Where do we come from?
Success story family business
Dr. Wolff has always been in family ownership. So far, four generations have put their heart and soul into the company’s success. After Dr. August Wolff, Dr. Kurt Wolff and Doris Wolff, today the great-grandchildren Eduard R. Dörrenberg and Christoph Harras-Wolff are in charge of the company.
Eduard R. Dörrenberg returns to Bielefeld from Singapore after four years of successfully developing the markets in Asia.
Christoph Harras-Wolff joins the executive board as Managing Partner, taking responsibility for the Legal, Procurement and Societies divisions.
Eduard R. Dörrenberg takes over management of the company, modernising it over the following years. Prominent marketing activities such as the “baldness calculator” and the “Doping for your hair” slogan boost the popularity of the Alpecin brand.
Even while her husband, Dr. Kurt Wolff, is still alive, Doris Wolff plays an active role in the business, standing by his side and advising on several important decisions. Following his death in 1978, she takes on the management of the company, leading the Dr. Wolff-Group with humility, discipline and a sense of duty. However, her management style is also notable for her environmental work and her ability to connect with employees on a personal level. With Doris Wolff as managing director, the company overcomes significant challenges. The construction of a new production plant for the equivalent of 20 million euros is just one of the many far-sighted investments with which she aligns the company for the present success.
In 1937, the 30-year-old chemist begins working at the family company. Five years later, he is running the business following the death of his father August. Dr. Kurt Wolff sees cosmetics and skincare as scientific disciplines, working with dermatologists to develop new products. The first of his innovations is linoleic acid-based compounds. Dr. Kurt Wolff expands the company systematically over the course of his 36 years in charge. His gift for leadership, extensive scientific ambitions and a straightforward approach transform his father’s business into an international company focusing on pharmacy and cosmetics.
The establishment of several training centres throughout Germany begins. Hairdressers and experts in cosmetics participate in the training regularly, gaining additional qualifications.
As soon as the Second World War ends, Dr. Kurt Wolff receives a permit from City Commander Major Douglas MacOlive to resume industrial production and begins rebuilding the company. The reason behind the decision is Dr. Wolff’s special centrifugal procedure for manufacturing insulin.
Chemist Dr. Kurt Wolff fosters research on linoleic acid and develops the first oil-in-water emulsion. This is later followed by Linola Fett for treating dry, itchy or cracked skin.
Born as a son of a pharmacist in 1872, Dr. August Wolff studies chemistry and pharmacy after graduating from high school, eventually receiving a PhD. In 1905, he founds a chemical and pharmaceuticals factory in Bielefeld under the name “Sudbracker Nährmittelwerke Vinces”, thus realising a long-nurtured idea for manufacturing medication in a factory. He is described as a hands-on, open-minded businessman with a good feeling for brands and advertising.
The Latin term “Vinces” (You will be victorious) in the company name is also used as a trademark for various products: “Sub hoc signo vinces” (Under this sign you will be victorious). This is the birth of the company’s first logo.
Pharmacist Dr. August Wolff founds “Sudbracker Nährmittelwerke Vinces” in Bielefeld. In its early years, the company produces cough syrup, cod liver oil and various teas. One major success is the iron supplement Hämatopan.