Henkel celebrates 150 years with employees around the world

150 years ago, on September 26, 1876, Fritz Henkel founded a small detergent factory in Germany. Today, Henkel employs around 50,000 people in more than 70 countries. The company is celebrating this milestone anniversary with events for employees around the world.

"My great-great-grandfather could hardly have imagined 150 years ago that one day 50,000 employees across the globe would celebrate this anniversary together. His small start-up has grown into a global company. This was possible because generations of people at Henkel have taken responsibility and demonstrated a pioneering spirit," said Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chairwoman of Henkel's Supervisory Board and Shareholders' Committee.

"Remaining successful over a period of 150 years cannot be taken for granted. The people at Henkel have always been and continue to be the decisive factor: employees whose ideas, expertise and dedication have continuously moved our company forward. This anniversary is therefore first and foremost their anniversary and an opportunity to thank our teams around the world. Together, we want to continue embracing change with courage and successfully shape Henkel's future," said Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel.

Celebrating together across the globe

Henkel employs people in more than 70 countries. Throughout its anniversary year, the company is bringing employees together at events and activities at locations around the world. The celebrations reflect the company's international footprint and recognize the commitment of its global teams.

One of the largest anniversary events will take place at Henkel's headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, on September 26. Around 18,000 employees and their family members are expected to attend the festival. Across the site, visitors will be able to explore Henkel's businesses, innovations and 150 years of company history. The program will also feature live entertainment, activities for families and a concert exclusively produced for the anniversary celebration.

Anniversary benefits for employees

Henkel is marking the anniversary with special benefits for employees worldwide. All employees receive an additional day of leave during their birthday month. In addition, participants in Henkel's employee share program receive a one-time anniversary bonus of 41 percent on their personal investment in Henkel shares, providing employees with an enhanced opportunity to participate in the company's success.

Expanding STEM education around the world

As part of its 150th anniversary, Henkel is further strengthening its social commitment through STEM education. Building on more than 15 years of experience with its "Henkel Researchers' World" initiative, the company is expanding the program to provide hands-on STEM learning opportunities to even more children worldwide.

The initiative is already active in more than 20 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North and South America, with more than 130,000 children having participated in its activities to date. By the end of 2030, Henkel plans to establish five new permanent Researchers' World learning locations: a new STEM center at its headquarters in Düsseldorf and four additional locations in other countries. Mobile concepts will further extend the initiative's reach by bringing hands-on science education to children in six additional countries. Henkel will invest a double-digit million-euro amount in the expansion of Researchers' World in the coming years.

150 years of Henkel history

Henkel was founded in Aachen, Germany, in 1876 and relocated its headquarters to Düsseldorf a few years later. From its beginnings as a small detergent manufacturer, the company developed into an international business with leading market positions and strong brands such as Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf.

Henkel's history has been shaped by entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, international expansion and the ability to respond to changing social, economic and technological conditions. Today, the company holds leading positions in both its industrial and consumer businesses, with Adhesive Technologies as a global leader in adhesives, sealants and coatings, and Consumer Brands holding leading positions in many markets and categories worldwide.

The independent study "Henkel: From Detergent Manufacturer to Global Player" by Professor Dr. Joachim Scholtyseck provides a comprehensive academic account of Henkel's history. The book examines the company's development from its foundation to the present day and was published by C.H.Beck in July 2026.

Further information, images and a digital Henkel history timeline are available on the Henkel website.