First Chemical Factory in Switzerland
Designated as «Chemical Landmark» on November 11th, 2009.
The first designation of a «Chemical Landmark» in Switzerland goes to Winterthur, where Johann Heinrich Ziegler (1738-1818) has built up together with Johann Sebastian Clais (1742-1809) and Johann Jakob Sulzer (1738-1797) between 1777 and 1781 the first chemical factory in Switzerland.
This - also «Laboratorium» called – complex of buildings was located at the «untere Neuwiese» some hundred meters from the then town. The last buildings were demolished in 1960.
Main building of the «Laboratorium» in 1960 (Source: Winterthurer Bibliotheken, Sondersammlungen)
The main products of the factory were vitriolic acid (sulfuric acid) and products made of it, which were use as bleaching and coloring agents in the local and nationwide textile industry. They also produced other products such as hydrochloric acid and soda. List of product in 1781 (Source: Zentralbibliothek Zürich, Ms. Car. XV 154a.4, Beilage)
The designation has taken place on November 11th, 2009 directly at the Laboratoriumsstrasse in Winterthur. More than 50 persons followed the invitation, among them politicians, chemists and historians, but also residents and other interested people.
Felix Escher, Vice-president of the SCNAT, welcomed the attendees and gave a short introduction to the SCNAT. The laudatio - written by Karl Gademann, Member of the board of the «Platform Chemistry» - was followed by two summaries: Rudolf Gamper, a local historian from Winterthur, gave a concise overview of history of the «Laboratorium» and Hans-Jürgen Hansen, Emeritus of the Chemistry Department of the university of Zurich, gave an introduction to the chemistry of the 18th century.
Foto: M. Lio
After the revelation of the commemorative plaque, Ernst Wohlwend, Mayor of the City of Winterthur, thanked the SCNAT in the name of the city for this honor. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the first chemical factory for the industrial history of the city and the innovative character of former and present enterprises in Winterthur.
Pictures of the ceremony
Press release (german/french)