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 story is one of science, innovation, and passion, stretching back more than a century
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.
Firmenich
Philippe Chuit, a visionary scientist, and businessman Martin Naef create a perfumery start-up in the garage of Charles Firmenich in Geneva, Switzerland
DSM
DSM (Dutch State Mines) is founded in the Netherlands
DSM
DSM starts its chemical activities and DSM’s Maurits mine becomes the largest coal mine in the Netherlands
Firmenich
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
Firmenich establishes a bonus plan for all employees and launches major blockbuster ingredients including Hedione®, Ambrox® and, Furaneol®
DSM
DSM’s last coal mine closes, marking the end of an era
DSM
DSM makes its debut on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange
Firmenich
Firmenich opens a new corporate headquarters in Geneva and creates holding company Firmenich (International) SA
DSM
DSM transfers its petrochemicals division to SABIC. DSM acquires Gist-Brocades and Roche Vitamins and Fine Chemicals. DSM embarks on a global partnership with the World Food Program to fight hidden hunger
Firmenich
Firmenich publishes its first sustainability report. Firmenich’s Naturals Center of Excellence opens in Grasse, France
Firmenich
Firmenich acquires DRT Firmenich inaugurates a new campus in Geneva
DSM
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
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)
dsm-firmenich inaugurates a new dual HQ site in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
What’s next? Our story of purpose and progress continues …
Discover how we bring progress to life through purpose-led science, sustainable solutions, building on our 150-year heritage, and leading by example.
We’re here to bring progress to life. The secret? Combining the essential, the desirable, and the sustainable.
Discover and read more about our locations and headquarters.