Hempel A/S develops and manufactures paints and coatings for protective, decorative, marine, container, industrial and yacht applications. The company, founded in 1915 in Copenhagen, employs more than 7,000 people and operates in more than 80 countries. Its work spans coatings technology and paint formulation, with a particular emphasis on protecting customer assets - among them bridges and power stations - against corrosion and degradation, and on extending their useful lifetime.
The product range began with ready-mixed marine paints; the founder, then 21 years old and working from DKK 300 in initial capital, delivered the first order himself by bicycle in Copenhagen. Today the portfolio covers marine coatings for ocean-going vessels, container and industrial coatings, yacht coatings for the leisure segment, and decorative coatings for buildings and homes.
Hempel is privately owned by the Hempel Foundation, established in 1948, which secures long-term company development and supports philanthropic causes globally. No external venture funding is disclosed. The company describes its purpose as “Make our world last longer, beautifully”, and identifies sustainability and the reduction of customers' environmental impact as central commitments.
