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Company History

Overview

2023

In the economically slowed 2023 market environment, EMS resolutely continued to focus on broad market development with specialty products and innovation. Together with its customers, EMS successfully realized numerous products and system solutions allowing energy and cost savings to be achieved. These include many new applications in the strongly growing segment of electric vehicles, where energy and weight-saving EMS specialty polymers are essential for cabling as well as charging, cooling and battery systems. Also in other industrial sectors the highly innovative EMS products met with unabated interest, and planned new business was realized successfully in 2023.

In order to satisfy the high demand for innovative EMS products, in 2023 EMS decided to start a broadly based sales offensive and massively expand technical sales and development with more than 120 additional employees. In addition, the acceleration program "Speed" was started in order to accelerate all processes by 30% and bring innovation even more quickly to customers. In order to cope with the expected disproportionately high production growth, EMS followed the investment program announced in 2021 as planned, with more than CHF 300 million towards increasing capacity and energy efficiency at the main production site in Domat/Ems, Switzerland.

With regard to sustainability, EMS has once again underlined its pioneering role in 2023. EMS itself is already CO₂ neutral (Scope 1 and Scope 2) and certified acccording to ISO 14001, Ecovadis Gold and the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC). In cooperation with suppliers, numerous projects were initiated towards their CO₂ reduction (Scope 3) in order to achieve EMS' own net zero target in 2050. In 2023 again, customers showed their special appreciation for the excellent technical service, innovative system solutions, reliable delivery service and consistently high product quality. The Zhejiang Jubei Group awarded EMS with a prize for a 10 years successful partnership in the manufacture of filter cups and housings as well as other products for safe and hygienic preparation of drinking water. Fujitech, a leading resin manufacturer in China, with whom EMS also has been working successfully for over ten years, presented EMS with their "Excellent Supplier Award 2023". In addition, ARaymond, leading supplier of fastening technology for the automotive Industry, awarded EMS the title of "Strategic Partner 2023" for its excellent cooperation in the development of innovative products for electrical vehicles.

Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Board of Directors of EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, was re-elected to the great chamber of Swiss Parliament (National Council) for a further four years on October 22, 2023.

2022

In 2022, the global economic recovery came to a sudden halt in the second quarter. In Europe in particular, the Ukraine conflict triggered great uncertainty and very sharp rises in energy prices. Much higher energy and commodity prices as well as rising interest rates reduced the global purchasing power and slowed economic growth. In China, rigorous lockdown measures and the real-estate crisis depressed the consumer mood.

EMS realized new energy and cost-saving products and solutions with customers. Sustainable CO₂ savings were achieved, lighter parts were developed, weight-saving process materials were applied and processing temperatures were lowered. New groundbreaking "low and no bake" materials for corrosion protection of car bodies opened up opportunities for car manufacturers to achieve huge energy savings. New ultra-lightweight process materials for underbody protection provided 25% weight reduction, reduced energy consumption and lowered CO₂ emissions per vehicle.

EMS high-performance polymers also provided a decisive contribution to CO₂-neutral energy generation: practical "plug-and-play" connectors for solar modules eliminated the need for torque tools during assembly - and yet they are strictly leak-proof even under extreme weather conditions. Valves made of EMS special polymers control distribution and circulation of water in heat pump systems with absolute reliability thanks to its dimensional stability and hydrolysis resistance.

Innovative EMS products received prestigious prizes again in 2022. The international Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) awarded EMS three first places in the "SPE-Automotive Awards" for challenging components, consisting of an innovative center console support structure for electric vehicles of Seat, a challenging electro-pneumatic brake module for trucks and an electric water pump for electric vehicles of Mercedes.

EMS has been a pioneering role model with regard to sustainability for quite some time now and already today is CO2-neutral as a Group and at all company locations, with ambitious targets in this field for the coming years. The investment program, announced in 2021, with more than CHF 300 million towards increased capacity and energy efficiency at the main production site in Domat/Ems (Switzerland), continues to be implemented as planned. As a consequence new lower energy consuming production processes, which are not only more economical but also more sustainable, have been developed.

2021

The economy recovered again after the global economic slump caused by the pandemic. The massive state support measures greatly stimulated demand, causing bottlenecks everywhere. Raw material and energy prices as well as transport costs increased strongly. A lack of semiconductors prevented the global automotive industry from recovering.

EMS ensured delivery reliability at all times with continually expanded production capacity and local stocks. Continually higher costs made repeated price increases for customers inevitable. EMS handled fluctuating orders from customers with great flexibility and even helped out when supply problems from competitors occurred. A major expansion programme for the next five years at the production site Domat/Ems (Switzerland) was initiated and a new high-rack warehouse quickly started operations.

At the 20th SPE Automotive Award Night of the «Society of Plastics Engineers», EMS-GRIVORY took a total of four awards for a gearshift module, rapid charging system, headlight bracket and a multiway valve for cooling systems. EMS also received the Ringier Technology Innovation Award 2021 for a new, innovative and high-quality high performance polymer.

EMS also improved continually throughout 2021 in the field of environmental protection and sustainability. The business model with weight-saving system solutions resulted in a reduction of CO2 emissions by 35,000 tons per year. Since 2001, EMS has achieved 50% energy savings through the implementation of 345 individual projects and has set itself additional energy-saving targets for the coming years. The EMS Group and all its locations have been CO2 neutral since 2020.

EMS was the first Swiss company listed on the stock exchange to hold its Annual General Meeting with shareholders present in person and 1,655 participants. The safety of the event was ensured in a pioneering project with a specifically installed rapid testing centre.

2020 - 2001

2020

2020 was characterised by the COVID-19 crisis. Already at an early stage, EMS implemented comprehensive measures and protective concepts at all locations worldwide to protect employees as well as customers from COVID-19 and to secure delivery reliability at all times. In addition, EMS was involved in sourcing of hygiene masks. Hairdressers in Switzerland profited in particular from this special initiative, allowing them to become the first business sector to reopen their premises. EMS also supplied hospitals with free protective glasses and supplied Switzerland via the retail trade with protective masks, which were otherwise not available.

During the Corona pandemic, EMS polymers fulfilled essential and even live-saving tasks in numerous applications. Components made of Grilamid, for example, were installed in respirators. Due to growing demand for Grivory high-performance polymers, used among other things for metal replacement in automotive applications to achieve weight savings and reduced CO2 emissions, capacity was further increased with a new production line.

The second-largest global automotive supplier, Continental, presented the Business Unit EMS-GRIVORY with the award as "Supplier of the Year 2019". EMS realised an innovative packaging process under an inert gas atmosphere for use in the food industry. In addition, EMS developed an innovative polymerisation process, which reduces energy consumption by 50%.

With its weight-saving system solutions, EMS makes it possible for customers, particularly in the automotive industry, to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions of 35,000 tons per year On-going improvements to reduce CO2 at the EMS locations are also above average. EMS has already achieved CO2 neutrality worldwide and at every company location in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Scope 2.

The annual general meeting of EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG was held as an online broadcast due to the national ban on major events.

2019

EMS-CHEMIE was awarded the Swiss National Education Prize and nominated as one of the best apprentice training companies in Switzerland by the organization "A Great Place to Work". The Society of Plastic Engineers presented EMS-CHEMIE with three SPE awards for innovative applications in the automotive industry.

With around 2,600 shareholders and guests, the annual general meeting again ex-ceeded the figures of previous years. In addition, the Open Day on the production site at Domat/Ems was an enormous success. Around 14,000 visitors were able to gain insights into the fascinating world of specialty polymers.

Start-up of a plant with a completely new production process allowed energy savings of 50% to be achieved. Thanks to an acceleration program in research, development and sales, EMS was able to consistently satisfy increased customer demand for rapid solutions providing cost-savings and lower CO2 emissions.

An increased concentration on high-performance polymers was achieved with the sale of EMS-PATVAG.

2018

The International Society of Plastics Engineers presented EMS-CHEMIE with three SPE Awards for innovative applications for the automotive industry. The prize winners were development of a turbo actuator, an innovative car door handle and a revolutionary sport seat shell made of high-performance polymers. EMS was named "Zero Fault Quality Supplier" by Toyota Kirloskar Motor in India, while the leading automotive supplier SMR awarded EMS their supplier prize for the second time. The Chinese glasses manufacturer Wenzhou Guanhao Glasses Co. Ltd., specialising in children's glasses, honoured EMS with the Premium Service Provider Award and the ITRON Company, active in the field of sanitary fittings, awarded EMS the "Global Supplier Excellence Award".

That EMS also works successfully with market leaders in the cosmetic sector was demonstrated impressively to the public in summer of 2019. A total of 2,458 shareholders and guests created a new record number of participants again at the Annual General Meeting on August 11, 2018.

In order to satisfy growing demand, investments were made in a new dispersion plant for EMS-GRILTECH at the production site in Domat/Ems (Switzerland). In addition, both the polymerisation and compounding plants of EMS-GRIVORY were expanded. To ensure continuing competitiveness in future, EMS implemented 470 measures improving efficiency in fields such as process-optimisation, automation and inventory management.

2017

EMS-CHEMIE was able to accept the "Supplier of the Year Award" for the seventh time in series from General Motors. A special mention was made of the permanent excellent performance, pioneering technology and outstanding exchange of innovation. Continental awarded EMS-GRIVORY the title "Premium Supplier" as an important strategic supplier and in recognition of the high quality and innovative strength. The international Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) presented EMS with the "European Plastics Innovation Award". Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec (SMR) awarded EMS the "Long-Term Supplier Excellence Award". The Chinese automotive manufacturer Chery named EMS a Preferred Partner. EMS received the "Regional Supplier Quality Achievement Certificate" from Nissan North America.

It was possible to demonstrate in public the successful cooperation between Belimo, Wild & Küpfer and EMS at the site of Wild & Küpfer in July 2017.

The Annual General Meeting of the EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG was held on August 12, 2017 at the production site in Domat/Ems (Switzerland) with 2,329 shareholders and guests – a new record number of participants.

Following the start-up of the new production plant for specialty polymers at Domat/Ems (Switzerland) at the beginning of the year, a further capacity expansion for polymer materials was completed in June. On October 31, the new EMS-EFTEC site was inaugurated at Changshu in China. This is the largest production site in the world so far and will strengthen EFTEC's already leading market position in the Chinese automotive market.

2016

On January 15, 2016, the EMSORAMA, the first Science Center in the Grisons is opened at the production site in Domat/Ems to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the company. The EMSORAMA is open to the public free of charge for group visits, allowing fascinating phenomena from nature and technology to be experienced (www.emsorama.ch). After six months, more than 3,800 enthusiastic guests have already visited the EMSORAMA.

EMS-CHEMIE receives the "GM Supplier of the Year" award from General Motors for the sixth time in series. Decisive for this coveted award were the long-standing innovative and reliable supplier relationship as well as the high quality levels and rapid reaction time of EMS-CHEMIE.

EMS-EFTEC Thailand receives the "Consumable Material Supplier of the year 2015: Excellent Continuous Improvement Award" from Mercedes-Benz. Evaluation criterion was the excellent contribution towards improvement of quality, supply and cost-efficiency.

EMS-GRIVORY receives the "2016 Supplier Passion for Performance Award" from Cooper Standard, one of the worldwide leading part and system suppliers to the automotive industry, for innovative product ideas and top quality.

On July 8, the official ground-breaking ceremony for a new EMS-EFTEC production site in Changshu (China) took place. With this site EMS-EFTEC will further strengthen its market position in the growing Chinese market.

2015

EMS-GRIVORY Asia opens an application development centre on November 10, 2015 at the Suzhou location in China. With state-of-the-art polymer processing equipment, a material testing laboratory and a colour laboratory, this will provide technical application support for local customers.

Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, CEO and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, is elected on October 18, 2015, by citizens of the Grisons as member of the National Council, the large house of Swiss parliament, as representative of the Swiss People's Party (SVP).

On August 14, EMS-EFTEC opens an EFTEC Engineering production location in Shanghai (China) for manufacture and supply of fully automated application units to the Asian automotive industry.

On February 10, 2015 the parliament and government of the Canton Grisons visit EMS-CHEMIE in Domat/Ems. During a tour of the production site, 29 apprentices present their 14 professions. Guests are able to try their hand at practical tasks and gain an insight into the variety of vocational training today and the EMS training programme.

For the fifth time in series, EMS-GRIVORY is again named "Supplier of the Year" by General Motors (GM); this year specifically for the many years' of excellent business relations, the outstanding performance with regard to innovative technology, the permanent exchange of innovations and rapid reaction times as development partner.

Based on the pleasing development of net sales volumes, EMS invests an additional CHF 35 million in capacity expansion at the production site in Domat/Ems. The first plant is already to start operation at the end of August 2015.

2014

The exhibition, "The unbelievable history of EMS-CHEMIE" was extended until the end of 2015 due to the unchanged, sustained flow of visitors (more than 20,000 visitors since is opening at the beginning of 2011).

EMS-GRIVORY expands its assortment of high-temperature polyamides for metal replacement with new products, heat resistant up to 270 degrees C. This makes numerous under-the-hood applications possible with polymer materials.

EMS takes over Grupo Placosa EFTEC S.A. de C.V., Mexico. In this way, EMS-EFTEC expands its business in the growing Mexican market and further strengthens its market position as leading worldwide automotive supplier.

In cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences, Rapperswil, EMS develops an in-mould process for partial strengthening of injection-moulded articles. This process called EMS Tape Technology makes it possible to integrate endless fiber-reinforced tapes into injection-moulded articles, thus providing new solutions for a focussed improvement in mechanical properties in metal replacement and light-weight construction applications.

EMS-CHEMIE is presented with the "Global Supplier Recognition Award" of the NORMA Group, leading international supplier of high-tech connection technology. This award was presented for the first time and only to EMS-CHEMIE. Performance: Supplier reliability, product quality, competitiveness and sustainable use of resources.

EMS-CHEMIE is named "Supplier of the Year" again by General Motors (GM). For the fourth time in series this coveted prize with which GM recognises its best global suppliers, was presented to EMS-CHEMIE. Performance: Quality, pro-active behaviour and on-going exchange regarding innovations.

A further production plant for high-performance polymers started operation at the production site in Domat/Ems. In addition, capacity for high-temperature polyamides is also further expanded.

Various short-term measures to increase compounding capacity were implemented worldwide following an increase in demand.

2013

The exhibition "The unbelievable history of EMS-CHEMIE" is extended until the end of 2014 due to the continuing large number of interested visitors.

EMS-CHEMIE is awarded the title “Supplier of the Year” for the third time in series by General Motors (GM). Along with the excellent business relationship over many years, above all the innovative technology and rapid reaction time of EMS as development partner were praised.

EMS-EFTEC takes over the 50% share of its Czech partner D PLAST in the joint venture D PLAST-EFTEC and, in this way, sole control of the EFTEC business in Central and Eastern Europe. With this take over, EMS-EFTEC further expands the business in the growth markets of Central and Eastern Europe and strengthens its market position as worldwide automotive supplier.

EMS-EFTEC opens a new production location in Foshan (CN) to supply automotive manufacturers in South China.

EMS-PATVAG is awarded the "Supplier Excellence Award" by Key Safety Systems (KSS), one of the world's leading manufacturers of automotive safety systems. Evaluation criteria: punctual delivery of perfect quality parts and provision of excellent technical support.

Volkswagen names EMS "Top-150-Supplier of the VW Group worldwide".

Sales and development departments worldwide are re-organised and expanded according to customer segments. This is to ensure that customers worldwide receive quick support with competent solutions.

10 apprentices from Switzerland are given the possibility of actively learning new things, both personally and professionally, in local work experience in 4 countries on 3 continents.

The façade of Rhäzüns Castle looks as good as new after successful renovation work is completed.

2012

The anniversary exhibition celebrating 75 years of company history at the production site in Domat/Ems is extended provisionally until the end 2012 due to the very great interest shown.

EMS-EFTEC takes over the shares (51%) of the local partner Shroff in the mutual joint-venture EFTEC (India). With this 100%-participation, EMS-EFTEC strengthens its position as market leader in the emerging automotive market in India.

Opening of the historic post card exhibition "Greetings from Rhäzüns" (Liebe Grüsse aus Rhäzüns) by Dr Christian Rathgeb, Member of Parliament of the Canton Grisons, at the personnel restaurant of the EMS-CHEMIE AG in Domat/Ems.

For the second time in succession, EMS-CHEMIE is awarded the title of "GM Supplier of the Year" by General Motors. Determining factors for receiving this prize were: the excellent support for launch of new products, competitive overall cost solutions, innovative technology and quick response times of EMS.

2011

EMS celebrates the company's 75-year anniversary.

The company biography "Success as a Mission. EMS-CHEMIE: The history of an impossible company" by Karl Lüönd is published and available for purchase in bookstores (in German, French and English). This work reaches #1 on the Swiss list of best-selling non-fiction books.

To celebrate the anniversary a public exhibition of the company's history is opened on the production site at Domat/Ems.

To celebrate the 75-year anniversary different activities are organised throughout the world for EMS employees and their families. Among other things, employees at Swiss locations as well as those of Markdorf (South Germany) and Milan (Italy) are invited to a special performance by the Swiss National Circus Knie.

EMS-CHEMIE: Supplier of the year. General Motors (the world’s second-largest automobile manufacturer), Bosch (the world’s largest independent automotive supplier) and Foxconn (the world’s largest manufacturer of electronic and computer components) recognise EMS as the “strategic supplier of the year”. Evaluation criteria are, in particular: innovative technology, above-average quality, excellent support during development, competitively-priced total solutions and delivery that exceeds expectations with regard to schedule and quality.

At the beginning of September, EMS joined with selected long-standing customers from 21 countries and 5 continents to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary, with a train ride over the world-famous Albula Pass into Engadin, and a visit to the Federal Folk Music Festival in Chur.’

EMS-EFTEC again expands assembly capacity for EFTEC Engineering at the location in Markdorf (Germany).

The highest fully automatic high-bay warehouse in Switzerland goes into operation at the Domat/Ems facility.

More than CHF 100 million is being invested in expanding capacity at the Domat/Ems facility, including an additional production system for high-temperature polyamides.

2010

EMS-CHEMIE (Korea) Ltd. is founded for stronger development of the Korean market.

EMS-EFTEC Guangzhou is founded to cover the automotive industry in Southern China.

EMS-EFTEC takes over the 20% participation of Nittoku and, therefore, complete control of EFTEC-Asia.

Start-up of the new production site of EMS-GRIVORY in Suzhou (central China).

EMS-EFTEC concentrates on direct supply to automotive manufacturers worldwide and sells its automotive repair business "EFTEC Aftermarket".

2009

EMS takes over the technical fiber specialist Nexis Fibers GmbH in Neumünster (Germany) to strengthen the own worldwide business with polyamide-based speciality technical fibers.

In the emerging market India, EMS-EFTEC opens a new production plant in Pune (state Maharashtra) to serve the local automotive with even more capacity.

EMS-EFTEC founds a further production joint-venture company, "Wuhu EFTEC Chemical Products Ltd" in Wuhu (China), to supply the growing Chinese automotive industry with process materials.

EMS-EFTEC North America expands the production site at Taylor in Michigan and concentrates all manufacturing, development and sales activities for process materials for the American automotive industry at this location.

To improve the result situation and impact power in the market, the Business Units EMS-PRIMID and EMS-GRILTECH are merged from May 1, 2009 to form the Business Unit EMS-GRILTECH.

EMS-EFTEC takes over the Auto Coating Srl Company with production of process materials for the automotive industry in Romania and supplies Renault from this plant.

In order to supply automotive customers in Latin America with process materials, EMS-EFTEC builds a production plant in Santana de Parnaiba, close to Sao Paulo, Brazil. Start-up of operations is planned for March 2010.

2008

On February 21, 2008 the first EMS-PATVAG production plant for airbag ignitors is taken into operation in Brankovice (Czech Republic). As a consequence, all activities are transferred from Domat/Ems to Brankovice.

EMS strengthens its leading market position with the introduction of Grilbond® "Easy-Dip", a new bonding agent for polyester reinforcing fibers and rubber in automotive tyres, which can be utilised with significantly less complex process equipment.

Together with customers and representatives of local authorities, M. Martullo inaugurates two new plants for the manufacture of specialised polymer materials in Gross-Umstadt (Germany) on March 4, 2008. Products manufactured using this technology are received with great interest by customers.

On March 10, 2008 construction is started on a production plant for EMS-GRIVORY speciality products in Suzhou (China).

EMS-GRIVORY starts production of long glass-fiber reinforced polyamides (LFT) and supplies Grivory® and Grilon® grades reinforced with long glass-fibers. The combination of stiffness and impact strength considerably expands the application spectrum and enables use of these grades in applications requiring crash-resistance not possible with previously known products.

2007

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.

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.

On May 25, 2007 construction of the EMS-PATVAG production plant in Brankovice (Czech Republic) started. Airbag igniters for the automotive industry will be manufactured here starting in early 2008.

After 9 years, EMS-CHEMIE AG again stages an "Open Day" on Saturday, June 2, 2007. More than 13,000 visitors as well as numerous prominent guests enthusiastically tour the production site at Domat/Ems (Canton Grisons, Switzerland) and take part in various attractions.

EMS presents the historic cathedral in Chur with a new organ. Financial scope of the donation: CHF 1.6 million.

EMS-TOGO takes over worldwide control of the automotive supplier EFTEC with the purchase of all shares from the joint venture partner H.B. FULLER. As a result, the name of the Business Unit is changed from "EMS-TOGO" to "EMS-EFTEC".

EMS-EFTEC develops, manufactures and markets materials and application technology in the specialised fields of bonding, coating, sealing and sound damping for automotive manufacturers throughout the world. With this takeover EMS further expands its business area of high-performance polymers.

At the plastics trade-fair in Dusseldorf, Germany, EMS-GRIVORY presents a whole series of innovations. With especially stiff and tough products, EMS offers new possibilities for replacement of metal. Non-warping materials allow high loading for long periods, even at changing temperatures.

Specialty polymers from EMS-GRIVORY are approved for use in contact with hot drinking water (up to 85°C). This enables EMS to realise new applications, e.g. in the field of sanitary fittings.

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.

Founding of the sales company EMS-CHEMIE (India) based in Mumbai.

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 EMESTA Holding AG and hold the majority share holding of the EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG.

In order to also be represented locally with EMS-GRIVORY, EMS founds the sales company EMS-CHEMIE (China) Ltd. based in Shanghai.

2004

Magdalena Martullo-Blocher takes command of the Group on January 1, 2004 as Vice President and Chief Executive Officer.

In order to further support the worldwide focus on performance polymers, the existing business unit EMS-GRIVORY, which concentrates on thermoplastic polyamide materials, is divided into independent business units, each responsible for its own business results:

  • "EMS-GRIVORY Europe"
  • "EMS-GRIVORY America"
  • "EMS-GRIVORY Asia"

EMS-PATVAG stops production of ignition systems for military technology and concentrates on airbag ignitors for automotive construction.

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.

2003

At the beginning of the year the Blocher family decides to continue with EMS as a stock exchange-listed company. Standard registered shares are introduced.

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 four children as of December 30, 2003.

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.

2001

Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, oldest daughter of Dr. Christoph Blocher, enters the company.

2000 - 1981

2000

The activities of the business unit EMS-CHEMIE are divided into 4 independent business units:

  • "EMS-GRIVORY" (engineering plastics)
  • "EMS-GRILTECH" (technical fibers and adhesives)
  • "EMS-PRIMID" (thermoset materials)
  • "EMS-SERVICES" (central services, production site Domat/Ems)

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.

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.

Production of polyester fibers Grilene® is stopped and all know-how sold to the Montefibre Company, Milan (Italy).

1999

Take-over of the Karl Fischer Industrieanlagen GmbH, Berlin, Germany to 100% and, together with EMS-INVENTA AG, formation of the business unit INVENTA-FISCHER.

1998

EMS becomes market leader with Grilbond® bonding agent. This product guarantees reliable bonding of polyester fiber reinforcement and rubber in car tyres, drive belts and conveyor belts.

The EMS-participation in the Karl Fischer Industrieanlagen GmbH, Berlin, Germany is increased to 90%.

1997

Through a joint venture with H.B. Fuller Automotive USA, EMS-TOGO strengthens its worldwide activities with process materials for the automotive industry in the field of original equipment manufacture (OEM). The joint venture is named "EFTEC".

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.

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 process materials.

1995

EMS becomes market leader for flexible glasses frames and sunglasses lenses with the transparent polyamide Grilamid® TR.

1993

The 750th invention since the founding of the company is registered by the EMS patent department for patent protection.

EMS-PATVAG sells the first automotive airbag ignitors and rapidly becomes market leader in Europe in the following years.

1992

EMS safeguards supply of the key raw material laurolactam for the production of Grilamid® PA12 by forming the production joint-venture EMS-UBE Ltd. in Japan.

EMS-TOGO founds a joint venture in Mexico with the Placosa Company in order to supply the local automotive industry with process materials. This is today the Grupo Placosa EFTEC S.A. in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Together with customers, suppliers, employees and official representatives, EMS-CHEMIE AG celebrates its 50th anniversary as an independent Swiss company.

1991

With Grivory® GV, EMS launches a new generation of super-stiff polyamides, thus ringing in the era of metal replacement.

EMS-TOGO takes over the DINOL-Group, manufacturer of automotive corrosion protection, from SANDOZ.

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.

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.

1989

Purchase of the Illing GmbH in Gross-Umstadt, Germany, which owns the rights to a special process for polymerisation and compounding. After consolidation with the German sales company, the production site for polyamide injection-moulding grades in Gross-Umstadt is later given its current name EMS-CHEMIE (Deutschland) GmbH.

EMS FAR-EASTERN is founded in Hsin Chu Hsien (Taiwan) and production of performance polymers started. This is now EMS-CHEMIE (Taiwan) Ltd.

1988

EMS-TOGO opens a production site in Zaragoza, Spain in order to supply the Spanish automotive industry, today EFTEC S.A.

EMS transfers sales of fertilisers to the LINTAFERT Company in Linz (Austria) and concentrates on the two business areas PERFORMANCE POLYMERS AND FINE CHEMICALS/ENGINEERING.

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.

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.

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.

The EMS-participation in the Karl Fischer Industrieanlagen GmbH, Berlin, Germany is increased to 47%.

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.

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.

1982

With the foundation of EMS-AMERICAN GRILON Inc., EMS starts production of polyamide materials in Sumter / South Carolina (USA), today EMS-CHEMIE (North America) Inc.

1981

The Chemie Holding Ems AG is renamed EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG. The EMSER WERKE AG in Domat/Ems becomes the EMS-CHEMIE AG.

 

1980 - 1961

1980

Dr. Christoph Blocher places focus on growth with engineering plastics and begins to phase-out textile fibers.

Start of industrial-scale production of Grilesta® polyester resins in Domat/Ems for the manufacture of powder-coatings for coating metal.

1979

On February 23, 1979 the founder Dr. Werner Oswald dies during a meeting.

Foundation 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.

Purchase of a 40% share of the engineering company Karl Fischer Industrieanlagen GmbH, Berlin, Germany.

1978

The different EMS companies are completely consolidated under the roof of the Chemie Ems Holding AG.

1977

Inauguration of the sales company in Japan, now EMS-CHEMIE (Japan) Ltd., in Tokyo.

1972

Dr. Christoph Blocher is voted Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the EMSER WERKE AG.

1970

Unprofitable production of Caprolactam, and with this the production of fertilisers, in Domat/Ems are stopped and both are purchased from external sources.

1969

Dr. Christoph Blocher starts work as a student in the legal department of EMSER WERKE AG.

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.

1966

First production of Grilamid® polyamide 12 and Grilon® co-polyamide in Domat/Ems for the manufacture of plastic pipes and packaging films.

1964

Production of Grilene® polyester fibers for the textile industry is started in Domat/Ems.

Inauguration and start-up of the first application development centre for thermoplastic materials and epoxy resins in Domat/Ems.

1963

Expansion of the sales assortment with Grilonit® Epoxy Resins manufactured in Domat/Ems for the construction and paint industry.

PATVAG AG starts production of electric ignition systems for industrial and military use.

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.

1960 - 1941

1960

Increased energy requirements are covered by the construction of two further hydroelectric power plants: 1960 power plant FRISAL, 1962 power plant REICHENAU.

The HOLZVERZUCKERUNGS AG (HOVAG) is renamed EMSER WERKE AG

1956

On May 13, 1956, the Swiss citizens voted against continued subsidized 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® fibers and Grilon® engineering plastics.

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.

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 fibers throughout the world. 117 of these plants were built in China alone.

1952

Socks made of Grilon® fibers become the trade mark of the HOVAG in Switzerland. They are of high quality and long lasting.

1951

The HOVAG starts to produce Caprolactam. FIBRON AG, a subsidiary of the HOVAG founded in 1949, manufactures polyamide plastic materials and polyamide fibers 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.

1947

Foundation of the INVENTA AG for research and patent applications.

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.

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).

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.