History and growth

Milestones of the CHT Group

• 1953 – Mr. Reinhold Beitlich established the CHT chemical factory at Tübingen.
• 1960 – Start of the growth phase with the establishment of companies worldwide. The first milestones were Austria, France, South Africa and Switzerland.
• 1972 – The Dusslingen production plant launched its operations.
• 1983 – CHT was transformed into a foundation (Beitlich Familienstiftung & Reinhold Beitlich Sozialstiftung – Beitlich Family Foundation & Reinhold Beitlich Social Foundation).
• 1988 – With the establishment of a company in Australia we set foot on the last unconquered continent. CHT is a “Global Player totally focussed on textiles”.
• 1996 – CHT further extended its measures for the protection of the environment by modernisation and certification.
• 1997 – Acquisition of HTC in Oyten, establishment for production plants for silicone chemicals.
• 1999 – Commitment to act within the meaning of the worldwide “Responsible Care” Initiative.
• 2000 – Further diversification with the establishment of the construction, performance chemicals and textile care business areas.
• 2010 – Acquisition of Alpina Technische Produkte GmbH in Geretsried and establishment of competences in the silicone industry.
• 2015 – Publication of the first group-wide sustainability report.
• 2015 – Expansion of the paper business through acquisition of Quimipel Indústria Química Ltda. in Brazil.
• 2017 – New corporate identity and new group-wide brand appearance "Smart Chemistry with Character".
• 2017 – Expansion of the silicone business through acquisition of the ICM Silicones Group.

Milestones of CHT Switzerland AG

• 1971 – Establishment of BEZEMA AG by CHT R. Beitlich GmbH and its founder, Mr. Reinhold Beitlich.
• 1972 – Purchase of real estate and construction of an office and warehouse building in the Letzau industrial area in Montlingen/SG.
• 1980 – Inclusion of textile dyes in our product range. Extension of the building (office building and laboratory). BEZEMA became a worldwide centre of competence for dyes.
• 1997 – Extension of the dye production facilities. Opening of the communications and training centre.
• 1999 – BEZEMA became member of the ETAD.
• 2002 – Construction of the high bay warehouse with 13,000 pallet slots and logistics facilities. Extension of the communications and training centre.
• 2009 – Extension of the administration building and laboratory.
• 2017 – Change of name to CHT Switzerland AG.