From 1861 until today:
Find out more about our history.
The name Spiess goes back to the original founder who, as early as 1861, laid the foundations for our current success. This is where you find out what happened since! Have fun exploring.
1861: Foundation in Kleinkarlbach
Carl Friedrich Spiess – the man who gave Spiess Chemicals its name – establishes the company as a “business manufacturing earth pigments” calling it “C.F. Spiess & Sohn GmbH & Co”. It was none other than Julius von Liebig who inspired and motivated him to do so. At that time, the company mainly produced paints and varnishes in Kleinkarlbach.
1914: C.F. Spiess becomes market leader in the paints and varnish industry
Business is flourishing: In 1914, turnover has increased that much that the company becomes the market leader in the German paint and varnish sector.
After 1948: Start of thio-chemical activities
After the end of the Second World War efforts are made to rebuild the ailing company. Part of this new beginning is a new research project centred around thio-compounds. At that time, few could have foreseen that this research project would pave the path for the company’s future success.
After 1954: Own department for thio-compounds
The results of the research project are not only promising but also very much sought-after: To meet the growing demand in this field, a separate business unit is set up that focuses entirely on organic thio-compounds.
1987: Foundation of a self-contained company
After further growth of the department for thio-compounds, a separate company called “Dr. Spiess Chemische Fabrik GmbH & Co” is set up in 1987, the name of which is changed to “Dr. Spiess Chemische Fabrik GmbH” in 1999.
2006: Sale to GECHEM
In 2006 GECHEM, a local company that is also based in Kleinkarlbach, acquires Dr. Spiess Chemische Fabrik GmbH and has been consistently investing into the development of the company and its production capacities.
2019: Expansion of plant facilities and storage capacities
With further strategic development in mind, Spiess Chemicals embarks on a continuous expansion of its plant facilities and storage capacities. This enables the company to significantly increase its production and storage capacities.
Today: Targeting sustainable growth
Spiess Chemicals does not know how to stand still. Hence, our company is advancing all the time – economically, socially and ecologically.
