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History of Seifenfabrik Dr. Thompson’s
Industrial Heritage with Character

Seifenfabrik Dr. Thompson’s in Düsseldorf is far more than an exceptional event venue – it is a genuine piece of living industrial history right by the Rhine. Where soap was once produced, stylish events, unforgettable weddings and inspiring business occasions now take place.

The historic brick building has been revitalised with great sensitivity. High ceilings, large window fronts and its distinctive industrial charm still reflect its original purpose today – giving every event a unique atmosphere. The combination of heritage and modern event culture makes Seifenfabrik one of the most impressive venues in Düsseldorf.

Here, tradition meets lifestyle, history meets the present – and this is felt in every space.

History

2016 – Creation of the Event Venue
Eventlocation Seifenfabrik Düsseldorf 2016 mit festlich gedeckten Tischen und industriellem Ambiente
2016

Acquisition of Dr. Thompson’s Bar & Grill by an investor group. Since then, it has operated under the name “Seifenfabrik Dr. Thompson’s” as an event venue for private and corporate occasions of all kinds.

2010 – Gastronomy Moves In
2010

The restaurant “Dr. Thompson’s – Bar & Grill” opens in the former power station and develops into a well-known Düsseldorf hotspot.

2009 – Industrial Heritage Becomes a Creative Hub
Rückbau des Thompson-Werks in Düsseldorf 2009 mit entkernten Betongebäuden und Baustelle
2009

An investor group acquires the site. Instead of demolition, a modern usage concept is developed for: Creative industries Private educational institutions Gastronomy The historic architecture is preserved, including: Barrel roofs, generous windows and loft-style spaces

2001 – End of Independence
2001

Thompson-Siegel GmbH is fully integrated into Henkel Wasch- und Reinigungsmittel GmbH and dissolved.

1999 – Major Operation in Düsseldorf
1999

The site employs around 400 staff. Approximately 500 household products are manufactured.

1971 – Full Acquisition by Henkel
Luftaufnahme des Thompson-Werks in Düsseldorf 1971 mit Produktionshallen, Gleisanlagen und Industrieareal
1971

Henkel acquires all company shares. New product divisions are established: Thomsit (construction chemicals) Expanded Paral products Shoe care products such as Pilofix

1969 – Merger
1969

Merger with the Sidol-Werke Cologne to form Thompson-Siegel GmbH, with the aim of consolidating expertise and strengthening the company’s market position.

1960s – Market Leader in the Household Care Sector
Thompson-Werke Düsseldorf um 1960 mit Verwaltungsgebäude und Teichanlage vor dem Firmensitz
1960

Thompson is among the leading German manufacturers of washing and cleaning products.

1943 – Wartime Destruction
Zerstörtes Fabrikgelände in Düsseldorf 1943 mit beschädigten Hallen und Schornstein nach Luftangriff
1943

On 12 June 1943, parts of the plant are destroyed by bomb hits during a British air raid.

1930 – New Company Name & Product Range Expansion
Historische Luftaufnahme einer Industrieanlage in Düsseldorf mit Fabrikgebäuden, Gleisanlagen und Schornsteinen
1930

Renamed to: Thompson-Werke GmbH The product range expands steadily, including: Ozonit/Ozonil (laundry detergent) Gefest/Seifix (floor polish wax) Bif (toilet cleaner) Sofix (floor care products) Paral (insecticides)

1929 – Entry of Henkel
1929

The Düsseldorf-based company Henkel acquires the majority of shares from Sieglin’s children.

1927 – End of an Era
Historische Werbung von 1897 für Ernst Sieglin Düsseldorf mit Fabrikansicht und Dr. Thompson’s Seifenpulver
1927

Ernst von Sieglin dies at the age of 79.

1910 – Corporate Structure
1910

The company now operates under the name: Fabrik von Dr. Thompson’s Seifenpulver GmbH

1897 – Relocation to Düsseldorf
1897

The company moves its headquarters to Düsseldorf. A large industrial and production facility is established on Erkrather Straße.

1880 – Expansion & Economic Success
1880

Sieglin receives the exclusive distribution rights for Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. The economic success enables him to: Finance archaeological expeditions in Egypt Support cultural initiatives

1877 – The beginnings of an innovation
1877

Ernst von Sieglin, a Stuttgart-born chemist (b. 1848), develops a soap-based washing powder in Aachen and, together with Richard Thompson, pioneers the pulverisation of soap. Marketed as “Dr. Thompson’s Soap Powder – Swan Brand”, it becomes one of Germany’s first branded products and quickly gains recognition.