Gerhard Schacht became a master roofer in 1838 and started his own company. In 1854 he extended his company to the production of roofing felt from the practically worthless hard coal tar from the gas institutions. Over the years he developed the company from making roofing felt to making chemically-technical products. The company was constantly open to new areas and as early as the 20s, his pesticides were being sold all over Germany. The factory was completely destroyed in the 2nd World War but they were able to resume production and the employees who survived the war and prisoner of war camps were reemployed.