Company history

How it all began …

Almost 70 years ago, we were given the task of coating the skin of the zeppelin. At the time, there were no coatings that met the challenging specifications of this assignment. So, with our industry partners, Wörwag invented a special varnish. Not only could it withstand extreme climatic conditions, this coating also ensured that the zeppelin’s gas-filled interior was completely airtight. Much has changed since then. A small family company has evolved into a successful global player. But some things have remained the same: we haven’t lost our ability to innovate, nor our willingness to tackle thorny problems.

Milestones

	1918 The beginning Karl Wörwag founds the company in Zuffenhausen. Develops and produces paint and anti-rust coatings.
	1920s The early years Begins production of industrial coatings, under the trade name Lastina.
	1930s The breakthrough The hull of the zeppelin is coated with a special varnish – developed in collaboration with our industry partners. Photo: © Archive of the Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH, Friedrichshafen
	1950s The post-war boom Wörwag introduces air drying coatings for agricultural and construction machine manufacturers (Fahr, Ködel & Böhm etc) and baking enamel for the home appliance and lighting industries (Bosch, Siemens, Zanker).
	1969 The coatings revolution Starts manufacturing powder coatings with epoxy resin.
	1970 Progress First systematic introduction of two-component coatings for the mechanical engineering industry.
	1980s Innovation Development of automotive paints for exterior plastic parts, introduction of metallic and single-stage paints.
	1990s Corporate social responsibility Industrial coatings containing solvents are systematically replaced by water-soluble products, especially dip coatings; high-quality, weather-resistant 2K coatings for construction machines and lorries.
	from 1995 Expansion Commissioning of new powder manufacturing process at Renningen; foundation of subsidiaries in the USA, Spain, South Africa, China.
	from 2000 The technology revolution Development of foil coatings Moves into coatings for vehicle bodies Construction of production facility in China