Who we are

We live and work in many different countries, speak many languages and have different skills and areas of expertise. We are a team of more than 7,000 people around the Hempel world, united in the belief that our coatings can make our customers’ businesses stronger and our world safer and longer-lasting.

Hempel is a growing business, both geographically and in its fields of work. This gives us unique opportunities to develop our skills and explore different ways of working. Whatever we do, we constantly work to earn the trust of our colleagues, customers and external stakeholders. We value collaboration and innovation, and back ourselves to succeed.

Across geographies and segments, we join our customers’ journeys and support them in delivering on their ambitions. Our commercial activities are organised in key segments: Marine, Decorative and Energy & Infrastructure, to cater and specialise to our customers’ needs. With an integrated global supply chain, we drive global synergy in manufacturing, sustainability and logistics.

Hempel has been protecting assets for over 100 years. It was established in 1915 by J.C. Hempel in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was just 21 years of age at the time and had just DKK 300 in his pocket, but his idea to sell ready-mixed marine paints would go on to revolutionise the Danish marine industry. J.C. Hempel delivered the first order himself, riding along on his bicycle with the cans of paint dangling from the handlebars.

J.C. Hempel led our company for over 70 years. His belief that it’s “the will to want that creates the skill to do” remains at the core of our company today. He also believed a company’s greatest asset was its people. Despite global growth, our colleagues are valued and looked after.