This year marks a defining milestone for Henkel South Africa as the company celebrates 75 years of operating in South Africa, alongside Henkel’s 150th global anniversary. More than a celebration of longevity, the dual anniversary reflects a legacy of innovation, resilience and partnership that has helped shape industries, support local manufacturing and contribute to South Africa’s economic development for three quarters of a century.
Founded in Germany in 1876 by Fritz Henkel, the company has grown from a small detergent manufacturer into one of the world’s leading providers of adhesive technologies and consumer brands, employing approximately 47,000 people across more than 70 countries. Throughout its history, Henkel has remained guided by the pioneering spirit of its founder, continually challenging convention, embracing innovation and creating long-term value for customers, employees and society.
Henkel’s South African journey began in 1951, making it the company’s first subsidiary established outside Europe. Over the past 75 years, the business has evolved alongside the country’s industrial landscape, supporting sectors ranging from automotive and packaging to construction, consumer goods and manufacturing through advanced adhesive technologies and globally recognised consumer brands. The company’s local timeline reflects decades of investment, innovation and expansion, including the establishment of local production, acquisitions, new manufacturing capabilities and ongoing investment in sustainable operations.
Today, Henkel South Africa represents far more than a manufacturing footprint. It is a trusted partner to industry, helping customers solve increasingly complex production challenges through innovation, technical expertise and collaborative problem-solving. Across homes and industries, Henkel’s presence is reflected in trusted brands and technologies such as Loctite, Pritt, Schwarzkopf and got2b, which continue to support everyday life and business operations across the country.
“As we celebrate 75 years in South Africa and 150 years globally, we are not simply reflecting on our history, we are reaffirming our commitment to the future. Our success has always been built on strong partnerships, continuous innovation and the dedication of our people. These milestones provide an opportunity to recognise the role that our employees, customers and partners have played in shaping our journey while looking ahead to the opportunities that lie before us,” said Arash Radgoudarzi, Henkel South Africa President.
The anniversary also reflects Henkel’s broader corporate purpose, “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations,”and its global anniversary theme, “Future? Ready!”, a commitment to creating sustainable value through innovation while remaining responsive to changing customer needs and technological advancement.
Across South Africa, this commitment is reflected in a series of investments that extend beyond products and technologies. Recent initiatives include significant progress in reducing the environmental footprint of the Alrode manufacturing facility through renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects, ongoing investment in skills development, education initiatives such as Researchers’ World, community partnerships and programmes designed to support the next generation of innovators including the sponsorship of Tamaho Early Learning Center.
The company’s anniversary year will also provide an opportunity to strengthen engagement with customers and industry partners. Among the key initiatives is Henkel South Africa’s inaugural Training Day, bringing together customers for practical learning, technical knowledge sharing and collaboration across the company’s hardware and adhesive technology portfolio. The event reflects Henkel’s long-standing belief that sustainable business growth is built through knowledge exchange, technical excellence and lasting partnerships.
“For 75 years, Henkel South Africa has been more than a supplier of technologies, we have been a trusted partner to industry. Our success has been built on helping customers solve complex manufacturing challenges through innovation, technical expertise and close collaboration,” said Director of Adhesives, Henkel South Africa, Natasha Naidoo.
“As we celebrate this important milestone alongside Henkel’s 150th global anniversary, our focus remains firmly on the future. We will continue developing solutions that enable more efficient, sustainable and resilient manufacturing while investing in the partnerships and knowledge that drive long-term growth across South African industry.”
Rather than looking back alone, Henkel sees its anniversary year as an opportunity to look forward. While 150 years of global expertise and 75 years in South Africa provide a strong foundation, the company’s focus remains firmly on the future, supporting local industry through innovation, investing in people and creating solutions that will enable the next generation of manufacturing.
As Henkel celebrates these significant milestones, the message is clear: its greatest achievements are not simply measured by the years behind it, but by the opportunities still ahead.