Behn Meyer: A Global Chronicle of Chemical Distribution
Charting over 180 years of innovation and reach in specialty chemicals, from its origins in Singapore to its current status as a leading international distributor.
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Foundations: Genesis and Early Growth
Establishment in Singapore
Behn Meyer's origins trace back to November 1, 1840, when Valentin Lorenz Meyer joined Theodor August Behn in Singapore, establishing Behn, Meyer & Co. This marked the inception of the first German trading company in Singapore. Initially operating as an overseas trading entity, the company capitalized on burgeoning trade opportunities, including those presented by the First Opium War.
Partnership and Expansion
The partnership structure evolved, with Arnold Otto Meyer eventually joining and leading the company's expansion. By 1851, a new partnership agreement was signed, solidifying the company's structure. The business engaged in trading regional products, distributing European goods across Southeast Asian ports, and managing plantations, laying the groundwork for its future diversification.
Early Global Reach
By the onset of World War I, Behn Meyer had established a significant presence, operating eleven branches across Southeast Asia and the Far East, including key locations like Hong Kong, Canton, and Shanghai. Its business activities extended to shipping agencies, plantation management, insurance, and the tin trade, positioning it as a major German trading entity in the region.
Historical Trajectory: Resilience and Transformation
World Wars and Economic Turmoil
The company faced profound challenges during the World Wars and the Great Depression. World War I resulted in the seizure of assets and internment of employees. Post-war recovery in the 1920s saw the establishment of a Dutch entity and business operations in the Dutch East Indies. However, the interwar period and World War II brought further disruptions, including asset losses and the impact of National Socialist economic policies and "Aryanization" initiatives.
Post-War Recovery and Specialization
Following World War II, Behn Meyer navigated the loss of overseas possessions by initially focusing on the scrap trade and anti-corrosion paint distribution. Despite initial exclusions from business in Malaya and Singapore, the company gradually rebuilt its presence, supported by international partners. A pivotal strategic shift occurred as the company increasingly focused on chemical products, leveraging decades of experience in the chemical trade, particularly in fertilizers and crop protection since the 1960s.
Adapting to Market Dynamics
The late 20th century presented new challenges as technical innovations and changing market structures reduced the reliance on traditional trading agencies. Manufacturers began establishing their own distribution networks, and direct communication channels grew. Behn Meyer responded by divesting from non-core areas like engineering and consumer goods distribution, sharpening its focus on specialty chemicals and related industries.
Strategic Pillars: Core Business Divisions
AgriCare
This division is dedicated to the production, marketing, sales, and distribution of a comprehensive range of fertilizers, including specialized formulations for crops like oil palms, and crop protection products. Its long-standing cooperation with entities like FELDA in Malaysia has significantly bolstered its market position.
Ingredients
Focusing on additives and specialty ingredients, this division serves diverse sectors including the food industry, animal feed, organic farming, and the cosmetics, household, and pharmaceutical industries. The acquisition of Intracare in the Netherlands further strengthened its portfolio in hygiene products and antibiotic alternatives for animal nutrition.
Performance Chemicals
This division provides a wide array of chemical products and services tailored for applications in coatings, process engineering, water purification, the petrochemical industry, and leather and textile production. Its offerings support various industrial processes and environmental solutions.
Polymers
Specializing in additives for the plastics and rubber industries, this division operates globally, serving markets across Asia, Europe, and the United States. The establishment of Performance Additives in Malaysia marked a significant step in developing its polymer business.
Global Footprint: Market Presence and Operations
Extensive Network
Behn Meyer operates a vast network comprising companies, branches, production facilities, and warehouses across Asia, Europe, and North America. Key operational hubs are located in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Market Position
The company holds a significant position in the chemical distribution landscape. In 2016, it was ranked 5th among 63 distributors assessed by ICIS in their "Asia Chemical Distribution Leaders" list. The Group generated substantial revenue, reporting EUR 696.9 million in 2016, supported by a workforce of over 1200 employees.
Diverse Clientele
Serving a broad spectrum of industries, Behn Meyer caters to more than 10,000 customers worldwide. Its strategic focus on specialty chemicals allows it to provide tailored solutions across its diverse business divisions, meeting the specific needs of various industrial sectors.
Legacy and Responsibility: Heritage and Community
Historic Architecture
The company's headquarters in Hamburg, the "Haus Alsterblick" at Kontorhaus am Ballindamm, stands as a testament to its long history, completed in 1907 and meticulously restored. In Asia, the former Behn, Meyer & Co. building in Penang, now part of the state's Heritage Trail, serves as a preserved historical landmark.
Corporate Social Responsibility
A tradition of corporate social responsibility is deeply embedded in Behn Meyer's ethos. From historical donations to institutions in Singapore in the 19th century to establishing welfare associations and foundations supporting employees and communities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, the company demonstrates a sustained commitment to social well-being and development.
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References
References
- According to company's information (About us). Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- Details provided by the company itself. Retrieved 18 Dezember 2018.
- Sieveking: Die Anfänge, p. 194 f. Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. I, p. 94. Kleinsteuber: Merchants, p. 54 f and p. 63 f.
- Sieveking: Die Anfänge, p. 190 and p. 208 f. Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. I, p. 106.
- Sieveking: Die Anfänge, p. 209. Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. I, p. 103â106.
- Sieveking: Das Haus Behn-Meyer & Co. in Singapore, p. 123. Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. I, p. 128 f. Yacob: Trans-generational renewal, p. 1.
- Sieveking: Das Haus Behn-Meyer & Co. in Singapore, p. 123â127. Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. I, p. 137â146.
- Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. II, p. 99â101. Yacob: Trans-generational renewal, p. 5. Yacob: The Rise of the Phoenix, p. 11.
- See Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. II, p. 129 ff. Yacob: Trans-generational renewal, p. 6. Kleinsteuber: Merchants, p. 96.
- See Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. II, p. 117â120. Kleinsteuber: Merchants, p. 229â242.
- Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. II, p. 138-143 and p. 155. Yacob: Trans-generational renewal, p. 2 and p. 7. Yacob: The Rise of the Phoenix, p. 18.
- Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. II, p. 138â140, p. 143, p. 156 and p. 165. Kleinsteuber: Merchants, p. 110, p. 116 and p. 180.
- Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. II, p. 143, p. 156 and p. 165. Kleinsteuber: Merchants, p. 115 and p. 211.
- Helfferich: Zur Geschichte, vol. II, p. 162 f. Yacob: Trans-generational renewal, p. 8.
- Kleinsteuber: Merchants, p. 139 f, p. 147, p. 219, p. 237 f., p. 253â255 and p. 303â305.
- Information from the company about its company history, retrieved 18 December 2018.
- Performance Additives Sdn. Bhd. Website
- Bloomberg entry, retrieved 19 December 2018.
- Cf. About us section on the website of Performance Additives, retrieved 19 December 2018.
- See pull-down menu Businesses of company website.
- Cf. corresponding company details on Locations, retrieved 19 December 2018.
- Details according to the company's Corporate Leadership information. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- Bert Ulrich Beppler: Kontorhaus Ballindamm. Patriotische Gesellschaft von 1765: Preis für Denkmalpflege 2005, p. 14 f.
- For more information on this school, cf. the details in the Singapore Infopedia, retrieved 18 December 2018.
- For more information on this hospital, cf. the details in the Singapore Infopedia, retrieved 18 December 2018.
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