Our company
Discover how we bring progress to life through purpose-led science, sustainable solutions, building on our 150-year heritage, and leading by example.
Our history
Our story is one of science, innovation, and passion, stretching back more than a century
Discover dsm-firmenich's story
dsm-firmenich is a world-leading innovation partner in nutrition, health, and beauty. But we didn’t get here overnight. Today, we’re proud to look back on a rich history of creative genius and genius creations – more than 100 years in the making.
Our legacy spans more than a century
Firmenich
1895
Philippe Chuit, a visionary scientist, and businessman Martin Naef create a perfumery start-up in the garage of Charles Firmenich in Geneva, Switzerland.
DSM
1902
DSM (Dutch State Mines) is founded in the Netherlands
DSM
1919-1926
DSM starts its chemical activities and DSM’s Maurits mine becomes the largest coal mine in the Netherlands
Firmenich
1934-1939
The Company becomes Firmenich & Cie and starts expanding into Paris, France and the USA. Scientist Leopold Ružička, is named joint winner of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry
Firmenich
1956-1975
Firmenich establishes a bonus plan for all employees and launches major blockbuster ingredients including Hedione®, Ambrox® and, Furaneol®
DSM
1974
DSM’s last coal mine closes, marking the end of an era
DSM
1989
DSM makes its debut on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange
Firmenich
1988-1990
Firmenich opens a new corporate headquarters in Geneva and creates holding company Firmenich (International) SA
DSM
2002-2007
DSM transfers its petrochemicals division to SABIC DSM acquires Roche Vitamins and Fine Chemicals DSM embarks on a global partnership with the World Food Program to fight hidden hunger
Firmenich
2007-2009
Firmenich publishes its first sustainability report. Firmenich’s Naturals Center of Excellence opens in Grasse, France
Firmenich
2020-2022
Firmenich acquires DRT Firmenich inaugurates a new campus in Geneva
DSM
2020-2022
DSM announces the sale of Resins & Functional Materials to Covestro DSM transfers Protective Materials to Avient and announces the sale of Engineering Materials to Advent International and LANXESS
2023
Two global leaders join forces
The merger of dsm-firmenich is completed! A new R&D facility opens in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland (one of the new company’s dual HQs)
2024: Shaping the future
dsm-firmenich inaugurates a new dual HQ site in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
What’s next? Our story of purpose and progress continues …
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Our purpose & values
We’re here to bring progress to life. The secret? Combining the essential, the desirable, and the sustainable.
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Our locations
Discover and read more about our locations and headquarters.