History
More than 100 years ago
the Lay brothers opened their small spice mill; who would have thought back then that the two-man factory would become a major company in the German-speaking world? Over 100 employees, cus-tomers around the globe and an annual production of over 10,000 tons of natural and blended spic-es, marinades and auxiliary products speak for themselves, and the success story is still making great strides forward.
Even 100 years after the founding of the company our objective is still the same: to ensure the future success of our customers with best quality, innovative products and an optimum customer support and service team. We strive to achieve this with dedication and commitment!
1920 Founding of the "Conservierungssalzfabrik Gewürzmühle A. & F. Lay"
With just two employees, young entrepreneurs August and Friedrich Lay imported spices and produced preserving curing salt and nitrite curing salt and the first spice mixes in their "Lindesmühle" mill.
1928 The company was renamed the "Conservierungssalzfabrik-Gewürzmühle Gebrüder Lay" (the Lay Brothers Salt Preserving Factory and Spice Mill)
The company grew when the two younger brothers, Karl and Hermann joined the family firm, and LAY was also given an new name that would remain synonymous with the best spices and sea-sonings from Bad Kissingen.
1961 A new company building
The continuous success and rapidly growing need for more production capacity led to an inevitable expansion of the company that took place in 1961 with a new, high-tech company building.
1965 The next generation
Management of the company was transferred to Heinz and Dr. Bernhard Lay, the successors of the founders, which heralded a new era. The next phase in the company’s development began under their leadership as they consolidated their global links.
1980 Full steam ahead
The company continued to expand, the premises were again extended and the continuing success and growth prompted a management restructuring.
1989 In the best company
LAY became a limited company (GmbH), opening a new chapter in the LAY company history. CEO Karl-Heinz Dittmer would now help shape the future ambitious corporate objectives.
1996 Innovations in a class of their own: spice oils
The introduction of Marinade spice oils with added herbs and spices marked an innovative mile-stone in product development, while over 50 different seasoning and flavor ranges guaranteed perfect culinary results and pioneering company success.
2006 Premium quality
For LAY, excellence is not only a rating, but proof of our years of commitment and steady progress in all our company divisions. The certifications are not only a validation of our endeavors, but also represent an important pledge of quality for our customers. You will find more information under “Quality and certifications”.
2008/2009 - Move to Southern Thuringia - fit for the future
After more than three years of planning and building, we finally moved into our new corporate complex in Southern Thuringia. A new administrative, technology and development center and full production and warehouse buildings were built on a plot of over 43,000 m2 in the Thüringer Tor industrial complex in the municipality of Queienfeld. The high-tech spice factory supplies our customers with the renowned top quality and innovative products manufactured with the highest standards of quality.