Sika AG

Corporate brand

Swiss multinational specialty chemicals company supplying construction and automotive materials for bonding, sealing, waterproofing, reinforcing, damping and protection.

Last updated October 14, 2026

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Overview

Sika AG is a Swiss multinational specialty chemicals company headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Its products and systems are used primarily in construction and automotive manufacturing, where they address applications such as concrete production, waterproofing, roofing, flooring, sealing, bonding, structural strengthening, corrosion protection, vehicle assembly and acoustic damping. The company operates through a broad international network, with subsidiaries in more than 102 countries and manufacturing at more than 400 factories. The Sika organization also includes entities such as Sika Technology AG and Sika Services AG. Kaspar Winkler founded the business in Zurich in 1910 as Kaspar Winkler & Co. Its early inventions included materials for protecting and cleaning granite and a mortar waterproofing agent called Sika-1. That product, in modified form, remains associated with the company’s long-standing waterproofing business. Sika gained an important early reference project when Swiss Federal Railways tested its materials for waterproofing tunnels on the Gotthard route in 1918. The successful trials were followed by waterproofing work in 67 railway tunnels, giving the young company a major technical and commercial breakthrough. The business expanded internationally before the Second World War, supported in part by Fritz Schenker, Winkler’s son-in-law. Subsidiaries and manufacturing operations were established in several European markets and subsequently in the Americas and Asia. By 1968, the formerly separate operations had been organized into an integrated corporate structure under Sika Finanz AG. Romuald Burkard assumed leadership in 1971, and the company later became listed on the Swiss stock exchange. During the 1990s, Sika narrowed its portfolio and withdrew from activities that were considered less profitable or outside its core direction, including sewer-restoration robots and road-building products. Around 2000, the group articulated a more focused strategy centered on five core competencies: sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing and protecting. These capabilities became a central framework for organizing its construction and industrial market offerings. Sika’s growth has combined internal development and international acquisitions. In 2019 the company acquired Parex, adding a large mortar business with strengths in tile-setting materials and facade renderings. In 2023, the company completed the acquisition of MBCC Group, a construction-chemicals business whose portfolio includes products designed to improve construction efficiency, performance and sustainability. The MBCC transaction was described as Sika’s largest acquisition at the time and significantly broadened its construction-chemicals platform. The group sells products under the Sika brand and numerous specialist product brands, including Sikaflex, SikaTack, Sika ViscoCrete, SikaBond, Sikafloor, Sika CarboDur, Sikagard, Sika MaxTack, Sikaplan, Sikament, Sikadur, SikaLastic, SikaRoof MTC, Sika Unitherm and Sika Sarnafil. Its customers include contractors, concrete producers, infrastructure owners, building-material manufacturers, automotive companies and other industrial users. Sika positions itself by combining application-specific chemical technology with system solutions intended to improve durability, productivity, structural performance and protection of built assets and manufactured goods.

History

Sika was founded in Zurich in 1910 by Kaspar Winkler under the name Kaspar Winkler & Co. Winkler initially developed chemical products for protecting and cleaning granite, together with a waterproofing agent for mortar. The mortar product was introduced as Sika-1 and became the foundation of the company’s waterproofing activities. Although the formulation has evolved, Sika-1 remains associated with the company’s earliest commercial innovation. The company began international expansion at an early stage. In 1912 it established a subsidiary in southern Germany with a small manufacturing facility. Operations were subsequently developed in England, Italy and France. Before the Second World War, Fritz Schenker, Winkler’s son-in-law, helped drive expansion beyond Europe into North and South America and Asia. Sika achieved an important infrastructure milestone in 1918, when Swiss Federal Railways conducted successful trials of its waterproofing materials in tunnels on the Gotthard section. Waterproofing had become particularly important as railway electrification introduced new technical requirements. The trials led to the treatment of 67 Swiss railway tunnels and gave Sika a high-profile reference project that helped establish its reputation. By 1968, the company’s operations had been brought into a more integrated corporate structure with Sika Finanz AG as the parent entity. Romuald Burkard took over leadership of the group in 1971. Sika was subsequently listed on the Swiss stock exchange, creating the public-company structure through which the group continued its international development. The 1990s were a period of portfolio rationalization. Sika withdrew from businesses that were viewed as less profitable or insufficiently aligned with its strategic direction, including the manufacture of robots for sewer restoration and road-building products. Around 2000, the group adopted a more focused growth strategy centered on sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing and protecting. These five capabilities continue to describe much of Sika’s technical and commercial offering. Sika marked its centenary in 2010 with celebrations across its subsidiaries. The group continued to expand through a combination of research, product development and acquisitions. Its portfolio developed across concrete technology, waterproofing, roofing, flooring, repair, structural strengthening, industrial bonding and automotive materials. The company’s brand architecture also broadened, with hundreds of product brands used across regional and application markets. A major corporate conflict involved the Burkard family, Sika and Saint-Gobain. In 2018, the parties signed agreements that terminated and resolved the dispute. The settlement was presented as being in the interests of the parties and their shareholders and stakeholders. In May 2019, Sika acquired Parex, a global mortar manufacturer with particular strengths in tile-setting materials and facade renderings. The transaction expanded Sika’s mortar and facade capabilities and added complementary products and market access. In May 2023, Sika acquired MBCC Group, a major construction-chemicals business. The acquisition added a broad set of construction products and technologies and was identified as Sika’s largest acquisition at the time. Today, Sika AG is the legal entity for the holding company that coordinates Sika organizations worldwide, including Sika Technology AG and Sika Services AG. The group serves the construction and motor-vehicle industries through a global network of subsidiaries and factories. Its systems are designed not merely as individual chemical products but as integrated solutions for improving durability, productivity, energy performance, structural integrity and protection.

2023
MBCC Group acquisition
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Sika acquired MBCC Group, significantly expanding its construction-chemicals platform in what was described as its largest acquisition to date.
2019
Parex acquisition
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Sika acquired Parex, broadening its global mortar, tile-setting and facade-rendering activities.
2018
Settlement of Saint-Gobain dispute
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Sika, the Burkard family and Saint-Gobain signed agreements resolving their corporate dispute.
2010
Centenary
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Sika celebrated its 100th anniversary across subsidiaries worldwide.
2000
Five core competencies defined
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
The company focused its growth strategy around sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing and protecting.
1990
Withdrawal from non-core activities
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Sika began withdrawing from less lucrative or non-core activities, including sewer-restoration robots and road-building products.
1971
Romuald Burkard assumes leadership
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Romuald Burkard took over leadership of the group during its transition as an integrated, publicly listed company.
1968
Integrated corporate structure
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Sika’s previously separate operations had been organized into an integrated structure under Sika Finanz AG.
1935
Expansion beyond Europe
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Fritz Schenker advanced Sika’s expansion into North and South America and Asia before the Second World War.
1918
Gotthard tunnel waterproofing breakthrough
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Successful Swiss Federal Railways trials led to Sika materials being used to waterproof 67 railway tunnels.
1912
First foreign subsidiary
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Sika established a subsidiary and small manufacturing operation in southern Germany, followed by further European expansion.
1910
Kaspar Winkler establishes the company
[1]Sika AGen.wikipedia.org
Kaspar Winkler founded Kaspar Winkler & Co. in Zurich, beginning the business that became Sika.

Products and positioning

A global specialty-chemicals and construction-solutions provider focused on performance materials for bonding, sealing, waterproofing, damping, reinforcing and protecting structures, vehicles and industrial products.

Mortar waterproofing · 1910
Sika-1
Sika-1 is a waterproofing admixture for mortar and one of the company’s earliest branded products. It originated in the company’s initial development work under Kaspar Winkler and has continued to be sold in a modified form. The product represents Sika’s historical entry into construction chemicals and its long-standing focus on protecting cementitious materials from water penetration.
Sealants and adhesives
Sikaflex
Sikaflex is a major Sika product family covering elastic sealants and adhesive products used in construction, industrial assembly and vehicle applications. Depending on the formulation, products in the range are used for joint sealing, weatherproofing, bonding and movement accommodation. The family is one of Sika’s most visible international brands.
Concrete admixtures
Sika ViscoCrete
Sika ViscoCrete is a concrete-admixture technology and product family designed to modify concrete workability and performance. It is used by concrete producers and contractors to support placement, strength development and formulation efficiency. The range fits Sika’s broader concrete-technology business and its emphasis on performance-oriented construction systems.
Flooring systems
Sikafloor
Sikafloor comprises resinous and cementitious flooring systems for industrial, commercial and infrastructure settings. Applications can include durable working surfaces, chemical or mechanical resistance, hygiene requirements and decorative finishes. The systems are marketed as complete flooring solutions rather than as isolated raw chemical ingredients.
Structural strengthening
Sika CarboDur
Sika CarboDur is a structural-strengthening system based on carbon-fiber reinforcement products and associated installation materials. It is used to upgrade or repair reinforced-concrete and other structures where additional load capacity or improved structural performance is required. The product family illustrates Sika’s role in repair, rehabilitation and infrastructure protection.
Roofing and waterproofing membranes
Sikaplan and Sika Sarnafil
Sikaplan and Sika Sarnafil are membrane and roofing-system brands used for waterproofing roofs and other building elements. Their systems are designed for building-envelope protection and may include membranes, accessories and installation components. They form part of Sika’s broader roofing, waterproofing and envelope-solutions portfolio.
Structural adhesives and repair
Sikadur
Sikadur is a family of high-performance adhesives, repair compounds and related products for construction and structural applications. The range supports bonding, anchoring, crack repair and rehabilitation work. Its role within the portfolio reflects Sika’s emphasis on system solutions for durable repair and structural protection.
Automotive adhesives
SikaTack
SikaTack is an automotive adhesive brand used in vehicle-glass replacement and related bonding applications. Products in the family are intended to support secure, durable attachment while fitting professional repair workflows. It is part of Sika’s automotive business, which supplies bonding, sealing, damping and protection technologies to vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket users.

Marketing campaigns

2010Sika centenary celebrations
Global
Sika marked its 100th anniversary with celebrations across its subsidiaries, using the occasion to emphasize the company’s international history and long-term product development.
Outcome. Corporate anniversary activities were held worldwide.
Source

Brand decisions

2023
Acquisition of MBCC GroupM&A
Background
Sika pursued a major expansion of its construction-chemicals platform and sought additional products supporting construction efficiency, performance and sustainability.
Action taken
Sika acquired MBCC Group in May 2023.
Aftermath
MBCC broadened Sika’s construction-chemicals portfolio and represented Sika’s largest acquisition to that point.
Source
2019
Acquisition of ParexM&A
Background
Sika sought to broaden its construction-materials portfolio and strengthen its position in mortar-related applications.
Action taken
Sika acquired Parex, a global mortar manufacturer focused on tile-setting materials and facade renderings.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Sika’s mortar, tile-setting and facade capabilities.
Source
2018
Settlement of the Saint-Gobain disputeOther
Background
Sika, the Burkard family and Saint-Gobain had been involved in a dispute concerning the proposed corporate transaction and control of Sika.
Action taken
The parties signed agreements that terminated and resolved the dispute.
Aftermath
The settlement was described as benefiting the parties and their shareholders and stakeholders.
Source
2000
Focus on five core competenciesStrategy
Background
Following portfolio rationalization, Sika sought a clearer framework for its technical capabilities and growth priorities.
Action taken
The group organized its strategy around sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing and protecting.
Aftermath
These competencies became a central description of Sika’s product portfolio across construction and automotive markets.
Source
1990
Exit from non-core businessesStrategy
Background
Sika faced a difficult business environment during the 1990s and reviewed activities that were not sufficiently profitable or strategically central.
Action taken
The company withdrew from businesses including sewer-restoration robots and road-building products.
Aftermath
The portfolio review helped prepare Sika for a more focused strategy based on construction and industrial materials.
Source

Recent events

Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.27
Sika completes acquisition of Duproof[3]Sika完成对Duproof的收购european-coatings.com
Sika completed its acquisition of Duproof, a Dubai-based manufacturer of bituminous waterproofing membranes. The transaction adds a UAE production site and expands Sika’s locally sourced product offering.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.13
Sika acquires UK landscaping products manufacturer Azpects Group[4]西卡收购英国景观建材制造商Azpects集团european-coatings.com
Swiss construction chemicals group Sika has acquired Azpects Group, a UK-based manufacturer of polymeric sands and jointing compounds for the landscaping sector. Sika states the acquisition is complementary to its existing product portfolio and UK distribution network and expects cross-selling opportunities as well as manufacturing and logistics cost synergies in the UK market.
2026.10.09
Reported2026.10.09
Sika acquires British manufacturer Azpects Group[5]西卡收购英国制造商Azpects Groupswissinfo.ch
Swiss construction chemicals company Sika has acquired Azpects Group, a British manufacturer of polymer-modified sands for landscaping, announcing the transaction in a press release on Friday. Sika is seeking to expand its product portfolio and distribution network in the United Kingdom and expects the acquisition to generate cost synergies in both production and logistics. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
2021.12.20
Reported2021.12.20
Sika opens adhesives and sealants plant and technology center in Pune[6]Sika在浦那开设粘合剂和密封剂工厂及技术中心european-coatings.com
Sika is opening a technology center and manufacturing plant for adhesives and sealants in Pune, India, with production and R&D aimed at serving growing Indian-market demand.
2021.12.14
Reported2021.12.14
Sika opens Pune technology center and manufacturing plant[7]Sika 在浦那启用技术中心和制造工厂chemengonline.com
Sika is opening a technology center and manufacturing plant in Pune, India, with three production lines for adhesives and sealants serving transportation, construction, and renewable energy sectors.
2021.11.22
Reported2021.11.22
Sika opens mortar production facility in Jiaxing[8]西卡在嘉兴启用砂浆生产设施chemengonline.com
Sika opened a mortar production facility in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang, China, expanding production capacity in the region.
Unconfirmed
Reported2021.08.24
Sika acquires Shenzhen Landun[9]西卡收购深圳蓝盾finance.yahoo.com
Sika acquired Shenzhen Landun Holding Co., Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer of waterproofing systems.
2021.08.19
Reported2021.08.19
Sika agrees to sell European industrial coatings business to Sherwin-Williams[10]Sika同意将欧洲工业涂料业务出售给Sherwin-Williamsfinanznachrichten.de
Sika agreed to sell its European industrial coatings business, based in Germany, to The Sherwin-Williams Company. The transaction was expected to close in early 2022.
2021.07.21
Reported2021.07.21
Sika acquires American Hydrotech and Hydrotech Membrane[11]Sika收购American Hydrotech及Hydrotech Membranefinanznachrichten.de
Sika said on Wednesday that it acquired American Hydrotech Inc. in the United States and its affiliate Hydrotech Membrane Corp. in Canada.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
2021.05.04
Sika agrees to acquire Hamatite business[12]Sika同意收购Hamatite业务glassmagazine.com
Sika agreed to acquire Hamatite, the adhesives business of The Yokohama Rubber Co.; the transaction was subject to antitrust clearance.

Sources21 sources

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