Schering AG
started as a pharmacy called Gruene Apotheke in Chausseestrasse 17, Berlin in 1851.
History
The founder Ernst Schering then incorporated the company as Chemische Fabrik auf Actien in 1871 (Companies by Letter: Schering AG, 2003). This move marked the start of independent production for the company. In 1890, the company released medicine that treated gout as its first major product (Companies by Letter: Schering AG, 2003). Chemische Fabrik auf Actien continued to grow over the years producing a variety of products from medicine to chemicals. The 1937 merger with Oberkoks saw the company adopt the current name, Schering AG (Companies by Letter: Schering AG, 2003). From that point, Schering AG delved into international markets becoming one of the leading pharmaceuticals in the world. This status was almost ruined by the World Wars, but Schering AG bounced back.
Schering AG had strategically positioned itself in New York City, United States during World War 1. This position was threatened first by the rivalry between Germany, the mother country of Schering AG and the United States. The accusations that Schering AG worked with the German army made this threat stronger. Several people became opposed to the company and its operations (Companies by Letter: Schering AG, 2003). The first issue of medical concern came with the production of birth control pills. These pills turned out to be harmful to the reproductive system of most women (Companies by Letter: Schering AG, 2003). Both these women and their future children were at major risk.
Production for soldiers
The worst hit the company during the Second World War. At this time, Schering AG was accused of working with the German army to produce corticosteriods for German soldiers (Companies by Letter: Schering AG, 2003). This corticosteriods made the German soldiers strong but contained extracts from renal cortex. The United States concluded that the production of these drugs was aimed to further the mission of the Nazis. The reputation of Schering AG was ruined leading to massive losses for the company. The result was the closure of most of the international divisions of the company. Schering AG managed to recover most of the companies back after the war but had a difficult time repossessing their United States company.