Frei Lacke was founded in 1926 by Emil Frei, who initially established a wholesale business for paints and varnishes. Just one year later, the company began its own production at its Döggingen site.
After World War II, the sons of the company's founder joined the business. In the following decades, Frei Lacke continuously expanded its portfolio and was an early adopter of new technologies such as powder coatings, electrocoating, and glass fiber-reinforced plastics. With the transition to the third generation in 2003, the company's international orientation became even more important. Today, Frei Lacke has subsidiaries and partners in Europe, China, Mexico, and other countries.
Internationalization and location loyalty
Parallel to its international expansion, the company invested in its headquarters in the Black Forest. Modern production facilities, the expansion of powder coating production, and new administrative and development areas have characterized the past few years. A new product technology center is currently being built to bring together development, application technology, and training.
Dealing with current challenges
Like many medium-sized industrial companies, Frei Lacke has faced considerable challenges in recent years. The coronavirus pandemic, disrupted supply chains, and geopolitical uncertainties have required flexible organization and adapted processes. Digital working methods and new communication formats have been further expanded.
Outlook for the coming years
Today, Frei Lacke employs more than 650 people and generates a large part of its sales abroad. In its anniversary year, the company is planning various activities for employees, customers, and social institutions in the region. With its long-term strategic orientation, Frei Lacke considers itself well positioned organizationally and technologically for the coming years.