WELCOME TO
Brauns-Heitmann
We specialise in the development, production, and distribution of household and laundry care products, decorative items, and as well as food and easter egg dyes. For over a century, we have been synonymous with premium product quality Made In Germany.
What began as two small, family-run businesses has grown into a leading market player across multiple categories—something we are particularly proud of. Our success stems from a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, supported by extensive expertise, a sharp focus on the extraordinary, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Just like our founders, we are built on values of trust, employee appreciation, and sustainable growth—a legacy we have upheld for 150 years.
Our guidelines
Although we operate in very different categories, our mission remains the same everywhere: every day, we strive to make life a little easier and more enjoyable for our customers.
Consistently superior quality
Innovative and inspiring
Future-oriented together
Responsibly sustainable
Social responsibility is one of our core values. For us, this means:
• Responsible use of energy• Responsible use of resources and the environment
• Fair and responsible conduct
• Adherence to strict compliance principles
Flexible and adaptable
Certified and award-winning
Our history
Our long company history, which reflects our essential and traditional values, has a significant influence on our actions. At the same time, we maintain the agility of a medium-sized company—we are flexible, act quickly, and remain open to innovative approaches.
1908
The Brauns price list from 1908 includes dyes for fabrics, leather, candles, bean paste, and soaps; dyes for foodstuffs and luxury foods such as butter, cheese, juices, and liqueurs; and dyes for wood stains, moss, grasses, and flowers. Many are sold by hand in drugstores.
1948
Following supply bottlenecks, production at Heitmann in Warburg is up and running again.
1952
Brauns relocates its headquarters and production facilities to Bad Aibling.
1959
The company in Quedlinburg is gradually nationalised and finally becomes VEB Farb-Chemie Quedlinburg in 1972. Today, the site primarily produces adhesives.
1960
The years of the economic miracle prove challenging for Brauns and Heitmann, as many consumers prefer buying new garments over dyeing them at home.
1969
Valuable merger
On 1 October 1969, the two long-established companies merged to form Brauns-Heitmann GmbH & Co. KG. Together, they secure a stronger position in the market and in competition, laying the foundation for the future of the company and its jobs. The company headquarters in Bad Aibling and Warburg are retained.
1970
Egg dyes and household and laundry care products form part of Brauns-Heitmann’s core business throughout the 1970s. New, innovative products are continually added to the range.
1971
A new category
Brauns-Heitmann establishes a new division: decorative articles. It quickly develops into a major sales driver. Then, as now, the decorative items are sold through food retailers. Today, Brauns-Heitmann offers attractive decorative ideas for every season.
1974
The production facilities in Warburg’s old town centre prove too small. Brauns-Heitmann acquires a plot of land in the Lütkefeld industrial estate in Warburg and constructs a modern production site.
1977
Great pioneering spirit
simplicol is introduced as the first boil-proof textile dye suitable for use in washing machines.
1980
A novelty at the time, Brauns-Heitmann introduces its own product displays for decorative items. The decorative articles gain visibility at all major industry trade fairs.
1990
After unsuccessful reprivatisation talks with the Modrow administration, Wilbra-Chemie is founded on 1 July 1990 as a limited liability company under the Treuhandanstalt. It is retransferred on 1 January 1993.
1993
Combined forces
Brauns-Heitmann consolidates operations. Warburg becomes the sole company headquarters.
1998
Brauns-Heitmann acquires Annen-Chemie and Coturel.
1999
Convenient all-round service for every season. Full service in the areas of decoration and egg dyes is introduced. Sales displays are assembled in Warburg, delivered to retailers, and maintained in store by service staff.
2007
The company acquires Krebs & Sohn and expands its decoration division into high-quality glass Christmas tree baubles.
2010
A new photovoltaic system is installed on the company building to supply it with green energy.
2014
Improving our look
Brauns-Heitmann carries out a comprehensive relaunch of its brands. This includes a modernised design and a stronger presence in the digital space. Customers can now find a wide range of tips and suggestions on the brand pages on the Internet and a YouTube channel provides practical how-to videos. The company also connects with its customers via Facebook.
2018
Sustainable update
Consumers are changing. Sustainability and sustainable products are becoming increasingly important. In 2019, Brauns-Heitmann introduced the new sustainable brand extension PURE for HEITMANN.
2024
Future-orientated concept
The brand image is modernised and a new sustainable product concept introduced: HEITMANN pure refill powder.
Moving forward!
Despite all the innovations and changes, one thing has never changed: our unwavering commitment to high quality. It is the benchmark for every new development at Brauns-Heitmann. We believe that a truly great product is one that people are happy to buy again. Could there be a better basis for a flourishing company and secure jobs?
Our management
Stefan Kremin
“For 150 years, our customers have been our top priority. As a committed team of passionate experts, we develop sustainable products that support both hygiene and environmental protection.”
Frank Batty
“Continuous improvement is deeply rooted in our tradition. We consider the well-being of our employees, business partners, and end consumers in every decision we make.”
Paul Drewes
“Recognising trends and market changes early on and offering innovative products is the key to our joint success.”