In 1899, Eduard Geistlich recognizes a unique opportunity: he takes over the bankrupt hosiery and button factory in Wolhusen and transforms it into a modern glue and fertilizer factory within a very short time. At just 18 years of age, Eduard Geistlich Jr. ushered the factory into a new era – bone and skin glues, fats, and organic fertilizer became the main products.

But his pioneering spirit extended far beyond the factory: after the completion of the Simplon Tunnel, Geistlich employed skilled workers who had become available to blast a water channel into the rock. The water obtained from this powered the company’s own hydroelectric power plant, which supplied electricity not only to the factory but also to three villages. The electrification of the region began as early as 1908 – a milestone for progress and sustainability.

With the founding of the family-owned public limited company Ed. Geistlich Söhne AG in 1909, the company embarks on the path to a modern corporate structure – and remains true to its tradition and innovative strength to this day.

Eduard Geistlich was a central figure in the history of the company. He was not only an entrepreneur, but also very committed to the region.

Eduard Geistlich, then 16 years old, joined the company in 1872 and took it over as sole owner in 1884. With visionary entrepreneurial spirit, he expanded Geistlich into an internationally successful business. Despite high protective tariffs and strong competition, the products impressed with their quality and made the Geistlich brand known throughout Europe.

But Eduard Geistlich was more than just an entrepreneur: he brought electricity to Schlieren for the first time, participated in the construction of the Limmattalbahn railway, and installed the first telephone in the area. His commitment to the community set new standards—from the kindergarten and welfare center to the promotion of housing for employees.

This pioneering spirit lives on today: Geistlich stands for innovation, responsibility, and social commitment—then as now.

175 years ago, a success story began in Zurich with a craft as old as humanity itself: by founding Switzerland’s first glue factory, Heinrich Glättli and Heinrich Geistlich laid the foundation for the Geistlich company—a pioneering enterprise that continues to combine tradition and innovation to this day.

The history of the Geistlich company begins in 1825 with the birth of Heinrich Geistlich in Greifensee. As a master locksmith in Meilen, he worked for his fellow believer Heinrich Glättli, who founded Switzerland’s first glue factory in Riesbach in 1851 – the so-called “Lymhütte.” This factory marks the origin of today’s Geistlich company. Even today, the “Leimgasse” (Glue Alley) in the Zurich district commemorates this historic location.

The history of glue dates back to the Stone Age. Advanced civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used animal substances for gluing. In the Middle Ages, glue was mainly in demand for bookbinding and woodworking. With the Enlightenment, knowledge of the chemical principles behind glue increased. From the 20th century onwards, technological advances led to synthetic adhesives that are more durable and versatile.

Geistlich shaped glue production for over 150 years – by combining traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, a simple product became an innovative industry.