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Stories of success: The story of Zeller + Gmelin

Since 1866, we develop and deliver products and process solutions that set standards in terms of performance, reliability, and economy. From our modest beginnings in the production of kerosene, we now offer corporations and medium-sized businesses an enormous variety of high-quality lubricants, printing inks and chemical products for numerous applications.

Leading lubricant competence for over 150 years

1856

In Groß-Eislingen, Ernst Gustav Zeller, Theodor Zeller, and a few partners founded Zeller, Haltiner & Co. for shale oil production.

1858

Zeller, Haltiner & Co. cease operations, as shale oil production proves uneconomical.

1863

Albert Zeller, Theodore's younger brother, resumes shale oil production.

1866

Albert Zeller and Paul Gmelin establish Zeller + Gmelin. The company mainly offers lubricating oils for industrial applications.

1898

Zeller + Gmelin moves its headquarters to the Schlossstraße in Eislinger, and builds, among other things, a refinery to produce gasoline.

1913

The Eislinger oil company operates around 30 commercial branches, including those in Antwerp, Danzig, and Basel.

1926

The company starts offering road construction products.

1930

Zeller + Gmelin starts the production of detergents.

1932

Zeller + Gmelin expands its offering again with printing inks.

1945

A few weeks after the war, US troops end the occupation of Eislinger's factory. Destruction is minimal.

1953

Zeller + Gmelin builds a petrol station network in southern Germany.

1983

March 18 sees the opening of a new production centre for industrial oils, lubricants and drawing greases, drawing powder and care products.

1984

On August 31, the company establishes Zeller + Gmelin of America in Richmond, Virginia, the first non-European subsidiary (later renamed to Zeller + Gmelin Corporation).

1987

Zeller + Gmelin acquires a majority stake in Intercolor Limited in the UK (takeover of all shares in 1998, later renamed to Zeller + Gmelin UK Limited).

1989

Establishment of Zeller + Gemlin BV, Netherlands with a minority shareholder.

1996

Zeller + Gmelin undergoes strategic changes to reposition itself as a manufacturer of specialty lubricant, printing inks and chemistry products. During this period, numerous participations and subsidiaries are sold.

1997

After the Danish printing ink distributor closed down, Zeller + Gmelin set up its own business in Denmark with Zeller + Gmelin A/S.

2000

2002

On July 22, Zeller + Gmelin becomes the first lubricant manufacturer to win the Bosch Supplier Award.

2003

Zeller + Gmelin expands internationally by establishing Zeller + Gmelin sro, Czech Republic, and Zeller + Gmelin SARL, France.

2004

Zeller + Gmelin Sp. z.o.o, Poland is established. The traditional company from Eislinger received the TOP 100 award as one of the most innovative medium-sized companies in Germany. By 2009, it had amassed three further TOP 100 awards.

2005

Establishment of ZG Fluidmanagement CZ s.r.o, Czech Republic.

2006

Zeller + Gmelin boosts its global presence by establishing Zeller + Gmelin (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., China; Zeller + Gmelin ULC, Canada (2008) and Zeller + Gmelin Ltd. Sti., Turkey (2006).

2011

Zeller + Gmelin de Mexico is established as a subsidiary of Zeller + Gmelin Corporation.

2016

Zeller + Gmelin is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

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