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History
Over 130 Years of schülke
For over 130 years, a pioneering spirit has been the basis of our success. In April 1889, the merchants Rudolf Schülke and Julius Mayr met in a store in downtown Hamburg to sign a contract that laid the foundation for the Schülke & Mayr company. As schülke now turns 130 years old our mission “We protect lives worldwide” perfectly ties together the original vision of Rudolf Schülke and Julius Mayr and the work done today by our committed employees to add new milestones to our future.
1889
Company founded by Rudolf Schülke and Julius Mayr in Hamburg (Germany) to launch the world's first ever branded disinfectant, Lysol®.
1893
The City of Hamburg awarded Schülke & Mayr a gold-plated certificate of honour for helping to control the epidemic.
1950
Introduction of a pioneering antiviral disinfectant.
1975
gigasept® - the first HBV-effective disinfectant.
1984
Introduction of the extensive thermosept® range for the thermal reprocessing of flexible endoscopes.
1989
schülke celebrated its 100th anniversary! The company has numerous patents, worldwide distribution and more than 500 employees.
1995
The company continues to expand internationally with three new subsidiaries: Sheffield (England), Haarlem (Netherlands) and Milan (Italy).
1997
Introduction of hand disinfectant with virucidal action for lipophilic and hydrophilic viruses - desderman®.
2003
Our respect for product safety, quality and ethics at schülke was recognised with the Responsible Care Award for Product Stewardship.
2007
Company rebrand from Schülke & Mayr to schülke.
2015
Launch of our e-learning website to support the lifelong learning of healthcare staff:
www.schuelke-learning.com/.
2016
The takeover of VIC Pharma in Brazil was announced and close cooperation between colleagues in Germany and Brazil is essential in successfully growing the global schülke family.
Today
schülke’s dedication to research and innovation continues to lead to an unrivalled range of effective products and services.
1892
The people of Hamburg learned first hand the value of disinfection measures in a tragic cholera epidemic, as a result Lysol grew enormously worldwide.
1913
Market launch of sagrotan®, the worlds first branded disinfectant for domestic use.
1972
The Rudolf Schülke Foundation was established in 1972, to promote research and development, and every two years it awards the Hygiene Prize to scientists in the fields of hygiene and microbiology
1981
schülke launches the mikrozid® brand, with mikrozid® AF liquid for combined surface cleaning and disinfection.
1986
Introduction of aldehyde-free disinfectants, terralin® and lysetol® AF.
1990
Introduction of octenisept®, a mucous membrane and wound antiseptic.
1996
The French group Air Liquide acquires Schülke & Mayr, offering the chance of a new beginning, consistency and a strong partner for the future. .
2002
sensiva® - A hand care range free of colours and perfumes, suitable for the particular requirements of medical staff.
2006
Surface disinfection and cleaning in one, thanks to the new product terralin® protect.
2014
Launch of gigazyme® foam, a moisture retaining foam to aid instrument cleaning.
2016
Launch of mikrozid® universal, a uniquely versatile, low-alcohol formation
2019
schülke celebrate its 130th anniversary!
Discover the world of schülke
The video below takes you from its foundation in 1889 to its current role as a global leader in fighting diseases and contaminations before they emerge.
