THE GLUETEC COMPANY HISTORY – OVER 25 YEARS OF ADHESIVE EXPERTISE.
The history of the GLUETEC GROUP is characterized by entrepreneurial spirit, technological innovation, and consistent investment in the future. What began in 1997 with the founding of WIKO e.K. in Germany has, over more than 25 years, evolved into an internationally oriented group of companies specializing in adhesives, sealants, aerosols, cleaners, hygiene products, and integrated adhesive solutions.
Today, the GLUETEC GROUP ranks among the leading manufacturers and system providers of adhesives in Europe. As a “hidden champion” in the B2B sector, GLUETEC combines long-standing commercial expertise with in-house development, state-of-the-art production, and specialized services throughout the value chain.
MILESTONES IN THE COMPANY'S HISTORY
From Adhesive Distributor to Manufacturer and System Provider
The company’s origins date back to the founding of WIKO e.K. in 1997. Just a few years later, in 2000, an important strategic step followed with the founding of GLUETEC GmbH & Co. KG. GLUETEC established expertise in the field of industrial adhesives early on and steadily evolved from a trading company into a provider of comprehensive adhesive solutions.
A key milestone was the construction of the current corporate headquarters in Greußenheim in 2004. The investment in the first automated filling line laid the foundation for the further expansion of the company’s in-house production and filling capabilities. The founding of WIKO KLEBETECHNIK Sp. z o.o. in Poland in 2005 further strengthened the company’s international focus and created new opportunities in production, packaging, contract filling, and contract manufacturing.
Brands, Technologies, and In-House Product Development
With the launch of the WELDYX® MMA structural adhesives brand in 2009, GLUETEC sent a clear signal regarding technical adhesive solutions for demanding industrial applications. The company consistently built upon its role as an adhesive expert and strategically expanded its portfolio.
In 2011, the range of services was expanded to include private label design, packaging technology, and kitting. As a result, GLUETEC increasingly positioned itself as a full-service partner for customers in industry, trade, and retail. From product selection to packaging, labeling, and contract filling, all the way through to kitting and shipping, GLUETEC supports its customers with practical adhesive expertise and flexible solutions.
In 2012, the GLUETEC d.o.o. sales office was established in Slovenia, and the German locations WIKO and GLUETEC merged. This step consolidated expertise, brands, and sales structures and strengthened the joint market position.
Ongoing investments in production, research, and market positioning
The GLUETEC GROUP has consistently driven its growth through targeted investments. In 2016, the new manufacturing facility in Poland was completed. Extensive investments in new machinery strengthened production capacity and laid the foundation for further growth.
In 2018, the three locations in Germany, Poland, and Slovenia were merged to form the GLUETEC GROUP. This created a corporate group that integrates development, production, sales, and services even more closely.
Another strategic milestone followed in 2019 with the investment in a new research and development laboratory in Greußenheim. The goal was to specifically expand the development of user-friendly polyurethane adhesives. That same year saw the brand relaunch of BLOCK BOND® hoof adhesives for cattle, featuring the company’s own PU formulation. With this move, GLUETEC underscored its commitment not only to selling products but also to developing its own high-performance formulations for specific applications.
New markets, new technologies, new capacities
Starting in 2024, GLUETEC sharpened its focus on specialized applications and forward-looking product areas. HOOF FIX, a new brand for bonding horse shoeing, was introduced. At the same time, a new product division for cleaners and hygiene products was established under the WIKO brand. This includes, among other things, highly effective cleaners as well as products for workplace hygiene, such as hand wash pastes containing perlite. These products complement the existing portfolio of chemical-technical products for users in industry and the skilled trades.
On the production side as well, preparations were made for an important step in 2024: Modernization measures were implemented at the Polish site, and neighboring properties were acquired. In doing so, GLUETEC is laying the groundwork to expand future production capacities in a targeted manner and to meet rising demand with even greater flexibility.
In the same year, production in Poland was expanded with a new, fully automated filling line for two-component adhesives. This investment increases production capacity for contract manufacturing and strengthens the GLUETEC GROUP’s position as a reliable partner for industrial adhesive production, contract filling, and private-label solutions.
With ORYX CHEMICAL’s acquisition of the GLUETEC Group in 2025, a new chapter in the company’s history began—built on a strong brand, deep-rooted adhesive expertise, and a clear focus on industrial customer requirements.
In 2026, PURYX® polyurea adhesives marked a technological milestone from the GLUETEC laboratory. This innovative adhesive technology features user-friendly formulations and positions itself as an alternative to MMA adhesives. With this, GLUETEC further expands its expertise in the field of user-friendly products and strengthens its transformation from a traditional adhesive supplier to a research-intensive manufacturer of modern adhesive technologies.
GLUETEC Today: Adhesive Expertise for Industry, Trades, and Retail
Today, the GLUETEC GROUP is synonymous with integrated adhesive solutions in the B2B sector. The company combines many years of experience in the distribution of chemical products for bonding and sealing with in-house development, high-performance formulations, state-of-the-art filling technology, and practical, customer-focused services.
As a system provider, GLUETEC supports customers with product specifications, container selection, product design, private label, contract filling, contract labeling, packaging, and shipping. The products are used in a wide variety of areas—from production to maintenance and repair to upkeep.
The GLUETEC GROUP’s development shows that, over the decades, what began as a small business has evolved into a specialized manufacturer, contract manufacturing partner, and adhesives expert. Tradition, a willingness to invest, and innovative strength continue to form the foundation for sustainable growth to this day.
With a clear focus on user-friendly products, modern adhesive technologies, and scalable production capacities, GLUETEC is committed to supporting industrial customers with reliable, efficient, and future-oriented solutions.
READ MORE NOW
