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1980 Merck developed the “Viewing Independ- 1995 Merck sold its patents on ferroelectric
2004 Inauguration of the new production plant
for liquid crystals in Darmstadt, with an
The history
1966 Cholesteric liquid crystals were employed
people with their visions and
imperturbable faith in success, as
well as the close and trusting
Darmstadt; in 1816, Emanuel
Merck took it over; his scientific
work on highly effective alkaloids
ly high purity of the preparations.
By intensive research work in the
area of pharmaceuticals and che-
Merck is the leading manufacturer
of LCD materials worldwide. By
the continuous further develop-
as temperature indicators, in thermogra-
phy and medicine, later also in fashion
ent Panel” (VIP display), the basis of all
active matrix flat panel LCDs
liquid crystals to Hoechst initial annual capacity of 100 tons. The
investment totals approximately 250
million euros at the Darmstadt and Gerns-
of the future
cooperation with its customers laid the foundation for “large- micals, as well as by expansion ment of customized liquid crystal items and cosmetics 1996 An applications laboratory for liquid heim locations
for many years. scale production” from 1827 on. and increasing internationaliza- mixtures, Merck – together with 1980 Merck constructed an applications labo- crystals constructed by Merck in Taiwan
tion, the economic success of the display manufacturers – ratory for liquid crystals in Atsugi, Japan
Merck grew rapidly. makes tomorrow’s communica- 1968 Dynamic scattering (George Heilmeier
tion technologies possible. et. al., RCA, United States) 1996 Merck took over the nematics business
Thus display manufacturers are While the liquid crystals are pro- Today Merck KGaA is a globally 1985 The extensive liquid crystal patent port- of Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
now able, for the first time, to duced predominantly in Germany, operating group, which concen- folios of Brown Boveri & Cie. (BBC) was
mass-produce flat, energy-saving, the liquid crystal mixtures are trates on pharmaceuticals, special- 1968 Merck began research on nematic liquid purchased by Merck
large LCD television screens. This manufactured directly in the ty chemicals, and laboratory pro- crystals 1997 Together with Fujitsu Ltd., Merck devel- März 2004
was so great a technological ad- proximity of the actual customers. ducts. oped an LCD video monitor based on
vance that, in November 2003, Thus Merck established a new 1989 Merck constructed an applications labo- Vertical Alignment (VA) technology Merck KGaA
Merck’s researchers received the liquid crystal center in 2002 at 1971 The twisted nematic cell (TN cell) was ratory for liquid crystals in Seoul, Korea Corporate Communications
German Future Prize from the Poseung near Seoul, Korea, and Arial view at Merck Darmstadt invented by Schadt and Helfrich (Swit- E-Mail: history@merck.de
1998 The production capacity for ITO glass
W 840.414
President of the Federal Republic founded Merck Ltd. in Hong Kong, Would you like to know more? You The current development at Merck zerland) and Fergason (United States) D-64271 Darmstadt
of Germany. which is responsible for the liquid will find detailed information is documented in the Annual Re- was expanded in Taiwan
crystal business in Hong Kong about the success story of liquid ports and at www.merck.de. www.merck.de
and China. crystals in the book “The history of
the future – 100 years of liquid
crystals at Merck”.
|1888 –1935 | | 1960s | | 1970s | | 1980s | | 1990s |
1980 Merck developed the “Viewing Independ- 1995 Merck sold its patents on ferroelectric
2004 Inauguration of the new production plant
for liquid crystals in Darmstadt.
The history
1966 Cholesteric liquid crystals were employed
people with their visions and
imperturbable faith in success, as
well as the close and trusting
Darmstadt; in 1816, Emanuel
Merck took it over; his scientific
work on highly effective alkaloids
ly high purity of the preparations.
By intensive research work in the
area of pharmaceuticals and che-
Merck is the leading manufacturer
of LCD materials worldwide. By
the continuous further develop-
as temperature indicators, in thermogra-
phy and medicine, later also in fashion
ent Panel” (VIP display), the basis of all
active matrix flat panel LCDs
liquid crystals to Hoechst The investment totals approximately
250 million euros at the Darmstadt and
Gernsheim locations
of the future
cooperation with its customers laid the foundation for “large- micals, as well as by expansion ment of customized liquid crystal items and cosmetics 1996 An applications laboratory for liquid
for many years. scale production” from 1827 on. and increasing internationaliza- mixtures, Merck – together with 1980 Merck constructed an applications labo- crystals constructed by Merck in Taiwan
tion, the economic success of the display manufacturers – ratory for liquid crystals in Atsugi, Japan
Merck grew rapidly. makes tomorrow’s communica- 1968 Dynamic scattering (George Heilmeier
tion technologies possible. et. al., RCA, United States) 1996 Merck took over the nematics business
Thus display manufacturers are While the liquid crystals are pro- Today Merck KGaA is a globally 1985 The extensive liquid crystal patent port- of Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
now able, for the first time, to duced predominantly in Germany, operating group, which concen- folios of Brown Boveri & Cie. (BBC) was
mass-produce flat, energy-saving, the liquid crystal mixtures are trates on pharmaceuticals, special- 1968 Merck began research on nematic liquid purchased by Merck
large LCD television screens. This manufactured directly in the ty chemicals, and laboratory pro- crystals 1997 Together with Fujitsu Ltd., Merck devel- März 2004
was so great a technological ad- proximity of the actual customers. ducts. oped an LCD video monitor based on
vance that, in November 2003, Thus Merck established a new 1989 Merck constructed an applications labo- Vertical Alignment (VA) technology Merck KGaA
Merck’s researchers received the liquid crystal center in 2002 at 1971 The twisted nematic cell (TN cell) was ratory for liquid crystals in Seoul, Korea Corporate Communications
German Future Prize from the Poseung near Seoul, Korea, and Arial view at Merck Darmstadt invented by Schadt and Helfrich (Swit- E-Mail: history@merck.de
1998 The production capacity for ITO glass
W 840.414
President of the Federal Republic founded Merck Ltd. in Hong Kong, Would you like to know more? You The current development at Merck zerland) and Fergason (United States) D-64271 Darmstadt
of Germany. which is responsible for the liquid will find detailed information is documented in the Annual Re- was expanded in Taiwan
crystal business in Hong Kong about the success story of liquid ports and at www.merck.de. www.merck.de
and China. crystals in the book “The history of
the future – 100 years of liquid
crystals at Merck”.
The Future The Company Milestones
100 years of liquid crystals at Merck
Merck’s researchers developed a The LCD television manufacturers In 2004, now 100 years later, The guarantors of success for
new generation of superfluorinat- count on strong growth in the Merck’s situation with its Liquid Merck are in the year 2003 more
ed liquid crystals for the VA coming years – a boom, which Crystals division is ideal. In the than 34,200 entrepreneurially
technology, which enable ex- will be comparable only to the meantime, Merck has secured its minded employees, who are 1888 The Austrian botanist Friedrich Reinitzer 1972 George Gray (University of Hull, 1993 Joint venture between Merck and Balzers 2002 Merck Ltd. was established in Hong Kong,
tremely short switching times mobile telephone boom. In order business with more than 2,500 engaged in application-oriented discovered the liquid crystalline properties England) developed cyanobiphenyls and for the production of ITO glass; construc- responsible for the liquid crystal business
of 16 milliseconds – and in the to guarantee delivery for liquid patents for liquid crystals, their research and development, and of cholesteryl benzoate -terphenyls: BDH Chemicals Ltd. (today tion of a fully automated coating plant in Hong Kong and China
latest devices of only 12 milli- crystals, Merck has invested 250 mixtures, and display applica- who are consistently responsive Merck) and Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. in Taiwan (since 1997, a wholly owned
seconds. million euros in new production tions. With a market share of over to the desires and needs of their marketed them Merck subsidiary: “Merck Display Tech-
facilities at the sites in Germany 60%, Merck is the global leader customers. 1889 The German physicist Otto Lehmann nologies Ltd.”) 2002 A third ITO coating line was installed
(with a capacity of 100 tons per in the liquid crystal market; in described their physical properties and for color STN displays and OLEDs
New production plant year, capable of being increased the area of TV applications, Merck The company headquarters is in defines them as a new state of aggrega- 1976 Merck patented phenylcyclohexanes
for liquid crystals to 150 tons per year). is currently even the dominant Darmstadt, Germany. A total of tion in his publication “On flowing (PCHs), biphenylcyclohexanes (BCHs) 1995 Merck and Hitachi Ltd. cooperated in
in Darmstadt – supplier. Pyramid at the main 204 companies operate for Merck crystals” and cyclohexylbiphenylcyclohexanes the development of In Plane Switching 2003 The German Future Prize was awarded
inauguration in 2004 entrance in Darmstadt in 53 countries, and production (CBCs) (IPS), a new technology for LCD monitors by the President of the Federal Republic
The way has been long and some- takes place at 62 locations in based on a patent filed in 1990 by the of Germany to Merck for the liquid
times stony, but Merck has man- 28 countries. Merck KGaA gener- 1904 At the incentive of Otto Lehmann, Merck Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid- crystal technology that makes flat tele-
aged to get there. This has been The roots of Merck KGaA reach From the beginnings in the phar- ates sales of 7.2 billion euros offered the first liquid crystals for research 1979 Cyclohexylcyclohexanes (CCHs) intro- State Physics in Freiburg, Germany. This visions possible
due to its perseverance, compe- back into the 17th century. In macy laboratory evolved a phar- worldwide, to which the Liquid purposes in its price list “Substances duced by Merck patent was acquired by Merck in 1994
tence, constant technological
leadership, courageous business
decisions, and thanks to many
1668, the pharmacist Friedrich
Jacob Merck purchased the Engel-
Apotheke (“Angel Pharmacy”) in
maceutical-chemical factory.
Right from the outset, the guiding
principle was always the especial-
Crystals division contributes far
more than 400 million euros.
with liquid crystalline properties”
1980 Merck developed the “Viewing Independ- 1995 Merck sold its patents on ferroelectric
2004 Inauguration of the new production plant
for liquid crystals in Darmstadt, with an
The history
1966 Cholesteric liquid crystals were employed
people with their visions and
imperturbable faith in success, as
well as the close and trusting
Darmstadt; in 1816, Emanuel
Merck took it over; his scientific
work on highly effective alkaloids
ly high purity of the preparations.
By intensive research work in the
area of pharmaceuticals and che-
Merck is the leading manufacturer
of LCD materials worldwide. By
the continuous further develop-
as temperature indicators, in thermogra-
phy and medicine, later also in fashion
ent Panel” (VIP display), the basis of all
active matrix flat panel LCDs
liquid crystals to Hoechst initial annual capacity of 100 tons. The
investment totals approximately 250
million euros at the Darmstadt and Gerns-
of the future
cooperation with its customers laid the foundation for “large- micals, as well as by expansion ment of customized liquid crystal items and cosmetics 1996 An applications laboratory for liquid heim locations
for many years. scale production” from 1827 on. and increasing internationaliza- mixtures, Merck – together with 1980 Merck constructed an applications labo- crystals constructed by Merck in Taiwan
tion, the economic success of the display manufacturers – ratory for liquid crystals in Atsugi, Japan
Merck grew rapidly. makes tomorrow’s communica- 1968 Dynamic scattering (George Heilmeier
tion technologies possible. et. al., RCA, United States) 1996 Merck took over the nematics business
Thus display manufacturers are While the liquid crystals are pro- Today Merck KGaA is a globally 1985 The extensive liquid crystal patent port- of Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
now able, for the first time, to duced predominantly in Germany, operating group, which concen- folios of Brown Boveri & Cie. (BBC) was
mass-produce flat, energy-saving, the liquid crystal mixtures are trates on pharmaceuticals, special- 1968 Merck began research on nematic liquid purchased by Merck
large LCD television screens. This manufactured directly in the ty chemicals, and laboratory pro- crystals 1997 Together with Fujitsu Ltd., Merck devel- März 2004
was so great a technological ad- proximity of the actual customers. ducts. oped an LCD video monitor based on
vance that, in November 2003, Thus Merck established a new 1989 Merck constructed an applications labo- Vertical Alignment (VA) technology Merck KGaA
Merck’s researchers received the liquid crystal center in 2002 at 1971 The twisted nematic cell (TN cell) was ratory for liquid crystals in Seoul, Korea Corporate Communications
German Future Prize from the Poseung near Seoul, Korea, and Arial view at Merck Darmstadt invented by Schadt and Helfrich (Swit- E-Mail: history@merck.de
1998 The production capacity for ITO glass
W 840.414
President of the Federal Republic founded Merck Ltd. in Hong Kong, Would you like to know more? You The current development at Merck zerland) and Fergason (United States) D-64271 Darmstadt
of Germany. which is responsible for the liquid will find detailed information is documented in the Annual Re- was expanded in Taiwan
crystal business in Hong Kong about the success story of liquid ports and at www.merck.de. www.merck.de
and China. crystals in the book “The history of
the future – 100 years of liquid
crystals at Merck”.
The Future The Company Milestones
100 years of liquid crystals at Merck
Merck’s researchers developed a The LCD television manufacturers In 2004, now 100 years later, The guarantors of success for
new generation of superfluorinat- count on strong growth in the Merck’s situation with its Liquid Merck are in the year 2003 more
ed liquid crystals for the VA coming years – a boom, which Crystals division is ideal. In the than 34,200 entrepreneurially
technology, which enable ex- will be comparable only to the meantime, Merck has secured its minded employees, who are 1888 The Austrian botanist Friedrich Reinitzer 1972 George Gray (University of Hull, 1993 Joint venture between Merck and Balzers 2002 Merck Ltd. was established in Hong Kong,
tremely short switching times mobile telephone boom. In order business with more than 2,500 engaged in application-oriented discovered the liquid crystalline properties England) developed cyanobiphenyls and for the production of ITO glass; construc- responsible for the liquid crystal business
of 16 milliseconds – and in the to guarantee delivery for liquid patents for liquid crystals, their research and development, and of cholesteryl benzoate -terphenyls: BDH Chemicals Ltd. (today tion of a fully automated coating plant in Hong Kong and China
latest devices of only 12 milli- crystals, Merck has invested 250 mixtures, and display applica- who are consistently responsive Merck) and Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. in Taiwan (since 1997, a wholly owned
seconds. million euros in new production tions. With a market share of over to the desires and needs of their marketed them Merck subsidiary: “Merck Display Tech-
facilities at the sites in Germany 60%, Merck is the global leader customers. 1889 The German physicist Otto Lehmann nologies Ltd.”) 2002 A third ITO coating line was installed
(with a capacity of 100 tons per in the liquid crystal market; in described their physical properties and for color STN displays and OLEDs
New production plant year, capable of being increased the area of TV applications, Merck The company headquarters is in defines them as a new state of aggrega- 1976 Merck patented phenylcyclohexanes
for liquid crystals to 150 tons per year). is currently even the dominant Darmstadt, Germany. A total of tion in his publication “On flowing (PCHs), biphenylcyclohexanes (BCHs) 1995 Merck and Hitachi Ltd. cooperated in
in Darmstadt – supplier. Pyramid at the main 204 companies operate for Merck crystals” and cyclohexylbiphenylcyclohexanes the development of In Plane Switching 2003 The German Future Prize was awarded
inauguration in 2004 entrance in Darmstadt in 53 countries, and production (CBCs) (IPS), a new technology for LCD monitors by the President of the Federal Republic
The way has been long and some- takes place at 62 locations in based on a patent filed in 1990 by the of Germany to Merck for the liquid
times stony, but Merck has man- 28 countries. Merck KGaA gener- 1904 At the incentive of Otto Lehmann, Merck Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid- crystal technology that makes flat tele-
aged to get there. This has been The roots of Merck KGaA reach From the beginnings in the phar- ates sales of 7.2 billion euros offered the first liquid crystals for research 1979 Cyclohexylcyclohexanes (CCHs) intro- State Physics in Freiburg, Germany. This visions possible
due to its perseverance, compe- back into the 17th century. In macy laboratory evolved a phar- worldwide, to which the Liquid purposes in its price list “Substances duced by Merck patent was acquired by Merck in 1994
tence, constant technological
leadership, courageous business
decisions, and thanks to many
1668, the pharmacist Friedrich
Jacob Merck purchased the Engel-
Apotheke (“Angel Pharmacy”) in
maceutical-chemical factory.
Right from the outset, the guiding
principle was always the especial-
Crystals division contributes far
more than 400 million euros.
with liquid crystalline properties”
1980 Merck developed the “Viewing Independ- 1995 Merck sold its patents on ferroelectric
2004 Inauguration of the new production plant
for liquid crystals in Darmstadt, with an
The history
1966 Cholesteric liquid crystals were employed
people with their visions and
imperturbable faith in success, as
well as the close and trusting
Darmstadt; in 1816, Emanuel
Merck took it over; his scientific
work on highly effective alkaloids
ly high purity of the preparations.
By intensive research work in the
area of pharmaceuticals and che-
Merck is the leading manufacturer
of LCD materials worldwide. By
the continuous further develop-
as temperature indicators, in thermogra-
phy and medicine, later also in fashion
ent Panel” (VIP display), the basis of all
active matrix flat panel LCDs
liquid crystals to Hoechst initial annual capacity of 100 tons. The
investment totals approximately 250
million euros at the Darmstadt and Gerns-
of the future
cooperation with its customers laid the foundation for “large- micals, as well as by expansion ment of customized liquid crystal items and cosmetics 1996 An applications laboratory for liquid heim locations
for many years. scale production” from 1827 on. and increasing internationaliza- mixtures, Merck – together with 1980 Merck constructed an applications labo- crystals constructed by Merck in Taiwan
tion, the economic success of the display manufacturers – ratory for liquid crystals in Atsugi, Japan
Merck grew rapidly. makes tomorrow’s communica- 1968 Dynamic scattering (George Heilmeier
tion technologies possible. et. al., RCA, United States) 1996 Merck took over the nematics business
Thus display manufacturers are While the liquid crystals are pro- Today Merck KGaA is a globally 1985 The extensive liquid crystal patent port- of Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
now able, for the first time, to duced predominantly in Germany, operating group, which concen- folios of Brown Boveri & Cie. (BBC) was
mass-produce flat, energy-saving, the liquid crystal mixtures are trates on pharmaceuticals, special- 1968 Merck began research on nematic liquid purchased by Merck
large LCD television screens. This manufactured directly in the ty chemicals, and laboratory pro- crystals 1997 Together with Fujitsu Ltd., Merck devel- März 2004
was so great a technological ad- proximity of the actual customers. ducts. oped an LCD video monitor based on
vance that, in November 2003, Thus Merck established a new 1989 Merck constructed an applications labo- Vertical Alignment (VA) technology Merck KGaA
Merck’s researchers received the liquid crystal center in 2002 at 1971 The twisted nematic cell (TN cell) was ratory for liquid crystals in Seoul, Korea Corporate Communications
German Future Prize from the Poseung near Seoul, Korea, and Arial view at Merck Darmstadt invented by Schadt and Helfrich (Swit- E-Mail: history@merck.de
1998 The production capacity for ITO glass
W 840.414
President of the Federal Republic founded Merck Ltd. in Hong Kong, Would you like to know more? You The current development at Merck zerland) and Fergason (United States) D-64271 Darmstadt
of Germany. which is responsible for the liquid will find detailed information is documented in the Annual Re- was expanded in Taiwan
crystal business in Hong Kong about the success story of liquid ports and at www.merck.de. www.merck.de
and China. crystals in the book “The history of
the future – 100 years of liquid
crystals at Merck”.
The Future The Company Milestones
100 years of liquid crystals at Merck
Merck’s researchers developed a The LCD television manufacturers In 2004, now 100 years later, The guarantors of success for
new generation of superfluorinat- count on strong growth in the Merck’s situation with its Liquid Merck are in the year 2003 more
ed liquid crystals for the VA coming years – a boom, which Crystals division is ideal. In the than 34,200 entrepreneurially
technology, which enable ex- will be comparable only to the meantime, Merck has secured its minded employees, who are 1888 The Austrian botanist Friedrich Reinitzer 1972 George Gray (University of Hull, 1993 Joint venture between Merck and Balzers 2002 Merck Ltd. was established in Hong Kong,
tremely short switching times mobile telephone boom. In order business with more than 2,500 engaged in application-oriented discovered the liquid crystalline properties England) developed cyanobiphenyls and for the production of ITO glass; construc- responsible for the liquid crystal business
of 16 milliseconds – and in the to guarantee delivery for liquid patents for liquid crystals, their research and development, and of cholesteryl benzoate -terphenyls: BDH Chemicals Ltd. (today tion of a fully automated coating plant in Hong Kong and China
latest devices of only 12 milli- crystals, Merck has invested 250 mixtures, and display applica- who are consistently responsive Merck) and Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. in Taiwan (since 1997, a wholly owned
seconds. million euros in new production tions. With a market share of over to the desires and needs of their marketed them Merck subsidiary: “Merck Display Tech-
facilities at the sites in Germany. 60%, Merck is the global leader customers. 1889 The German physicist Otto Lehmann nologies Ltd.”) 2002 A third ITO coating line was installed
in the liquid crystal market; in described their physical properties and for color STN displays and OLEDs
New production plant the area of TV applications, Merck The company headquarters is in defines them as a new state of aggrega- 1976 Merck patented phenylcyclohexanes
for liquid crystals is currently even the dominant Darmstadt, Germany. A total of tion in his publication “On flowing (PCHs), biphenylcyclohexanes (BCHs) 1995 Merck and Hitachi Ltd. cooperated in
in Darmstadt – supplier. Pyramid at the main 204 companies operate for Merck crystals” and cyclohexylbiphenylcyclohexanes the development of In Plane Switching 2003 The German Future Prize was awarded
inauguration in 2004 entrance in Darmstadt in 53 countries, and production (CBCs) (IPS), a new technology for LCD monitors by the President of the Federal Republic
The way has been long and some- takes place at 62 locations in based on a patent filed in 1990 by the of Germany to Merck for the liquid
times stony, but Merck has man- 28 countries. Merck KGaA gener- 1904 At the incentive of Otto Lehmann, Merck Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid- crystal technology that makes flat tele-
aged to get there. This has been The roots of Merck KGaA reach From the beginnings in the phar- ates sales of 7.2 billion euros offered the first liquid crystals for research 1979 Cyclohexylcyclohexanes (CCHs) intro- State Physics in Freiburg, Germany. This visions possible
due to its perseverance, compe- back into the 17th century. In macy laboratory evolved a phar- worldwide, to which the Liquid purposes in its price list “Substances duced by Merck patent was acquired by Merck in 1994
tence, constant technological
leadership, courageous business
decisions, and thanks to many
1668, the pharmacist Friedrich
Jacob Merck purchased the Engel-
Apotheke (“Angel Pharmacy”) in
maceutical-chemical factory.
Right from the outset, the guiding
principle was always the especial-
Crystals division contributes far
more than 400 million euros.
with liquid crystalline properties”
1980 Merck developed the “Viewing Independ- 1995 Merck sold its patents on ferroelectric
2004 Inauguration of the new production plant
for liquid crystals in Darmstadt.
The history
1966 Cholesteric liquid crystals were employed
people with their visions and
imperturbable faith in success, as
well as the close and trusting
Darmstadt; in 1816, Emanuel
Merck took it over; his scientific
work on highly effective alkaloids
ly high purity of the preparations.
By intensive research work in the
area of pharmaceuticals and che-
Merck is the leading manufacturer
of LCD materials worldwide. By
the continuous further develop-
as temperature indicators, in thermogra-
phy and medicine, later also in fashion
ent Panel” (VIP display), the basis of all
active matrix flat panel LCDs
liquid crystals to Hoechst The investment totals approximately
250 million euros at the Darmstadt and
Gernsheim locations
of the future
cooperation with its customers laid the foundation for “large- micals, as well as by expansion ment of customized liquid crystal items and cosmetics 1996 An applications laboratory for liquid
for many years. scale production” from 1827 on. and increasing internationaliza- mixtures, Merck – together with 1980 Merck constructed an applications labo- crystals constructed by Merck in Taiwan
tion, the economic success of the display manufacturers – ratory for liquid crystals in Atsugi, Japan
Merck grew rapidly. makes tomorrow’s communica- 1968 Dynamic scattering (George Heilmeier
tion technologies possible. et. al., RCA, United States) 1996 Merck took over the nematics business
Thus display manufacturers are While the liquid crystals are pro- Today Merck KGaA is a globally 1985 The extensive liquid crystal patent port- of Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
now able, for the first time, to duced predominantly in Germany, operating group, which concen- folios of Brown Boveri & Cie. (BBC) was
mass-produce flat, energy-saving, the liquid crystal mixtures are trates on pharmaceuticals, special- 1968 Merck began research on nematic liquid purchased by Merck
large LCD television screens. This manufactured directly in the ty chemicals, and laboratory pro- crystals 1997 Together with Fujitsu Ltd., Merck devel- März 2004
was so great a technological ad- proximity of the actual customers. ducts. oped an LCD video monitor based on
vance that, in November 2003, Thus Merck established a new 1989 Merck constructed an applications labo- Vertical Alignment (VA) technology Merck KGaA
Merck’s researchers received the liquid crystal center in 2002 at 1971 The twisted nematic cell (TN cell) was ratory for liquid crystals in Seoul, Korea Corporate Communications
German Future Prize from the Poseung near Seoul, Korea, and Arial view at Merck Darmstadt invented by Schadt and Helfrich (Swit- E-Mail: history@merck.de
1998 The production capacity for ITO glass
W 840.414
President of the Federal Republic founded Merck Ltd. in Hong Kong, Would you like to know more? You The current development at Merck zerland) and Fergason (United States) D-64271 Darmstadt
of Germany. which is responsible for the liquid will find detailed information is documented in the Annual Re- was expanded in Taiwan
crystal business in Hong Kong about the success story of liquid ports and at www.merck.de. www.merck.de
and China. crystals in the book “The history of
the future – 100 years of liquid
crystals at Merck”.
The Future The Company Milestones
100 years of liquid crystals at Merck
Merck’s researchers developed a The LCD television manufacturers In 2004, now 100 years later, The guarantors of success for
new generation of superfluorinat- count on strong growth in the Merck’s situation with its Liquid Merck are in the year 2003 more
ed liquid crystals for the VA coming years – a boom, which Crystals division is ideal. In the than 34,200 entrepreneurially
technology, which enable ex- will be comparable only to the meantime, Merck has secured its minded employees, who are 1888 The Austrian botanist Friedrich Reinitzer 1972 George Gray (University of Hull, 1993 Joint venture between Merck and Balzers 2002 Merck Ltd. was established in Hong Kong,
tremely short switching times mobile telephone boom. In order business with more than 2,500 engaged in application-oriented discovered the liquid crystalline properties England) developed cyanobiphenyls and for the production of ITO glass; construc- responsible for the liquid crystal business
of 16 milliseconds – and in the to guarantee delivery for liquid patents for liquid crystals, their research and development, and of cholesteryl benzoate -terphenyls: BDH Chemicals Ltd. (today tion of a fully automated coating plant in Hong Kong and China
latest devices of only 12 milli- crystals, Merck has invested 250 mixtures, and display applica- who are consistently responsive Merck) and Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. in Taiwan (since 1997, a wholly owned
seconds. million euros in new production tions. With a market share of over to the desires and needs of their marketed them Merck subsidiary: “Merck Display Tech-
facilities at the sites in Germany 60%, Merck is the global leader customers. 1889 The German physicist Otto Lehmann nologies Ltd.”) 2002 A third ITO coating line was installed
(with a capacity of 100 tons per in the liquid crystal market; in described their physical properties and for color STN displays and OLEDs
New production plant year, capable of being increased the area of TV applications, Merck The company headquarters is in defines them as a new state of aggrega- 1976 Merck patented phenylcyclohexanes
for liquid crystals to 150 tons per year). is currently even the dominant Darmstadt, Germany. A total of tion in his publication “On flowing (PCHs), biphenylcyclohexanes (BCHs) 1995 Merck and Hitachi Ltd. cooperated in
in Darmstadt – supplier. Pyramid at the main 204 companies operate for Merck crystals” and cyclohexylbiphenylcyclohexanes the development of In Plane Switching 2003 The German Future Prize was awarded
inauguration in 2004 entrance in Darmstadt in 53 countries, and production (CBCs) (IPS), a new technology for LCD monitors by the President of the Federal Republic
The way has been long and some- takes place at 62 locations in based on a patent filed in 1990 by the of Germany to Merck for the liquid
times stony, but Merck has man- 28 countries. Merck KGaA gener- 1904 At the incentive of Otto Lehmann, Merck Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid- crystal technology that makes flat tele-
aged to get there. This has been The roots of Merck KGaA reach From the beginnings in the phar- ates sales of 7.2 billion euros offered the first liquid crystals for research 1979 Cyclohexylcyclohexanes (CCHs) intro- State Physics in Freiburg, Germany. This visions possible
due to its perseverance, compe- back into the 17th century. In macy laboratory evolved a phar- worldwide, to which the Liquid purposes in its price list “Substances duced by Merck patent was acquired by Merck in 1994
tence, constant technological
leadership, courageous business
decisions, and thanks to many
1668, the pharmacist Friedrich
Jacob Merck purchased the Engel-
Apotheke (“Angel Pharmacy”) in
maceutical-chemical factory.
Right from the outset, the guiding
principle was always the especial-
Crystals division contributes far
more than 400 million euros.
with liquid crystalline properties”
1980 Merck developed the “Viewing Independ- 1995 Merck sold its patents on ferroelectric
2004 Inauguration of the new production plant
for liquid crystals in Darmstadt, with an
The history
1966 Cholesteric liquid crystals were employed
people with their visions and
imperturbable faith in success, as
well as the close and trusting
Darmstadt; in 1816, Emanuel
Merck took it over; his scientific
work on highly effective alkaloids
ly high purity of the preparations.
By intensive research work in the
area of pharmaceuticals and che-
Merck is the leading manufacturer
of LCD materials worldwide. By
the continuous further develop-
as temperature indicators, in thermogra-
phy and medicine, later also in fashion
ent Panel” (VIP display), the basis of all
active matrix flat panel LCDs
liquid crystals to Hoechst initial annual capacity of 100 tons. The
investment totals approximately 250
million euros at the Darmstadt and Gerns-
of the future
cooperation with its customers laid the foundation for “large- micals, as well as by expansion ment of customized liquid crystal items and cosmetics 1996 An applications laboratory for liquid heim locations
for many years. scale production” from 1827 on. and increasing internationaliza- mixtures, Merck – together with 1980 Merck constructed an applications labo- crystals constructed by Merck in Taiwan
tion, the economic success of the display manufacturers – ratory for liquid crystals in Atsugi, Japan
Merck grew rapidly. makes tomorrow’s communica- 1968 Dynamic scattering (George Heilmeier
tion technologies possible. et. al., RCA, United States) 1996 Merck took over the nematics business
Thus display manufacturers are While the liquid crystals are pro- Today Merck KGaA is a globally 1985 The extensive liquid crystal patent port- of Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
now able, for the first time, to duced predominantly in Germany, operating group, which concen- folios of Brown Boveri & Cie. (BBC) was
mass-produce flat, energy-saving, the liquid crystal mixtures are trates on pharmaceuticals, special- 1968 Merck began research on nematic liquid purchased by Merck
large LCD television screens. This manufactured directly in the ty chemicals, and laboratory pro- crystals 1997 Together with Fujitsu Ltd., Merck devel- März 2004
was so great a technological ad- proximity of the actual customers. ducts. oped an LCD video monitor based on
vance that, in November 2003, Thus Merck established a new 1989 Merck constructed an applications labo- Vertical Alignment (VA) technology Merck KGaA
Merck’s researchers received the liquid crystal center in 2002 at 1971 The twisted nematic cell (TN cell) was ratory for liquid crystals in Seoul, Korea Corporate Communications
German Future Prize from the Poseung near Seoul, Korea, and Arial view at Merck Darmstadt invented by Schadt and Helfrich (Swit- E-Mail: history@merck.de
1998 The production capacity for ITO glass
W 840.414
President of the Federal Republic founded Merck Ltd. in Hong Kong, Would you like to know more? You The current development at Merck zerland) and Fergason (United States) D-64271 Darmstadt
of Germany. which is responsible for the liquid will find detailed information is documented in the Annual Re- was expanded in Taiwan
crystal business in Hong Kong about the success story of liquid ports and at www.merck.de. www.merck.de
and China. crystals in the book “The history of
the future – 100 years of liquid
crystals at Merck”.