ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMPANY IN BREMEN
2020
1806
1846-53
Focke & Melchers, a shipping and trading company, is founded in Bremen by Carl Melchers (1781-1854) and Carl Focke. Its business is centered on emigration to the US and the transportation of goods from Cuba, Mexico, and the US.
BRANCHES IN MEXICO AND ON HAWAII
1806
1846-53
1866
The three Melchers brothers, Heinrich (1822-93), Georg (1827-1907) and Gustav (1830-1902), establish a branch in Mazatlán, Mexico, followed seven years later by a further branch in Honolulu, Hawaii.
FIRST BRANCH IN ASIA
1846-53
1866
1887
In the 1860s, C. Melchers & Co. becomes established in Asia and engages in trade with China with remarkable success. Thus, in 1866, the first Asian branch is opened in Hong Kong. Trading is now concentrated on China and the company abandons its shipping business.
REPRESENTATIVE OF NORTH GERMAN LLOYD
1866
1887
1914-1918
Having a holding in North German Lloyd since its founding in 1887, Melchers becomes the shipping company's representative in China and Hong Kong.
FIRST WORLD WAR
1887
1914-18
1918-39
The Melchers business collapses. All of Melchers' possessions in China and Hong Kong are seized.
FROM IMPORT EXPORT TO PRODUCTION
1914-18
1918-39
1939-45
The family's management of the company ends with the death of Hermann Melchers in 1918. Up until the Second World War, Melchers is again actively engaged in trade with China and in the production of goods and beverages. Exports to China include lanterns, clocks, cameras, tools, and hardware, while the main imports from China to Europe are egg-based products, skins, furs, seeds, animal hair and wood oil. Melchers also operates port installations and maintains shipping agencies.
SECOND WORLD WAR
1918-39
1939-45
1952-54
The Second World War brings the Melchers business to almost a complete standstill. In China, this is followed by expropriations by the Kuomintang and subsequently by the Communists.
RESUMPTION OF TRADE WITH THE FAR EAST
1939-45
1952-54
1960
Melchers succeeds in reopening its branches in Hong Kong and, shortly afterwards, in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The network of branches is gradually expanded to cover Asia.
IMPORTING JAPANESE CONSUMER GOODS
1952-54
1960
1970
Melchers is appointed sole importer of Sony consumer electronics and subsequently becomes the representative of other companies (Pioneer, Citizen).
NEW OFFICES IN ASIA NEW BRANCHES IN CHINA
1960
1970
1990
Since the 1970s, offices have been set up at many locations in Asia - Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo. Offices have been set up at many locations in Asia since the 1970s. With China opening for trade again in the late 1970s, branches are set up in that country once more, underscoring the immense importance of Chinese business for Melchers. With the establishment of a branch in San Francisco, business activities are expanded to include trading between the United States and Asia to take advantage of the rapidly developing trade relationships between Asia and America.
VIETNAM
1970
1990
1994
Melchers is one of the first German companies to open a branch in Hanoi and then also in Ho Chi Minh City.
PRESENCE IN MYANMAR
1990
1994
2001
Melchers opens a branch in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar.
GROWTH FOLLOWING REORGANISATION OF CORPORATE STRUCTURE
1994
2001
2011
Melchers evolved from a trading house to an international service provider specializing in market expansion and trading – based on a holding concept. Further expansion ensues with the acquisition of brands, knowledge and market presence in both Europe and Asia. Increased M&A activities lead to steady growth. Melchers establishes a joint company with Stucken & Co. in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Cambodia
2001
2011
2012
Melchers opens an agency in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
RESTRUCTURING OF CHINA BUSINESS
2011
2012
2016
The agencies in China are converted to public limited companies to expand market development services in China.
150 YEARS IN CHINA
2012
2016
2020
2016 marks 150 years of presence in Asia / China.
CORONA PANDEMIC
2016
2020
1806
Massive restrictions on business operations in Europe and Asia due to the Corona pandemic.
FUTURE FOR ALMOST 220 YEARS
Almost 220 years ago, the foundation stone for Melchers' long company history was laid in the Hanseatic city of Bremen in Germany. Since 1806, the family business has regularly adapted to the changing political and economic circumstances of the world. Melchers survived world wars, revolutions, economic crises, inflation and pandemics thanks to its adaptability, diligence, decency and a bit of luck.
Melchers has been active on international markets since its foundation. Until the middle of the 19th century, the focus was on the Pacific economic region, and after the establishment of the first branch in Hong Kong in 1866, the focus was increasingly on Asia. Today, Melchers represents itself as a trading and service company with a focus on Asia and as an investment company in Asia and Europe.
You can discover the historical milestones since 1806 on the interactive map.
You can find more information about the history of Melchers on our "Melchers Wall", also known as "The Great Wall". The "Great Wall" is an impressive piece of facade art at the company headquarters. The theme "In the River of Time" shows the eventful history and cosmopolitan character of our company, which is headquartered by the river Weser in the Hanseatic city of Bremen. You are welcome to pass by or take a look at our Melchers "The Great Wall" website.