From a local pharmacy to a global player.
Today, what began in 1872 with the Rosen Apotheke in Frankfurt is an internationally active company with a workforce of over 450 employees in Germany. Discover the story of our company – from Karl Philipp Engelhard’s first experiments with Iceland moss to the latest innovations in phytotherapy.
Opening of the Rosen Apotheke
As Georg Heinrich Engelhard opened the Rosen Apotheke in 1826, he couldn’t have been aware that he was laying the foundations for a family history crowned with success. Although his son, Karl Philipp, sells the pharmacy in 1901 owing to lack of time, he remains true to his vocation as a pharmacist, and is even awarded honorary membership of the German Association of Pharmacists in 1922.
The beginnings of Iceland moss
As an avid researcher, Karl Philipp Engelhard formulates his own remedy for the relief of sore throat: a paste made from a lichen by the name of Iceland moss. Today, some 150 years later, ‘Isla-Moos’ is still one of Engelhard’s best-selling products.
Expansion: the first factory
Karl Philipp Engelhard is not only a practised pharmacologist, he is also an exceptional businessman. On 31 October 1872, Frankfurt becomes the home of his first factory for pharmaceutical preparations, which, thanks to Engelhard’s excellent instinct for the development of marketable products, soon enjoy enormous sales success throughout Germany and beyond.
The first gas engine brings production up to speed
In the meantime, the enormous number of orders can no longer be fulfilled by hand. Karl Philipp Engelhard reacts quickly and installs machines to cope with the increasing demand for his factory’s products: the flexible expansion of the pharmacy business can now begin.
Dialon and modern marketing methods
Engelhard is also a pioneer of product presentation. Engelhard is one of the first manufacturers to recognise the importance of distinctive packaging that highlights the name of pharmacies. The same year saw the market launch of Dialon Powder, which was to become a popular skincare product for babies, children and adults.
The new factory in north-east Frankfurt
Increasing sales make their mark: The existing premises are already too small, so Engelhard needs its own new factory. A landmark decision for a business model and business strategies that continue to shape the company’s activities to the present day.
The second generation
Karl Philip Engelhard’s focus on sustainable strategies and continuity pays off. From 1919 onwards, his sons, Paul and Max Engelhard, succeed him as managing directors of the company. This marks the beginnings of a true, traditional family-owned and managed company.
Advertising for Dialon makes its mark
The two new managing directors consistently build up the Dialon brand. Amongst other things, with impressive marketing campaigns and new packaging design, created in the company’s own printing department.
The third generation
Karl and Max Engelhard take over the flourishing company as the third generation of managing directors under the shadow of the Second World War. In view of the coming challenges and upheavals of war, they must very quickly get their bearings.
Reconstruction with united efforts
Engelhard benefits from the mutual trust and familiar relationship between workforce and management in the reconstruction of the factory in record time. Everyone joins forces to rebuild the ruined factory and, by 1948, the factory was relatively soon able to resume the production of the core products.
The penicillin decision
With the addition of penicillin to the portfolio, Karl and Max Engelhard once again show their business acumen: Engelhard becomes one of the first German companies to process and market the then revolutionary antibiotic. Thanks to conscientious and determined research, other antibiotics were to follow.
Prospan Cough Drops
The brothers again show their unerring instincts with the successful launch of the second new product. Their herbal cough drops with ivy extract soon become one of the company’s most frequently -advertised and purchased products and firmly anchor the Prospan brand on the market.
New in the portfolio – Tyrosur
Developed by Engelhard, the latest addition to the portfolio is Tyrosur, with the active ingredient tyrothricin. Tyrosur is still on sale and in use today as an effective wound healing medication for self-treatment.
The fourth generation takes over
Together, Dr. Rolf, Karl Michael and Georg Maximilian Engelhard, the great-grandsons of the company founder, battle their way through the difficult recession of the 1970s. The fourth generation masterfully completes the successful modernisation of the company without ever losing sight of the family traditions.
Intensive internationalisation
Despite the company’s enormous success abroad in the 1930s, 1980 saw the beginning of a focused and rapid internationalisation programme at Engelhard – an ongoing process that will not be completed for quite some time to come.
Prospan Cough Syrup
Now for children, too: Since 1991, thanks to years of research, the proven active substance from ivy is now available in an option free of sugar and alcohol. An important stimulus for the company – and for the expansion of the domestic and export markets.
Relocation to the outskirts of the city
After over a century, it is high time to establish a new production facility that fulfils the needs of current manufacturing processes and increasing demand. To the north-east of Frankfurt, Engelhard finds the perfect site and equips the new factory with the latest technologies and production systems.
The fifth generation
Oliver Karl Maximilian and Richard Mark Engelhard, the fifth management generation, also uphold the values of the company founder. Just like pharmacist Karl Philipp Engelhard, they too attach importance to a successful mix of tradition and innovation, sustainable growth and long-term brand management.
A breakthrough in the field of phytotherapy
The early groundwork of research into ivy as a herbal medicine bears impressive fruit. Scientists at Engelhard unlock the secrets behind the therapeutic mechanism of alpha-hederin – a milestone in rational phytotherapy.
Engelhard Arzneimittel
Engelhard Arzneimittel celebrates its 140th anniversary. The independent family business employs more than 300 permanent employees and its products are represented in more than 90 countries worldwide.
isla med hydro
Engelhard Arzneimittel is expanding the proven isla range with a new product that offers its users effective relief even for severe cold-related throat problems and vocal cord irritation: isla med hydro +. With its innovative combination of ingredients, the medical product offers a "plus" of long-lasting protection and moisturization to irritated mucous membranes.
Engelhard today
With more than 450 permanent employees and products that are top-sellers in over 100 countries around the globe. the independent, family-owned and managed company continues to write its story of success. And is already polishing up the rough drafts of the next chapter …