Catalog Agfa 2024

The AGFA company (full name Agfa-Gevaert NV) specializes in the production of a variety of products related to the creation and processing of images. These are comprehensive solutions for the printing and publishing industry, including equipment, consumables and specialized software. The company also produces medical imaging systems, including solutions for radiology and medical image management.

The history of this brand began in 1867 in Berlin, when the chemist Paul Mendelssohn (by the way, the son of the composer Felix Mendelssohn) launched the production of chemicals at a small plant called Gesellschaft für Anilinfabrikation GmbH. In 1872, the young company merged with Chemische Fabrik Dr. Jordan, with the formation of Aktien-Gesellschaft für Anilin-Fabrikation. As the name implies, the main product of the new company was aniline used in dyes. A little later, the production of photochemicals was also mastered, including rodinal, which later became the basis for black and white photography – the company patented it in 1891. A period of rapid growth and development began. The company is constantly expanding production, including new items in its product range. In 1891, it changed its name to AGFA, which was short for its full name.

At the beginning of the 20th century, after the First World War, AGFA merged with other German companies, which significantly expanded its production capacity and product range. The result was the emergence of the IG Farben concern, which made it possible to withstand the difficult hours of post-war devastation. In 1936, the first AGFA colour photographic film, appeared. By that time, the company’s activities were no longer limited exclusively to the chemical industry; it began to actively engage in various equipment, including film cameras.

After World War II, different parts of the AGFA found themselves in different occupation zones, which led to a number of production and brand difficulties. It was possible to fully revive only in 1952. And in 1964, AGFA merged with the Belgian company Gevaert (founded in 1894 and specialized mainly in photographic paper), which led to the formation of Agfa-Gevaert. This merger was an important step in strengthening the company's position in the international market.

During the 1980s and 1990s, AGFA grew rapidly, investing in research and development and expanding its product range. During this period, the company focused on digital technologies, which helped it remain competitive in rapidly changing markets. The ability to recognize in time the importance of switching to digital media allowed the company to adapt to new realities and enter the 21st century relatively painlessly. For example, Kodak failed to do this.

Throughout its more than century-long history, Agfa-Gevaert has gone through many transformations, adapting to changing market conditions and technological innovations. Today the company specializes in three main areas: graphics systems, medical systems and printing solutions.