A Success Story since 1885
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Chemicals has more than 120 years of experience in organic chemistry in a biotechnological environment. After the foundation of C.H. Boehringer Sohn in 1895, many innovations and milestones have paved the way to the modern, innovative company we are today.
2007 and beyond
Boehringer Ingelheim strives for optimal solutions through a scientific and economic approach. In strategic cooperation with research organizations worldwide, we are continuously improving our research. The experience with new technologies is available to our partners in pharma chemical contract development and production.
120 years of experience
- 1885 - Foundation of C.H. Boehringer Sohn
Foundation of C.H. Boehringer Sohn, at Ingelheim, Germany.Twenty-one employees work on the production of potassium hydrogen tartrate (cream of tartar).
- 1893 - Lactic acid
- Production of lactic acid by fermentation.
- 1903 - Purification of alkaloids
- The extraction and purification of alkaloids - morphine, codeine, and atropine - from medicinal plants is introduced.
- 1915 - Use of alkaloids
Use of alkaloids for Boehringer Ingelheim's first pharmaceutical specialities.
- 1929 - Synthesis of lobeline
The first industrial synthesis of lobeline is established.
- 1940 - Citric acid
- Citric acid by fermentation.
- 1942 - Synthesis of caffeine
- Large-scale synthesis of caffeine is introduced.
- 1956 - Expansion of the synthesis plants
Expansion of the synthesis plants for active pharmaceutical ingredients and their intermediates.
- 1960 - Laboratorios Fher
- Establishment of the Manufacturing Plant in Malgrat, Spain. This facility initially was dedicated to alkaloids production.
- 1962 - Labso Chimie Fine
- Establishment of Labso Chimie Fine in Blanquefort/Bordeaux, France.
- 1965 - Distribuidora Fher
- Production of ergot alkaloids in Ingelheim. Establishment of Distribuidora Fher, Malgrat de Mar, Spain. Today the facility's name has changed to Boehringer Ingelheim Espãna, S.A..
- 1976 - Lee Laboratories, Inc.
- Foundation of Lee Laboratories, Inc. in Petersburg, Virginia, USA. Today the facility's name has changed to Boehringer Ingelheim Chemicals, Inc..
- 1981 - Bidachem S.P.A.
- Acquisition of Polipharm, Fornovo San Giovanni/ Bergamo, Italy. Bidachem S.P.A. is founded.
- 1997 - Investment in a new production plant
- EUR 13 million is invested in a new production plant for development of active pharmaceutical ingredients in Petersburg, Virginia, USA.
- 1999 - Foundation stone for a modern launch facility
- The construction for the modern launch facility in Ingelheim, Germany, is started. At EUR 180 million, this was at the time is one of the biggest single investments by the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies.
- 2003 - The active ingredients plant opens
More than 20 active ingredients with over 100 production steps are produced in the new multi-purpose complex in Ingelheim, Germany.
