Our Heritage
Our history began in 1899, when Gus Sonneborn and the Rieck family established Sonneborn & Rieck Limited as a producer of French Polishes for pianos. Since then, we have evolved into a leading manufacturer of specialist paint coatings for automotive, wood and cosmetics packaging. In 2010, we became a part of the Fujikura Kasei Group, and our company name changed to Fujichem Sonneborn Limited (FCS) the following year.
Over the years, we have built a reputation for adapting to market demands and developing next-generation coating technologies without compromising our core values of product quality and customer satisfaction.
Today, we continue to improve the appearance and longevity of wood and plastic components with a steady flow of sustainable coating solutions, and nurture success through developing long-term partnerships with our customers and OEMs.
Enriching the Texture of Wood from Pianos to TV Cabinets
1899
Established as Sonneborn & Rieck, a producer of clear French Polish for pianos and furniture.
1900 - 1930s
Introduced high gloss coatings for furniture and radio cabinets.
1930 - 1960s
Introduced stable polyester systems for TV cabinets.
Continued to grow in the wood coatings market.
New Beginnings – High Technology Coatings for Plastics
1970 - 1980s
Introduced coatings for automotive plastics and teletronics.
Launched “in-mould coatings” for automotive applications.
1990s
Introduced “scratch resistant coatings” for forward lighting.
The Era of Widening Our Global Reach
2000
A Global Alliance agreement was made with Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd. & Red Spot Paint & Varnish Co. Inc.
2008
Customer Service Unit opened in France.
2010
Acquired by Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.
2011
The name of the company was changed from Sonneborn & Rieck Limited to Fujichem Sonneborn Limited.
Exited from the powder coatings business.
2012
New Production Hall, for automotive and UV coatings, opened in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Customer Service Unit opened in Germany.
2013
Research & Development Centre opened in Hainault, Essex.
2015
Winner of the British Coatings Federation “Sustainable Innovation Award” - FCS 3 Coat Chrome Effect Technology.
2017
Hainault Headquarters renovated.
Application Centre opened in Hainault, Essex.
Lecture Room opened in Hainault, Essex.
Winner of the British Coatings Federation “Excellence in Training Award”.
2018
Construction of the New Quality Control Laboratories started in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
