Ets B. Rossow et Cie is established in Marseilles (south France) by Mr Björn Rossow who was a Norwegian citizen. In the first years the business was focusing on marine derived products (fish meal, fish oils, fish vitamins). In the early sixties a diversification took place and chemical ingredients as well as process equipments were also sold to the French customers.
A division for specialty chemicals is established which, thanks to the EU treaty, becomes the core business of the Company in the early eighties (Coating resins, pigments and additives, extenders, effect pigments).
After the founder retired, the Company was completely reorganized. The head office was moved to Paris. The focus was clearly set on specialty chemicals for Coatings, inks, plastics, paper, etc.
A Cosmetic Division is set in place to satisfy our partners growing interest for this Industry. It becomes the priority for future developments.
The Company is changed into a Company Limited while the ownership changes generation.
In order to better service our main international customers within their International activities, the Company opens the necessary communication lines to start exports within the EU. An increasing line of specialty chemicals and ingredients helps the Company shift from Commodity business into high-tech ingredients.
The sales to the Cosmetic Industries account for more than 50 % of the Company’s activities of which over 20 % concern export into Europe and USA. In order to best support the growth, a fully owned dedicated affiliate : “Rossow Cosmétiques” is established.
A cosmetic lab is set in place to provide appropriate technical service to the customers.
A key turn in Company’s history. A fully owned affiliate : “Rossow Industries” is established. On March 2002, the first ISO 9001 (2000 ed.) is obtained for the Group of Companies which include Laboratory activities. Early November, the Company moves into its new premises conveniently located in the NW of Paris. Office, warehouse and laboratory are located on the same site.
In June, the warehouse is activated. the Group then decides to participate to the “Responsible Care program”.
In October with the help of a local partner, Rossow Cosmetiques USA is established.
The ISO 9001 (2000 ed.) certification is obtained for the second time.