Schulz & Sohn – ­­
Family business in the 4th generation

Schulz & Sohn GmbH – a family-runned company with an eventful history spanning over 130 years. The people of the each era have characterized the company just as much as the historical events. Our maxim today: We will go on.

1890

Founding

The Schulz & Sohn GmbH of today was founded on 1st July 1890 by Vitalis Schulz as a colonial and commodities shop. Back then, Düsseldorf-Oberbilk was a booming industrial area. The motto of this time was: “Skill, vision, diligence, quality, performance and social conduct”.

1920-1921

Heralding the start of the new century

During the years before and after 1910, the colonial and commodities shop developed into a department store, kind of like a chemist’s shop, with wholesale connections to the developing neighbouring industry. These activities focussed mainly on the production and trading of chemicals, paints, varnishes and solvents to bulk consumers. A fleet of horse-drawn carriages and a warehouse were established in a neighbouring building.

1921-1923

The next generation gets ready

After the First World War, Vitalis Schulz Jr. was promoted from company employee to the management team and was granted power of attorney on 10th September 1921. In 1923, the business was in a precarious position due to inflation. The business was plundered by the Spartacist League.

1923-1927

The call of science

On 16th Febuary 1924, Vitalis Schulz handed over the company to his son Vitalis, who actually wanted to become a physician. But in this difficult time, he took the responsibility for the company and leads it through the era after the monetary reform. Having accomplished this task, he began to study medicine. On 20th December 1927 his older brother, Attorney at Law Dr. Dr. Paul Schulz, took over the company.

1927-1954

Conversion to a specialist chemist

The range is modernised and a photography department is established. During the Second World War, Dr. Dr. Paul Schulz is conscripted as a pilot officer. The company is continued under the great endeavours of Martha Schulz and their youngest son Klaus Dieter after finishing his apprenticeship as a chemist. After Dr. Dr.. Paul Schulz returns from war captivity, the company is then transformed into a specialist chemists.

 

1954

From the war years to the era of the economic miracle

Dr. Schulz & Sohn oHG is founded on 1st May 1954. The wholesale trade for the chemist product range has expanded. Traders, industry, businesses, municipal authorities and hospitals count as customers. The company is modernized and storage and sales rooms have been extended. The specialist chemists has been extended by a department for infant care products.

 

1954-1966

The next generation takes over

On 18th January 1966, Klaus Dieter Schulz takes over the Vitalis chemist shop. The trade with laboratory and heavy chemicals has extended. The family-run specialist chemists becomes increasing competitive pressure from drug stores and supermarkets.

1966-1974

The next generation takes over

On 18th January 1966, Klaus Dieter Schulz takes over the Vitalis chemist shop. The trade with laboratory and heavy chemicals has extended. The family-run specialist chemists becomes increasing competitive pressure from drug stores and supermarkets.

 

 

 

1975

New business form ends the chemist business

Vitalis Chemists merges with Schulz & Sohn oHG on 18th August 1975. The newly-defined business content lies in the production and sale of chemicals, chemical products, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products to the wholesale and retail trade.

 

1975-1984

The chemical wholesale and retail trade is further expanded

A range of cleaning and care products for the do-it-yourself sector is developed, produced and sold. During this period oxygen-based coffee machine cleaners, aqueous care products for the swimming pool sector and special cleaners for sport boats are developed.

 

1984-1993

Constant growth

On 30th August 1984, the general partnership is converted into a limited partnership. Klaus Vitalis, son of Klaus Dieter Schulz, as a student of chemistry, becomes a limited partner of the company. The external warehouse is relocated to Düsseldorf. The sales and administration departments are joined by young employees. Instead of using company vehicles to deliver the products, the use of transport companies is increased.

 

 

Small sale in the 80s

1993-1998

In-house production is expanded

On 1st March 1993, the current Schulz & Sohn GmbH takes over the business of the former private limited partnership. Managing partners are Klaus Dieter Schulz and Dr. Klaus Vitalis Schulz. As retail, wholesale and in-house production are retained, the importance within this sector shifts: The focus of activities move from retail trading to manufacturing of proprietary products.

1998-2001

The next generation prepares for the inevitable relocation

1998 is Dr. Klaus Vitalis Schulz is sole managing director. The company continues to grow with major customers from the engineering and food sector. The Oberbilk site offers no potential for an expansion. In addition, the area surrounding the company has now become a residual area. As a result, preparations are made for a relocation at the same time to the on-going business activity.

 

 

2001-2012

New location creates new potentials

By the end of 2001, at last: With an enormous effort, the company is relocated within one week from Ellerstrasse in Düsseldorf-Oberbilk to its new site on Höherweg in Düsseldorf-Lierenfeld.

2012-2015

Industrial production and small-scale bottling are expanded

At the new site, the industrial production of special cleaning agents is extended. The growth in service products for the catering trade requires the small-scale bottling operation and tablet production to be expanded. Schulz & Sohn meet this requirement by building a modern production hall, which is occupied in 2013.

2015

Effective solutions

125 years of eventful history of the family-run company is appropriately celebrated in 2015. In addition to the family’s own celebration and an open house day on 26th June, the highlight of the anniversary event is a big festivity with the employees and their families, customers, suppliers and business partners on 27th June 2015. Matching the newly developed company claim of “Effective solutions”, the company tunes in with the anniversary motto: “We will go on.”

 

2021

Moving towards an international future

We are now the world market leader for cleaning products for coffee machines in the catering sector. Our company has been ISO-certified (9001) and is committed to the continuous optimisation of quality and service in all areas of the company. In the sign of the times of climate change and Covid19, we have set sail in the direction of digitalisation and sustainability and are heading for stronger growth and innovation.