Balthasar – From the beginning to today

COMPANY HISTORY – OVER 80 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Founded in 1939, Balthasar now employs around 80 people and produces and markets products for life & living. This traditional company from the Seetal is the Swiss leader in the candle industry and is now in its third generation of family management. Since 2020, we have also been selling our products online (balthasar.ch) and at the Balthasar store in Hochdorf, which spans 500 m².

1939

Theo Balthasar founds the traditional Swiss company Balthasar for the manufacture of cosmetics and technical chemical products in Hochdorf LU. In the beginning, he only produces products containing alcohol, such as eau de cologne or hair tonic. Theo Balthasar draws birch juice by hand for the famous birch hair water.

Since body awareness and fashion are becoming increasingly important for women, the range is geared towards these new needs. Lipsticks, nail varnishes, powders and creams, bath additives and shampoos are particularly sought after.

1948

After the Second World War, Balthasar starts producing candles at the request of Migros founder Gottlieb Duttweiler.

1973

Dr. Louis Balthasar takes over the CEO position from his father and invests in the growth of candle production.

1974

The candle-drawing machine, which will remain in operation until 2015, is purchased and enables the mechanical candle-drawing of étoile and taper candles.

1997

Balthasar takes over trading company Mislin AG. This gives rise to the subsidiary Mislin + Balthasar AG. A partner for the distribution of household and cosmetic products. Our house brands in the household sector are subsequently developed further and sold successfully. (Elite, Finito, Flaman)

This is followed by further investment in the expansion of the company and the modernisation of in-house production. A high-bay warehouse is built and the first candle pressing system is put into operation.

2013

Alain Balthasar takes over the family business and continues to run it today, in its third generation. The Balthasar Group is a leading production and trading company and offers its customers a wide range of products.

2014

The subsidiary Intercos Handels AG is founded and enables an expansion of the product range with the development and production of speciality waxes. Today, Intercos also sells two specially developed soot testers and trades in nano-sealing products.

2015

A modern candle extruder replaces the old drawing system. From now on, taper candles will also be made from paraffin granulate and no longer drawn from liquid wax.

2017

A new product joins the range: the frost candle. This was initially produced by hand. Today, we fill them automatically using the machine we developed ourselves in 2021.

2020

The stylish Balthasar store opens in Hochdorf and is regularly refurbished to reflect the latest interior design trends and themes. The range includes deco inspiration, countless gift ideas, creative products relating to candles and light and, last but not least, expert candle advice.

2022

Balthasar takes over the exclusive Swiss representation of Scholl Foot Care and thus strengthens the third and oldest pillar of the company, personal care.

2023

Establishment of Balthasar Logistik. In addition to providing logistics services for the Balthasar Group, the future aim is to also provide logistics services for third-party customers. The capacities required for this will be provided by the already completed expansion of the high-bay warehouse and the planned construction of a new logistics hall.