| 1936 |
Dr. Werner Oswald founds the HOLZVERZUCKERUNGS AG (HOVAG) based in Zurich (CH) in order to manufacture ethyl alcohol, (an alternative fuel for motor vehicles) from wood using the Scholler Process.
 The HOVAG during the war years (2nd World War). |
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| 1942 |
Start of ethyl alcohol production from local waste wood in Domat/Ems. By the end of the war, production from the HOVAG covered around 30% of the Swiss fuel requirements. With nearly 200 employees, HOVAG is by far the largest employer in the mountain Canton Grisons (CH). |
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| 1944 |
The HOVAG ensures its electrical power supply by building its own hydroelectric power plants: 1944 power plant PINTRUN, 1946 power plant OBERSAXEN / TAVANASA and 1947 power plant RUSSEIN.
 Products supplied by the HOVAG 1944. |
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| 1947 |
Foundation of the INVENTA AG for research and patent applications. |
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| 1951 |
The HOVAG starts to produce Caprolactam. The FIBRON AG, a subsidiary of the HOVAG founded in 1949, manufactures polyamide plastic materials and polyamide fibres in Domat/Ems and markets these.
At the same time, start of production of fertilisers: During the manufacture of Caprolactam the fertiliser ammonium sulphate is produced as a by-product. The second product, urea, is produced using a procedure developed by EMS. |
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| 1952 |
Socks made of Grilon® fibres become the trade mark of the HOVAG in Switzerland. They are of high quality and long lasting.
 Grilon advertising poster (1952). |
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| 1954 |
INVENTA AG licences the procedure, developed in Domat/Ems, for the production of caprolactam, the raw material for the plastic material polyamide, to the Japanese company UBE Industries.
Following this, INVENTA AG constructs more than 300 production plants for Caprolactam, engineering plastics and synthetic fibres throughout the world. More than 60 of these plants were built in China alone. |
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| 1956 |
On May 13, 1956, the Swiss citizens voted against continued subventioned purchase of alcohol (popularly known as EMSER WASSER) as an alternative fuel by the state. Following this, the HOVAG stopped production of alcohol and concentrated on Grilon® fibres and Grilon® engineering plastics.
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With the foundation of GRILON & Plastics Machinery Ltd. in Dover (UK), EMS opened the first sales company abroad, today called EMS-CHEMIE (UK) Ltd., and located in Stafford. |
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| 1960 |
Increased energy requirements are covered by the construction of two further hydroelectric power plants: 1960 power plant FRISAL, 1962 power plant REICHENAU.
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The HOLZVERZUCKERUNGS AG (HOVAG) is renamed EMSER WERKE AG
 |
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| 1962 |
On December 14, 1962 the CHEMIE HOLDING EMS AG based in Domat/Ems is founded. It was listed on the then Zurich Stock Exchange, trading for the first time on December 17, 1962. |
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| 1963 |
Expansion of the sales assortment with Grilonit® Epoxy Resins manufactured in Domat/Ems for the construction and paint industry.
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PATVAG AG starts production of electric ignition systems for industrial and military use. |
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| 1964 |
Production of Grilene® polyester fibres for the textile industry is started in Domat/Ems.
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Inauguration and start-up of the first application development centre for thermoplastic materials and epoxy resins in Domat/Ems. |
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| 1966 |
First production of Grilamid® polyamide 12 and Grilon® co-polyamide in Domat/Ems for the manufacture of plastic pipes and packaging films. |
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| 1967 |
Manufacture of Griltex® co-polyamide fusible adhesive powder for coating of textile interlinings for the apparel industry. Bonding instead of sewing completely rationalised clothing industry processes. |
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| 1969 |
Dr. Christoph Blocher starts work as a student in the legal department of EMSER WERKE AG. |
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| 1970 |
Unprofitable production of Caprolactam, and with this the production of fertilisers, in Domat/Ems are stopped and both are purchased from external sources. |
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| 1972 |
Dr. Christoph Blocher is voted Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of EMS-CHEMIE AG. |
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| 1977 |
Inauguration of the sales company in Japan, now EMS-CHEMIE (Japan) Ltd., in Tokyo. |
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| 1978 |
The different EMSER companies are consolidated under the roof of the CHEMIE HOLDING EMS AG. |
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| 1979 |
On February 23, 1979 the founder Dr. Werner Oswald dies during a meeting.
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Opening of the sales company Germany in Cologne, today EMS-CHEMIE (Deutschland) GmbH, Gross-Umstadt, and the sales company France in Paris, today EMS-CHEMIE (France) S.A., Boulogne. |
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| 1980 |
Dr. Christoph Blocher places focus on growth with engineering plastics and begins to phase-out textile fibres.
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Start of industrial-scale production of Grilesta® polyester resins in Domat/Ems for the manufacture of powder-coatings for coating metal. |
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| 1981 |
The Chemie Holding Ems AG is renamed EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG. The EMSER WERKE AG in Domat/Ems becomes the EMS-CHEMIE AG.
 EMS is the umbrella brand for all companies. |
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| 1982 |
EMS starts production of polyamide materials in Sumter / South Carolina (USA), today EMS-CHEMIE (North America) Inc. |
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| 1983 |
Dr. Christoph Blocher receives the task from the founding family Oswald, of finding a purchaser and selling EMS within a few months. Lacking alternatives he decides to purchase the shares of the Oswald Holding AG and, therefore the majority vote of EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG himself.
 Dr. Christoph Blocher. |
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| 1985 |
Purchase of the TOGO-Group based in Romanshorn (CH). The group, renamed EMS-TOGO, specialises in process materials for bonding, coating and sealing for the automotive industry worldwide. |
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| 1986 |
In order to satisfy increasing demand for fusible adhesive powder Griltex® for coating interlinings and in order to further safeguard EMS' position as market leader worldwide, a new cold grinding plant is opened in Domat/Ems.
 Griltex grinding plant.
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EMS-TOGO strengthens its market position in Europe and the USA through the takeover of the Caourep Company in Belgium and the construction of a second production site in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. |
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| 1987 |
Purchase of the SSF DOTTIKON AG, which primarily manufactures organic intermediate products and fine chemicals for the specialist chemical industry. This company is renamed EMS-DOTTIKON AG. |
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| 1988 |
EMS-TOGO opens a production site in Zaragoza, Spain in order to supply the Spanish automotive industry.
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EMS transfers sales of fertilisers to the LINTAFERT Company in Linz (Austria) and concentrates on the three business areas PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, FINE CHEMICALS AND ENGINEERING. |
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| 1989 |
Purchase of the Illing GmbH in Gross-Umstadt, Germany, which owns the rights to a special process for polymerisation and compounding. The production site for polyamide injection-moulding grades in Gross-Umstadt is later given the current name EMS-CHEMIE (Deutschland) GmbH.
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EMS FAR-EASTERN is founded in Taiwan and the production of performance polymers started in Hsin Chu Hsien (Taiwan). This is now EMS-CHEMIE (Asia) Ltd. |
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| 1990 |
Under the product name Primid® EMS introduces a weathering-resistant hardener for powder-coatings, which is environmentally-compatible and protected by patents. EMS then goes on to become world market leader with this product.
 Weathering-resistant Primid powder-coatings on the facade.
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The construction of a new application development centre for engineering plastics in Domat/Ems forms a further milestone in the promotion of performance polymers, which helps EMS become unique in this field.
 Application Development Centre for engineering plastics in Domat/Ems. |
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| 1991 |
With Grivory® GV, EMS launches a new generation of super-stiff polyamides, thus ringing in the era of metal replacement.
 Metal replacement Grivory GV.
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EMS-TOGO takes over the DINOL-Group, manufacturer of automotive corrosion protection, from SANDOZ. |
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| 1992 |
EMS safeguards supply of the key raw material laurolactam for the production of Grilamid® PA12 by forming the production joint-venture EMS-UBE in Japan.
 Laurolactam production plant in UBE, Japan.
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EMS-TOGO founds a joint venture in Mexico with the Placosa Company for supply to the local automotive industry.
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Together with customers, suppliers, employees and official representatives, EMS-CHEMIE AG celebrates its 50th anniversary as an independent Swiss company.
 |
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| 1993 |
The 750th invention since the founding of the company is registered by the EMS patent department for patent protection.
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Purchase of the majoring holding in the karl FISCHER INDUSTRIEANLAGE-BAU GmbH Berlin and affiliation to the new business unit INVENTA-FISCHER.
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EMS-PATVAG sells the first automotive airbag ignitors and rapidly becomes market leader in Europe in the following years.
 Airbag ignitor |
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| 1995 |
EMS becomes market leader for flexible glasses frames and sunglasses lenses with the transparent polyamide Grilamid® TR.
 Grilamid TR conquers the glasses market. |
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1995 -
1997 |
EMS-TOGO expands its local presence in South-Eastern Asia (Singapore, Thailand, India) and China (Shanghai, Changchun), in order to supply the growing automotive industry with locally-produced chemical process materials. |
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| 1996 |
During streamlining of the product assortment, EMS phases-out Grilesta® polyester resins for powder-coatings and sells the business to the UCB company in Belgium. |
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| 1997 |
Through a joint venture with H.B. Fuller Automotive USA, EMS-TOGO strengthens its worldwide activities with process materials for the automotive industry. The joint venture is named "EFTEC".
 |
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| 1998 |
EMS becomes market leader with Grilbond® bonding agent. This product guarantees reliable bonding of polyester fibre reinforcement and rubber in car tyres, drive belts and conveyor belts. |
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| 2000 |
The activities of the business unit EMS-CHEMIE are divided into 4 independent business units:
| - "EMS-GRIVORY" |
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(engineering plastics) |
| - "EMS-GRILTECH" |
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(technical fibres and adhesives) |
| - "EMS-PRIMID" |
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(thermoset materials) |
| - "EMS-SERVICES" |
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(central services, production site Domat/Ems) |
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EMS starts production in the first and currently only production plant for high-temperature polyamides in Europe. These products are sold under the trade name Grivory® HT and are used in high-temperature applications. Within a very short time EMS becomes market leader in Europe.
 Pump valve made of Grivory HT for car engine.
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EFTEC founds a joint venture with the Czech company D-Plast to develop the Central and Eastern Europe market for process materials for the automotive industry.
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Production of polyester fibres Grilene® is stopped and all know-how sold to the Montefibre Company, Milan (Italy). |
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| 2001 |
Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, oldest daughter of Dr. Christoph Blocher, enters the company. |
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| 2002 |
EMS sells the hydroelectric business unit KRAFTWERKE (power plants) to the Nordostschweizerischen Kraftwerke / NOK (North-Eastern Switzerland Power Plants) and safeguards long-term power supplies with a supply contract. |
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| 2003 |
The Blocher family decide to continue with EMS as a stock exchange-listed company. Standard registered shares are introduced.
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On December 10, 2003, Dr. Christoph Blocher is voted into the Bundesrat (Swiss federal cabinet) by Swiss federal government. In connection with this, he retires from all business functions in the EMS Group and sells his majority holding in the EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG to his 4 children. |
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| 2004 |
Magdalena Martullo-Blocher takes command of the Group on January 1, 2004 as Vice President and Chief Executive Officer.
 Magdalena Martullo-Blocher
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In order to further support the focus on performance polymers, the existing business unit EMS-GRIVORY, which concentrates on thermoplastic polyamide materials, is divided into four independent business units, each responsible for its own business results:
| - "EMS-GRIVORY Performance Polymers" (injection moulding Europe) |
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| - "EMS-GRIVORY Extrusion Polymers" (extrusion Europe) |
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| - "EMS-GRIVORY America" |
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| - "EMS-GRIVORY Asia" |
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EMS-PATVAG stops production of ignition systems for military technology and concentrates on airbag ignitors for automotive construction.
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The EMS Group sells the business unit INVENTA-FISCHER to the German plant construction company UHDE. The business areas fine chemicals and engineering are merged. |
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| 2005 |
The business unit EMS-DOTTIKON, specialised in exclusive synthesis in the business area fine chemicals / engineering, is split off from the EMS Group as per March 31, 2005 and floated on the stock market as a separate company under the leadership of Dr. Markus Blocher. The three Blocher sisters purchase the shares of Dr. Markus Blocher in the family holding and become sole owners of the majority share holding of the EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG.
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In order to be represented locally in the polyamide sector, EMS founds the company EMS-CHEMIE (China) Ltd. based in Shanghai. |
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| 2006 |
Start-up of the biomass power plant TEGRA on the production site in Domat/Ems. The biomass power plant provides an alternative energy source for EMS replacing fossil fuels with the wood pellet burning TEGRA plant for generation of steam. This allows EMS to reduce up to two-thirds of the CO2 emission on the production site in Domat/Ems.
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Founding of the sales company EMS-CHEMIE (India) based in Mumbai. |
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| 2007 |
EMS focuses increasingly on its core business and sells the deflashing agent business - previously conducted under the name EMSODUR - at the end of February.
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Miriam Blocher takes over the Dalasta Holding AG (Läckerli-Huus) and reduces her shareholding in EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG. The controlling interest of EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG now belongs to the two sisters Magdalena Martullo-Blocher and Rahel Blocher.
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The biomass power station TEGRA started operations with the second plant expansion in April and now provides EMS with a total of 100,000 tons of process steam per year. This means that EMS has already transferred 2/3 of steam production from fossil fuels to biomass power, and has reduced its CO2 emissions on the production site by two thirds. Construction work has already been started for the third plant expansion which will start operations in 2009.
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On May 25, 2007 construction of the EMS-PATVAG production plant in Brankovice (CZ) started. Airbag igniters for the automotive industry will be manufactured here starting in early 2008.
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For the first time in 9 years, EMS-CHEMIE AG held an "Open Day" on Saturday, June 2, 2007. More than 13,000 visitors as well as many renowned guests attended. They toured the production site in Domat/Ems (GR) and took part in a variety of activities provided for their entertainment.
 Open Day - Saturday, June 2, 2007
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EMS-TOGO takes worldwide control over the automotive supplier EFTEC by purchasing all shares of the joint venture partner H.B. FULLER. EFTEC employs 728 workers at 23 locations in 18 countries. With this takeover, EMS further expands its performance polymers business area.
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The main shareholder EMESTA Holding, nearly completely owned by the sisters Magdalena Martullo-Blocher (CEO of the EMS Group) and Rahel Blocher, increases its share in EMS to 51.65%.
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