Henkel South Africa is celebrating 75 years of operations in the country while its global parent company marks 150 years since its founding in Germany, highlighting a long-standing commitment to innovation, manufacturing and sustainable growth.
Founded by Fritz Henkel in 1876, the company has evolved from a detergent manufacturer into a global business operating in more than 70 countries. Today, Henkel employs approximately 47,000 people worldwide and is recognised for its adhesive technologies and consumer brands that serve households, industry and commercial markets.
Henkel's South African journey began in 1951 when the country became the company's first subsidiary outside Europe. Since then, the local business has grown alongside South Africa's industrial sector, providing products, technologies and technical support to industries including automotive, packaging, construction, consumer goods and manufacturing.
Over the years, Henkel South Africa has expanded its manufacturing capabilities, introduced new technologies and strengthened its position as a trusted industrial partner. Its portfolio includes globally recognised brands such as Loctite, Pritt, Schwarzkopf and got2b, alongside advanced adhesive solutions used in production and assembly environments.
Henkel South Africa President Arash Radgoudarzi described the anniversary as both a celebration of past achievements and a commitment to future growth.
According to Radgoudarzi, the milestone is an opportunity not only to reflect on the company's history but also to reaffirm its dedication to innovation, partnerships and the people who have contributed to its success. He said Henkel's growth has been driven by long-term relationships with customers, continuous technological advancement and employee commitment.
The anniversary also reflects the company's global purpose statement, 'Pioneers at heart for the good of generations', and its 150-year anniversary theme, 'Future? Ready!'. Both initiatives reinforce Henkel's focus on sustainability, innovation and responding effectively to evolving customer and industry requirements.
In South Africa, this commitment has included investments aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the company's Alrode manufacturing facility. Projects involving renewable energy solutions and energy-efficiency improvements form part of Henkel's broader sustainability strategy. The company has also supported skills development programmes, educational initiatives, community partnerships and early childhood development projects.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Henkel South Africa is increasing engagement with customers and industry stakeholders. The company's inaugural Training Day will provide opportunities for practical learning, technical knowledge sharing and collaboration across its hardware and adhesive technology product portfolio.
Henkel South Africa Director of Adhesives Natasha Naidoo said the company's success has been built on helping customers overcome manufacturing challenges through innovative solutions. She emphasised that Henkel remains focused on developing technologies that support more efficient, sustainable and resilient manufacturing operations.
For Henkel, the anniversary marks more than a historic milestone. It also serves as a platform for future growth, continued investment in South Africa and stronger collaboration with customers and industry partners as the company looks toward the next generation of innovation.
