22/01/2026
From glue hut to industry icon: the beginnings of the Geistlich company
175 years ago, a success story began in Zurich with a craft as old as humanity itself: by founding Switzerland's first glue factory, Heinrich Glättli and Heinrich Geistlich laid the foundation for the Geistlich company—a pioneering enterprise that continues to combine tradition and innovation to this day.
The history of the Geistlich company begins in 1825 with the birth of Heinrich Geistlich in Greifensee. As a master locksmith in Meilen, he worked for his fellow believer Heinrich Glättli, who founded Switzerland's first glue factory in Riesbach in 1851 – the so-called “Lymhütte.” This factory marks the origin of today's Geistlich company. Even today, the “Leimgasse” (Glue Alley) in the Zurich district commemorates this historic location.
The history of glue dates back to the Stone Age. Advanced civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used animal substances for gluing. In the Middle Ages, glue was mainly in demand for bookbinding and woodworking. With the Enlightenment, knowledge of the chemical principles behind glue increased. From the 20th century onwards, technological advances led to synthetic adhesives that are more durable and versatile.
Geistlich shaped glue production for over 150 years – by combining traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, a simple product became an innovative industry.
