Our history

We have been based in Franconia for more than 75 years.

1948 - Founding of RETORTE GmbH

RETORTE began in 1948 in a rented apartment in Nuremberg as a chemical company producing toothpaste, shoe polish, and hairdressing supplies.

1951 - Relocation to Röthenbach an der Pegnitz

Just three years later, in 1951, the chemical company moved to Röthenbach an der Pegnitz, where it remains headquartered to this day. From there, RETORTE developed into the world market leader for selenium products.

1974 - Acquisition by Norddeutsche Affinerie

In 1974, Norddeutsche Affinerie (Aurubis) integrated RETORTE into the group as a subsidiary. This made RETORTE the only backward-integrated selenium manufacturer worldwide.

1995 - Commissioning of spray dryer

This makes RETORTE the world's only manufacturer of sodium selenite using spray dryer technology. This establishes RETORTE as an industry leader in product quality.

From 2000 - Development of new markets

First sales in the pharmaceutical and food technology sectors.

Implementation of various quality standards

• since 2006 FAMI QS
• since 2008 ISO 9001
• since 2008 GMP Quality
• since 2021 ISO 45001
• since 2022 ISO 14001
• since 2022 ISO 50001
• since 2022 FSSC 22000

2021 - Strategic partnership in the field of feed premixes

Collaboration with B&K Agrar from Mühlen (Lower Saxony) in the production of the premixes Retosel and Retojo.

2023 - Redesign of the work environment

RETORTE is transforming its office space into a modern open-plan office environment. This significantly improves communication and workflows.

2026 - Commissioning of GMP production

RETORTE is investing nearly €7 million in technology and warehouse space to support new target markets in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.