Our Vision & Mission
To be a leading international manufacturer and distributor of inspiring products and exceptional services for the life sciences and performance chemicals markets.
We will achieve our vision by continuing to value our strong, caring relationships with our key stakeholders – our employees, customers, suppliers, industry bodies and communities.
We have an enviable past and will deliver a sustainable future by delivering expertise, innovation and excellence in everything we do.
Our History
1935
Cornelius is founded in the City of London by Dr. Ernst Gustav Cornelius as E.G Cornelius - a commodity trading business
1942
The Cornelius Chemical Company distribution business is established with Sally Gaetsky as MD
1976
Dr Cornelius passes away
1978
Miss Gaetsky retires and Ken Prior takes over as MD
1986
Cornelius is subject to a management buy-out led by Mr. Prior
1994
Cornelius relocates to its current Woodside facility in Hertfordshire to enable expansion
1997
Cornelius becomes the first distribution company in the UK to open a Cosmetics applications laboratory at the site
2006
A new Cornelius Specialties facility is opened in Haverhill, Suffolk supplying the global ocular and dental markets
2007
Cornelius expands into Poland and China
2008
Mr. Prior retires as Managing Director and Dr. Neville Prior becomes Chairman & Managing Director
2011
Cornelius expands into France, India and Nordic regions
2012
Cornelius expands into Russia & Nordics
2013
Darren Spiby is appointed Managing Director of Cornelius
2016
Darren Spiby is appointed Group CEO
2019
Cornelius Specialties and Group offices integrate under a new manufacturing and distribution strategy - ‘One Cornelius’