History
Founded in 1835 by Georg Philipp Heberlein in Wattwil, the company established itself initially as one of Switzerland's leading textile finishers 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.
In 2005, the Board of Directors of Gurit decided to separate the activities of the Health Care Division as an independent company under the name of Medisize Holding AG. Its shares were listed on SWX Swiss Exchange on June 23, 2006.
At the end of February 2008, the Board of Directors to sell the Medical business in its entirety. With this sale, the company is now exclusively focused on its Dental business and has changed its name to COLTENE Holding AG.
COLTENE is a synonym for five decades of experience in the dental sector.