Gurit History

Founded in 1835 by Georg Philipp Heberlein in Wattwil, the company established itself as a leading textile finisher and subsequently as a leading player in the manufacture of synthetic fibers (Helanca) and textile machines. After founding its rubber factories in Richterswil (Gurit) in 1929, the Group began turning the manufacture of synthetic materials into a core competency.

For many years, Gurit and its partner Essex/Dow played a definitive role in the development of the European automotive industry with their introduction of the direct adhesion concept to glass and bodywork together with innovative damping materials. At the same time, Gurit was continuously strengthening its position in Health Care applications. As the automobile industry became increasingly globalized, Gurit sold its share in the joint venture to Dow Chemical in 2000. The Group used the funds released by this sale for the expansion of future-oriented activities both in the Health Care and Industrial Applications Divisions.

On June 23, 2006, the former Health Care Division was listed as an independent company under the name of Medisize Holding AG (today COLTENE Holding AG) on SIX Swiss Exchange. 

Gurit today is exclusively focusing on high-end composite materials including prepregs, structural core materials, formulated resins and respective technologies for applications in the wind energy, tooling, transportation marine and engineered structures markets. With a special focus on building a strong market position and production base in Asia in recent years, Gurit is a truly global business.