The Swiss CHROMOS Group celebrates in 2021 its 75th anniversary. What began in 1946 with the founding of a trading company for the Swiss printing industry is today a 3rd generation owner-managed group of companies with a focus on technology and solution consulting in the fields of imaging and automation. The eventful company history was and is characterized by continuous innovation.

1946-1965

May 1st 1946

Paul Broglie founds Chromos AG in Zurich.

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 graphic arts industry in Switzerland.

1948

After only two years, space becomes too limited and the young company moves to Röntgenstrasse.

1954

Start of the representation of Siegwerk Ink.

Foundation of Chromos Grafische Maschinen GmbH in Germany.

With the foundation of Chromos Grafische Maschinen GmbH in Germany (today Chromos GmbH), the first step is taken abroad. The company partly takes over the same representations as in Switzerland. An important partner becomes Ferag from the Zurich Oberland with their newspaper conveyor belts. The business relationship continues for many years until Ferag takes over the foreign business on its own.

1955

First appearance at the world graphic arts fair DRUPA in Düsseldorf.

1956

With the takeover of the representation of the Goebel machine factory, Chromos has made the breakthrough.

1960

The first distribution contract is signed with FUJIFILM Japan.

The contractual partner is the former Erno AG, which was taken over by the Chromos Group in 1997 and became FUJIFILM (Switzerland) AG.

1963

With great foresight, Paul Broglie buys a piece of land in Glattbrugg. In 1988, the “Blue House”, the company headquarters of the Chromos Group, was built on it.

1964

Foundation of Stereoprint AG in Au at the lake Zurich for manufacturing and sale of materials for the production of printing plates in England, the USA, South Africa and India, among other countries.

Together with the later Kelva in Sweden, Stereiprint AG is the only company within Chromos with its own production. Later, production is discontinued and what remains is the sale of materials.

1969

In Schwalbach am Taunus, the new business premises of the german Chromos GmbH are inaugurated.

1966-1985

1971

25 Years Chromos AG

Foundation of Litho Trade AG.

In the course of the upward trend of offset printing, Litho Trade AG develops into an important supplier company for the repro and printing industry. In addition to FUJIFILM graphic film, printing plates, proofs and equipment, the product range also includes consumables, chemicals and environmentally friendly processing systems.

1971

Prografica AG is founded as a holding company for all companies belonging to the group.

1972

Rolf Broglie joins the company.

After attending the College of Printing in London and working for various suppliers, Rolf Broglie began his career as a salesman for Goebel machines. A few years later, he advanced to the position of Managing Director and Delegate of the Board of Directors.

1977

Chromos Electronic AG is founded in response to the rapid development of computer-aided typesetting systems.

With representations of brands like 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 was integrated into Chromos AG in 2001.

1979

Takeover of the representation of Domino addressing systems from England.

1980

Foundation of Chromos Inter AG.

Chromos Inter AG searches the world for new, pioneering high-tech products from all areas of the graphic arts and packaging industries for distribution on the European market. In 1995 the company is integrated into Chromos AG.

1980

Start of the cooperation with Toppan Japan.

1982

The Swedish AB Kelva, founded in 1970, production and sales company for pumps and web cleaning equipment, is integrated into the Chromos Group after many years of cooperation.

1986-2005

1986

Foundation and opening of a branch office of LithoTronic in Bussigny in french-speaking Switzerland.

Foundation of Chromos Chempak in Friedberg near Augsburg.

March 18 1988

Move to the “Blue House”, the new company headquarters in Glattbrugg.

The construction, which began in 1987, was a consequence of a lack of space and difficulties at the long-standing location in Zurich. The move signifies the end of a traditional and fruitful period and marks the beginning of a new era.

1989

Takeover of the representation of Codimag from France.

1990

The Group expands its international activities with the establishment of Chromos Chempak in Vienna and Chromos Iberica.

Takeover of the representations of Signode and Meypack.

1993

Takeover of the representation of the Japanese printing machine manufacturer Ryobi, today’s RMGT.

1994

LithoTronic takes over two important representations: It becomes an official Apple dealer and obtains representation for the novel digital printing systems of the Israeli manufacturer Indigo, today’s HP Indigo.

1995

Merger of the German companies Chromos Chempak and Chromos Grafischen Maschinen GmbH to form Chromos Handelsgesellschaft mbH.

1995

Acquisition of Rickenmann AG, which among others distributes Komori sheetfed offset presses.

1996

In May, Chromos AG celebrates its 50th anniversary and LithoTronic AG its 25th anniversary with a party for customers and suppliers at Circus Conelli.

1997

The Chromos Group takes over Erno Holding, which among others represents FUJIFILM photo products. As a result, FUJIFILM (Switzerland) AG is established.

1999

FUJIFILM (Switzerland) AG takes over the Colorlabor Jegenstorf from Coop and moves the production to Dielsdorf.

2001

LithoTronic AG is integrated into Chromos AG.

2004

Paul A Broglie, founder and patron of the Chromos Group, dies in August.

At the center of his credo was the triangle with the cornerstones customer, employee and supplier. For him, it was always clear that ultimately it is the customers who decide the fate of a company. For him, “customer values” were not just empty words and should continue to be of great importance to the Group.

2005

Stereo Print AG is integrated into Chromos AG. The administration and parts of the sales organization of Chromos AG move to Dielsdorf to the headquarters of FUJIFILM (Switzerland) AG.

2005

Christian Broglie joins the Chromos Group.

The representation for the Japanese Toyo Ink is taken over.

2006-2022

2006

Daniel Broglie joins the Chromos Group.

With the acquisition of CBC AG, the Chromos Group enters the large-format digital printing business.

2007

The last business units of Chromos AG move from Glattbrugg to Dielsdorf.

2007

reico Handels GmbH (AT) and reico GmbH (D) are acquired.

2008

The service company IMSAG is integrated into Chromos AG and expanded into a technical competence center.

2009

Christian Broglie becomes CEO of FUJIFILM (Switzerland) AG.

2009

Foundation of CHROMOS (Austria) GmbH and takeover of the representation for Ryobi sheetfed printing presses for Austria.

Takeover of the representation for Omet.

Takeover of the representation for Durst.

2010

Daniel Broglie becomes CEO of Chromos AG.

2011

Foundation of Babymüller.ch, an online retailer for diapers and baby products. After being spun off into a separate corporation, this business was sold in 2016.

2013

Chromos AG takes over FUJIFILM Sericol Switzerland GmbH.

2015

Acquisition of Videal AG, a specialized solution provider for high-speed camera systems, and integration into the Industrial Division of FUJIFILM (Switzerland) AG.

2017

Integration der AB Kelva in die Imsag AG. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt erfolgt die schrittweise Verlagerung der Produktion von Schweden in die Schweiz.

2018

Integration of Imsag AG into Chromos AG.

Launch of the 3D Solutions Division.

2018

Rolf Broglie hands over the chairmanship of the Board of Directors to Peter Urs Naef.

Relocation of Chromos GmbH to Augsburg.

Start of Europe-wide spare parts supply for RMGT.

2019

Commissioning of the HP Indigo training center.

2020

Takeover of the representation of Universal Robots from Denmark.

Universal Robots was founded in Denmark in 2005 and was the first company to produce commercially viable collaborative robots.

July 1st 2020

Merger of Chromos AG and FUJIFILM (Switzerland) AG to form CHROMOS Group AG.

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

CHROMOS Group AG turns 75.

Integration of reico GmbH (D) into CHROMOS Group AG.

March 2022

After extensive renovation work, the employees of CHROMOS Group AG move into new offices on the company premises in Dielsdorf.

August 25th 2022

Under the motto “BACK TO THE FUTURE”, CHROMOS Group AG celebrates its 75th anniversary on August 25 with customers, suppliers, partners and employees.

2022

Merger of reico Handels GmbH and Chromos (Austria) GmbH to form CHROMOS Österreich GmbH.