The milestones of CHROMOS Group AG
The Swiss CHROMOS Group celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2021. What began in 1946 with the founding of a trading company for the Swiss printing industry is now an owner-managed group of companies in the 3rd generation with a focus on technology and solution development in the fields of imaging, automation and life science. The company's eventful history was and is characterized by continuous innovation and many milestones.
1946-1965
May 1, 1946
The first machines with which Chromos makes a name for itself come from England and the USA. From humble beginnings, the company quickly develops into a major supplier to the Swiss graphic arts industry.
1948
1954
Chromos Grafische Maschinen GmbH is founded in Germany.
The founding of Chromos Grafische Maschinen GmbH in Germany (now Chromos GmbH) marks the first step abroad. The company takes over some of the same agencies as in Switzerland. Ferag from the Zurich Oberland becomes an important partner with its newspaper conveyor belts. The business relationship continues for many years until Ferag takes over the foreign business on its own.
1955
1956
1960
The contractual partner is the former Erno AG, which was taken over by the Chromos Group in 1997 and became FUJIFILM (Switzerland) AG.
1963
1964
Stereoprint AG is the only company within Chromos with its own production facilities, along with the later Kelva in Sweden. Production is later discontinued and the materials are sold.
1969
1966-1985
1971
Litho Trade AG is founded.
Litho Trade AG is developing into an important supplier for the repro and printing industry as a result of the upward trend in the offset printing process. In addition to FUJIFILM graphic film, printing plates, proofs and equipment, the product range also includes consumables, chemicals and environmentally friendly processing systems.
1971
1972
After attending the College of Printing in London and years of training and traveling with various suppliers, Rolf Broglie began his career as a salesman for Goebel machines. A few years later, he was promoted to Managing Director and Delegate of the Board of Directors.
1977
With agencies such as Scitex and ECRM, Chromos Electronic AG secures a firm place among the suppliers of these new technologies. In 1992, it merged with Litho Trade AG to form Litho Tronic AG, which in turn was integrated into Chromos AG in 2001.
1979
1980
Chromos Inter AG searches the world for new, pioneering high-tech products from all areas of the graphics and packaging industry for distribution on the European market. In 1995, the company is integrated into Chromos AG.
1980
1982
1986-2005
1986
Chromos Chempak is founded in Friedberg near Augsburg.
March 18, 1988
The construction, which began in 1987, was the result of a lack of space and difficulties at the long-standing location in Zurich. The move marks the end of a traditional and fruitful period and the beginning of a new era.
1989
1990
Takeover of the agencies of Signode and Meypack.
1993
1994
1995
1995
1996
1997
1999
2001
2004
At the center of his credo was the triangle with the cornerstones of customer, employee and supplier. It was always clear to him that it was ultimately the customers who decided the fate of a company. "Customer values" were not just empty words for him and should continue to be of great importance to the Group.
2005
2005
Representation for the Japanese Toyo Ink is taken over.
2006-2022
2006
With the acquisition of CBC AG, the Chromos Group is entering the large-format digital printing market.
2007
2007
2008
2009
2009
Taking over the representation for Omet.
Taking over the representation for Durst.
2010
2011
2013
2015
2017
2018
Launch of the 3D Solutions division.
2018
Chromos GmbH moves to Augsburg.
Start of Europe-wide spare parts supply for RMGT.
2019
2020
Universal Robots was founded in Denmark in 2005 and was the first company to produce commercially viable collaborative robots.
July 1, 2020
CHROMOS Group AG comprises the Printing, Packaging, Industrial, FUJIFILM Photo, Kelva Webcleaning and Service divisions. Subsequently, Prografica Holding AG is renamed Chromos Holding AG.
2021
Integration of reico GmbH (D) into CHROMOS Group AG