1923

De Nora’s story begins in 1923 with Oronzio De Nora’s bold vision and his first patent for an electrolytic cell for alkali chlorides. From day one, the Group has driven innovation in the electrochemical industry, with a pioneering focus on chlor-alkali technologies.

1950s

By the 1950s, De Nora needed a headquarter that could match its growing ambitions. Oronzio De Nora set the plan in motion, building a new, larger, and more functional plant on Via Bistolfi in Milan, the very site of the Group’s headquarters today.

1960s

In the 1960s, De Nora’s electrochemical solutions went global. The 1965 patent for insoluble titanium electrodes with a catalytic noble-metal oxide coating redefined the industry, solidified in 1970 with the birth of the DSA® trademark.

1969

After decades of groundbreaking product development, De Nora set its sights on new horizons. In 1969, the Group entered the Japanese market through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co. Ltd., founding Permelec Electrode Ltd. to bring DSA® anodes to Japan.

1970s

In the 1970s, De Nora broke new ground with a bipolar diaphragm cell sold worldwide and patented a method to produce sodium hypochlorite from seawater for large-scale cooling systems. This era also saw the launch of the first salt chlorinators for swimming pools.

1980s

Riding the success of its chlor-alkali systems and DSA® anodes, De Nora accelerated its international growth, entering the Singapore, Brazil, and India markets.

1982 Singapore

1983 Brazil

1989 India

Throughout the 1980s, innovation and research remained at the heart of De Nora’s growth. DSA® anodes expanded beyond chlorine production, powering electrochemical metal production, protecting concrete from corrosion, and enabling galvanized steel sheet manufacturing.

1990s

In the 1990s, De Nora expanded into China, the United States, and Germany, establishing joint ventures and subsidiaries to serve a growing customer base and deliver essential local after-sales support.

1993 China

1997 USA

1998 Germany

Throughout the 1990s, De Nora pushed product diversification further, bringing DSA® anodes into electronics, electroplating, and water sanitization, while developing cutting-edge technologies for basic chemistry and fuel cells.

2000s

In the 2000s, De Nora advanced its technological edge with state-of-the-art chlor-alkali coatings and separators, alongside Gas Diffusion Electrodes for fuel cells.

2001

In the 2000s, De Nora accelerated growth through acquisitions and joint ventures, moving beyond internal expansion. In 2001, the Group launched Uhdenora S.p.A., a joint venture with thyssenkrupp, to advance its chlor-alkali business.

The same year marks the establishment of Severn Trent De Nora, a water treatment company with electro-chlorination-based technologies.

2005

New acquisitions and joint ventures are carried out in China and the United States.

2010-2011

Between 2010 and 2011, De Nora strengthened its leadership in the chlor-alkali sector: in 2010, it increased its stake in Permelec Electrode to 100% through a deal with Mitsui & Co., and in 2011, it acquired all shares of Chlorine Engineers, a key player in plant engineering.

2010

In 2010, De Nora advanced innovation with new patented solutions for diaphragm and membrane technologies, reinforcing its role as a technology leader.

2013

De Nora turns 90 years old.

2015

Uhdenora S.p.A. becomes tkUhdeChlorine Engineers (tkUCE), a leading company in the design and supply of caustic soda and chlorine plants.
In 2015, De Nora launches the Water Technologies business segment, unifying its companies in water and wastewater treatment and sanitation.

2017

Blackstone Tactical Opportunities joins the De Nora family to accelerate growth by acquiring 32.9% of the share capital.

2018-2019

In 2018–2019, the Group accelerates its international growth through acquisitions, expanded Chinese production, and new sites in the United States and Germany.