
Baerlocher Plastic Additives (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. commenced production at its new plant located in Changzhou, China. The Baerlocher plant in China is a WOFE (wholly-owned foreign enterprise). The operation is supported by a state-of-the-art application laboratory.
2013
Since 2013, Baerlocher do Brasil has invested nearly US$ 20 million in extending and enhancing the facility. This first phase of expansion resulted in highly innovative production systems and processes, making the plant one of the most advanced anywhere in the world for stearic acids. In 2016 the second phase of expansion was finalized.
2015
In 2015 Baerlocher Kimya is commencing production of one-pack stabilizers at its new Akhisar manufacturing facility in Turkey’s Manisa Province. The plant, which has a capacity of 40,000 metric tons per year, will serve both the domestic and neighbouring markets. It also boasts a state-of-the-art technical applications laboratory.
2016
Baerlocher expands capacity to support its leadership in calcium-based stabilizers and launches production of metal soaps in China.
Change of generations begins: Dr. Tobias Rosenthal joins the Baerlocher group of companies and takes over Corporate Development.
2019
First EcoVadis rating for Baerlocher GmbH. Group-wide rating accomplished in 2022.
2022
First Baerlocher USA recycling summit for customers and partners.
New application technology lab in Akhisar (Turkey). Building of the group´s new SPA application lab in Lingen (Germany) commences.
2023
Opening ceremony of new CO2-optimized Dewas plant in India.
Baerlocher launches a new global intranet platform: BAER360.
The 3rd generation takes over: Dr. Tobias Rosenthal succeeds Dr. Michael Rosenthal as Chairman of Baerlocher´s Advisory Board.
