Eduard Fresenius was a German chemist and entrepreneur who founded the company that would later become Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA. Born in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1874, he studied chemistry and physics at the University of Munich and later worked as a professor of chemistry at the University of Würzburg.
In 1912, Eduard Fresenius founded his own company, initially focused on the production of laboratory equipment. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality equipment, and in the 1920s, it expanded into the production of medical equipment.
During World War II, the company faced significant challenges due to the shortage of resources and the destruction of its factories. Despite these challenges, Eduard Fresenius managed to keep the company afloat and even expanded it after the war.
Eduard Fresenius passed away in 1946, leaving behind a successful company that would continue to grow and evolve under the leadership of his family and successors. While it is difficult to determine the exact wealth of Eduard Fresenius, his legacy lives on through the company that he founded, which is now one of the largest healthcare companies in the world.
Today, Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA has a market capitalization of over $22 billion and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. While the company has grown and diversified its product line since its founding, it remains true to the values and vision of its founder, Eduard Fresenius.
Here’s a timeline of Eduard Fresenius:
- 1874: Eduard Fresenius is born in Wiesbaden, Germany.
- 1892: Fresenius begins studying chemistry and physics at the University of Munich.
- 1896: He receives his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Munich.
- 1898: Fresenius joins the faculty of the University of Würzburg as a professor of chemistry.
- 1912: Fresenius founds a company focused on the production of laboratory equipment.
- 1920s: The company expands into the production of medical equipment.
- 1940s: The company faces challenges during World War II due to resource shortages and factory destruction, but continues to operate and expand after the war.
- 1946: Eduard Fresenius passes away.
- 1976: The company changes its name to Fresenius AG.
- 1996: Fresenius AG goes public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
- 1997: Fresenius AG acquires the dialysis equipment manufacturer, National Medical Care.
- 1999: The company creates Fresenius Medical Care, a subsidiary focused on renal care.
- 2003: Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA is established as the parent company of Fresenius Medical Care and other subsidiaries.
- 2018: The company has a market capitalization of over $22 billion and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide.
Here are 5 interesting facts about Eduard Fresenius:
- Fresenius was an accomplished chemist who published numerous papers and articles throughout his career, including a groundbreaking paper on the use of ion-exchange resins in chemical analysis.
- In addition to founding his own company, Fresenius was also a co-founder of the German Society for Clinical Chemistry and the German Society for Chemical Technology and Biotechnology.
- During World War II, Fresenius’ factories were destroyed and his company faced significant challenges. Despite this, he managed to keep the company afloat and even expand it after the war.
- Fresenius was known for his commitment to quality and innovation, which helped his company gain a reputation for producing high-quality laboratory and medical equipment.
- The company that Fresenius founded has grown and evolved over the years, but it remains true to his vision and values, including a commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.
Here are 5 quotes attributed to Eduard Fresenius:
- “I believe in progress, and I am convinced that scientific work and new developments are of the utmost importance for human progress.”
- “Quality is the basis of everything we do.”
- “Innovation is not just about having good ideas, it’s about having the courage to pursue them and the persistence to see them through to fruition.”
- “We must always be willing to learn from our mistakes and to use those lessons to improve and innovate.”
- “We have a responsibility to our customers, our employees, and the environment, and we must always strive to do what is best for all of them.”
