Sika

Company History

Sika was founded in 1910 by Swiss inventor Kaspar Winkler, who developed a unique additive for accelerating the hardening of cement — Sika-1. This product laid the foundation for what would become a global corporation specializing in construction chemicals and industrial solutions.

Sika achieved its first significant breakthrough in 1918, when its waterproofing solutions were applied in the Gotthard Tunnel by the Swiss Federal Railways. The results exceeded expectations and marked the beginning of Sika’s international expansion. By 1935, the company had established subsidiaries in Asia, South America, and throughout Europe.

Key Milestones

• 1910 — Company founded, launch of the first waterproofing additive Sika-1.
• 1918 — Successful application in the Gotthard Tunnel, triggering rapid growth.
• 1935 — Entry into international markets: Asia, South America, Europe.
• 1940s — Supply of materials for military and infrastructure projects across Europe.
• 1968 — Listed on the Swiss stock exchange; launch of Sikaflex adhesive, which became a bestseller in the automotive industry.
• 2000–2010 — Portfolio expansion from foundation solutions to soundproofing and structural reinforcement. Workforce grew to 13,000 employees.
• 2005 — Acquisition of Sarna, a leading producer of waterproofing membranes.
• 2017 — Purchase of Butterfield Color (USA) boosts Sika’s offering in architectural concrete finishes.
• 2019 — Integration of Parex Group, a global leader in facade and mortar solutions (over 4,000 employees in 23 countries).
• 2021–2024 — Advancement of digital tools and sustainable construction technologies. Participation in global ESG initiatives focused on carbon footprint reduction.

Today, Sika employs more than 33,000 people, operates over 100 manufacturing subsidiaries, and runs 400+ production sites worldwide. The brand is present in 101 countries and offers innovative solutions for the construction, industrial, transportation, and energy sectors.

Sika adheres to the highest international benchmarks, with certifications under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. The company actively pursues environmental policies aimed at reducing ecological impact and increasing energy efficiency.

TechCom supplies original Sika shotcrete machines and engineering solutions manufactured in partnership with Putzmeister, offering full technical support, training, and project assistance at every stage.