Henkel - From Laundry Detergent Manufacturer to Global Player

The roots of Henkel, founded in 1876 by Fritz Henkel, lie in the early German Empire. The population’s rising standard of living increased the demand for consumer goods in everyday life, which the company was able to serve with its rapidly growing laundry detergent business. In 1907, the laundry detergent Persil entered the market and virtually revolutionized the business; even today, it likely remains the most famous Henkel brand. Joachim Scholtyseck investigates the success factors that turned the start-up into a flourishing family company. He also deals with the company’s role in the 'Third Reich' and shows how Henkel became a global player that today is successful with its brands, innovations, and technologies serving both consumers and industry.

Persil, Pril, Schwarzkopf, Pritt, and Loctite many of the brands that belong to the company cosmos of Henkel have been firmly established in everyday life for decades. Yet few people might be familiar with the complex and ever-changing history hiding behind the name of Henkel. How did Henkel manage to transform itself from a laundry detergent manufacturer to a global company that today not only enjoys strong positions in the consumer business but has also risen to become a market leader in the adhesives segment worldwide? Following this leading question, this study comprehensively traces the fascinating history of the company with scholarly rigor.