Early Life
Albert Boehringer was born on August 11, 1861, in Stuttgart, Germany. He received training in chemistry, including studies in Munich. Boehringer's entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on, as he later acquired a small tartar factory in Nieder-Ingelheim in 1885.
Rise to Success
In 1885, Albert Boehringer founded C. H. Boehringer Sohn, a chemical and pharmaceutical company, with a focus on producing tartaric acid salts. The company’s success was fueled by his groundbreaking discovery in 1893: the mass production of lactic acid using bacteria. This breakthrough positioned Boehringer as a pioneer in large-scale biotechnological production. Over time, the company expanded, moving into the pharmaceutical sector and launching its first drug, Laudanon, in 1912. By the time of his death in 1939, the company employed approximately 1,500 people.
Key Business Strategies
Boehringer's focus on research and development was a cornerstone of the company's strategy, with a formal research department established in 1917. His early commitment to employee welfare, including health insurance and pension schemes, fostered a strong corporate culture. The decision to remain a family-owned company allowed for a long-term approach to innovation. The company's emphasis on sustainability, research and development, and employee welfare has contributed to its ongoing success.
Philanthropy
Information on Albert Boehringer's personal philanthropy could not be located, but his company, Boehringer Ingelheim, is involved in many publically funded research projects.
