Nordmann, Rassmann

Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH (NRC) is a German chemical distribution company headquartered in Hamburg. Founded in 1912 by Eduard Nordmann and Fritz Rassmann as a trading house for natural rubber and raw cacao, the company evolved into an internationally active distributor of natural and chemical raw materials, additives and specialty chemicals. It operates through 24 subsidiary companies across Europe, Asia and North America, serving nearly all manufacturing and processing industries with application-based know-how and technical support. Nordmann describes itself as an internationally successful chemical distribution group with 563 employees and a turnover of around 515 million euros (2025). It maintains local warehousing, a sales force of 300 and private and partner laboratories. The company is 100% family-owned and remains an independent, family-run business. It is part of Georg Nordmann Holding AG, a Hamburg-based family holding that also includes the Rowa Group, active in the chemicals and plastics industry. Nordmann positions itself as a distribution partner for specialties and chemicals, sourcing raw materials from leading manufacturers and supplying them worldwide. Its product portfolio includes natural and chemical raw materials, additives and specialty chemicals. The company emphasizes values such as being future-oriented, human and value-driven, and high-level leadership and expertise. Its vision is to be the partner of choice in the international distribution of specialties and chemicals. With a history spanning more than a century, Nordmann has grown from a Hamburg trading house into a multinational distribution group. It continues to be led by a managing board and remains committed to long-term, responsible business practices as a family-owned company.

Nordmann, Rassmann was founded in 1912 in Hamburg by Eduard Nordmann and Fritz Rassmann as a trading house specializing in the import and international trade of natural rubber. At the time, worldwide production of natural rubber was close to 100,000 tons, with more than 20,000 tons moving through the port of Hamburg. In 1914, with the outbreak of World War I, business almost came to a standstill, and Fritz Rassmann did not return from the war. In 1915, the company added the international trade of raw cacao as a second line of business. In 1923, the introduction of the German Rentenmark ended hyperinflation, allowing Eduard Nordmann to revive international trade links; that same year, Georg Nordmann, Eduard’s 17-year-old nephew, joined as an apprentice. In 1938, Georg Nordmann became a junior manager and partner. In 1940, founder Eduard Nordmann died, and Georg Nordmann became sole managing director. After World War II, Hamburg lay in rubble and the port was destroyed. Georg Nordmann, then 40, faced the task of rebuilding the company. In 1949, NRC took up chemical distribution, a pivotal move that would define its future. The German economic miracle of the 1950s brought a business boom. In 1955, NRC opened its first international venture with the United Liberia Rubber Company. Between 1991 and 2007, the company expanded its branches in Central and Eastern Europe and founded various subsidiaries. In 2003, Georg Nordmann Holding AG was established as the parent company over the sub-groups Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH and Rowa Group Holding GmbH. The Rowa Group, founded in 1958 as a rubber-processing company, grew through acquisitions and new companies in the chemicals and plastics sector. Today, Nordmann operates as an internationally successful chemical distribution group with 24 subsidiary companies in Europe, Asia and North America. It distributes natural and chemical raw materials, additives and specialty chemicals. The company remains 100% family-owned and independent, part of Georg Nordmann Holding AG. In 2012, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary, marked by the publication of a chronicle. As of 2025, Nordmann reported 563 employees and a turnover of around 515 million euros.

• 2012

  Nordmann celebrates its 100th anniversary.

• 2003

  Georg Nordmann Holding AG is founded as the parent company over Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH and Rowa Group Holding GmbH.

• 1991

  Between 1991 and 2007, the company expands its branches in Central and Eastern Europe and founds various subsidiaries.

• 1955

  With the United Liberia Rubber Company, NRC opens its first international venture.

• 1950

  The German economic miracle picks up pace; business booms at NRC.

• 1949

  NRC takes up chemical distribution.

• 1945

  After the War, Hamburg is reduced to rubble; Georg Nordmann faces the task of rebuilding the company.

• 1940

  Founder Eduard Nordmann dies; Georg Nordmann becomes sole managing director.

• 1938

  Georg Nordmann becomes a junior manager and partner at NRC.

• 1923

  Introduction of the German Rentenmark ends hyperinflation; Eduard Nordmann revives international trade links. Georg Nordmann joins as an apprentice.

• 1915

  NRC adds the international trade of raw cacao as a new line of business.

• 1914

  With the outbreak of World War I, NRC's business almost comes to a standstill.

• 1912

  Eduard Nordmann and Fritz Rassmann establish Nordmann, Rassmann (NRC) in Hamburg for the international trade of natural rubber.

Partner of choice in the international distribution of specialties and chemicals.

• Natural rubber

• Raw cacao

• Chemical raw materials

• Additives

• Specialty chemicals

1. 1Nordmann - nordmann.globalnordmann.global
2. 2History - About Nordmann - nordmann.globalnordmann.global
3. 3Products - nordmann.globalnordmann.global
4. 4About Nordmann - nordmann.globalnordmann.global
5. 5Nordmann, Rassmann - Wikidatawikidata.org
6. 6Georg Nordmann Holding - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org