History

Honeywell’s chemical production at the facility in Seelze, Germany, dates back nearly two centuries. It began with the pharmacist Johann Daniel Riedel (*1786 – †1843), who took over a pharmacy in 1814. With the successful manufacture of pharmaceutical products he provided a basis for the chemical industry. J. D. Riedel’s chemical plant remained in family property for 100 years.

The chemist and physicist Eugen de Haën (*1835 – †1911) paved the way for today’s Honeywell as well. He established a chemical company in 1861. During his leadership, which lasted about 50 years, he was always eager to generate new products and applications.

In the beginning of the 20th century these enterprises merged to become Riedel-de Haën AG, currently known as Honeywell Specialty Chemicals Seelze GmbH, Germany. Based on the expertise of Riedel and de Haën in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical and chemical products, today’s Honeywell has become a recognized leader in specialty chemicals.