300 years of Gerresheimer Essen – tradition and progress combined

Gerresheimer Essen GmbH has been in existence since 1723, its origins going back to the “Royal Privileged Glass Manufactory” founded 300 years ago. Today the company, as the production site of Gerresheimer AG, produces high-quality glass packaging for a large number of well-known customers in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.

“We are proud of the 300-year history of our glassworks. From traditional glassblowing to modern industrial glass production, we have helped to shape an important piece of industrial history in the Ruhr region. Over 3 centuries, we have constantly changed and faced the challenges of the time,” explained Dr. Dirk Müller, Managing Director of the Essen site. “We would like to use this special occasion to thank our employees in particular for their commitment. We look to the future with confidence and look forward to continuing to produce high-quality glass packaging for our customers at the Essen site.”

The company was established in 1723 and privileged as a royal glass manufactory by Friedrich Wilhelm I in 1727. Later, the factory was called Hünninghauser Glashütte after its founder Hermann Albert Hünninghaus, then Knohl’sche Glashütte. In 1820, the manufacturer Friedrich Ignatz Wisthoff took over the glassworks and helped the company to international success. In 1991, the glassworks was integrated into the Gerresheimer Group.

The product portfolio of Gerresheimer Essen today consists of flint and amber glass of glass types II and III. Primary packaging for the pharma industry in particular is produced at the plant, for example for cough & cold remedies, penicillin, antibiotics or also infusion and injection medications. Gerresheimer Essen is also a specialist for miniatures in the spirits sector and produces bottles and jars for the cosmetics industry.

Through the use of innovative technologies and continuous investment in development and progress, Gerresheimer has been able to maintain its leading position in the market. As early as 1976, the plant was one of the first glassworks ever to have ISO Class 8 clean-room technology.

Today, Gerresheimer Essen has integrated robot-based automation solutions into production to achieve greater flexibility, productivity as well as relief for staff. With a strong corporate culture focused on quality, innovation and customer satisfaction, Gerresheimer Essen is committed to remaining a leading supplier of glass products in the years to come.