The history of CHROMOS Group AG
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
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
1954
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
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
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
1966-1985
1971
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
1972
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
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
1980
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
1982
1986-2005
1986
Foundation of Chromos Chempak in Friedberg near Augsburg.
March 18 1988
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
1990
Takeover of the representations 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 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
2005
The representation for the Japanese Toyo Ink is taken over.
2006-2022
2006
With the acquisition of CBC AG, the Chromos Group enters the large-format digital printing business.
2007
2007
2008
2009
2009
Takeover of the representation for Omet.
Takeover of the representation for Durst.
2010
2011
2013
2015
2017
2018
Launch of the 3D Solutions Division.
2018
Relocation of Chromos GmbH 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 1st 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.