MAGNESIA GmbH is an international distributor and supplier of magnesium, calcium and other mineral compounds. For already more than 40 years, we are known for high-quality raw materials, first-class individual product consultation, seamless document management and high customer satisfaction. We supply our customers in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food and dietary supplement industries as well as general technical applications quickly, reliably, globally and with all necessary quality and import documents.
Product portfolio
Minerals – that is our strength! The main raw materials in our product portfolio include magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, iron as well as zinc and their various chemical compounds. In addition to these raw materials, we offer you a comprehensive service ranging from individual product consultation, the sampling of mineral compounds for your product development process, the procurement of raw materials with special properties to on-time delivery. This technical and logistical know-how is MAGNESIA’s trademark and in demand worldwide.
40 years of MAGNESIA: From a salt works to an international raw materials supplier
MAGNESIA GmbH was founded in 1983 by Mr. Wolfgang Bornmann, the last managing director of Saline Lüneburg und Chemische Fabrik GmbH. After the suspension of salt mining and the closing down of the increasingly unprofitable operation of the salt works, Mr. Bornmann’s mission was to continue the flourishing business with the distribution of mineral raw materials such as magnesium and calcium compounds. He undertook this by founding MAGNESIA GmbH, which is still active today as an internationally successful supplier of mineral raw materials. In 2023, we will celebrate 40 years of MAGNESIA. Learn more about our history below.
956 A.D.
First documented mention of the Lüneburg salt works (in German “Saline Lüneburg”) in a document of King Otto I.
Until the end of the 16th century
Development of the Saline Lüneburg into one of the largest salt producers in Northern Europe and thus a major economic factor for Lüneburg.
Saline Lüneburg around 1598 1
End of the 19th century & beginning of the 20th century
Planning and construction of the “Chemical Factory” (in German “Chemische Fabrik”) as part of the Saline Lüneburg. The aim is to both stock and distribute soda ash, sulfuric acid and chlorinated lime. In addition, production of magnesium- and calcium-silicate-based thermal insulating agents begins under the brand names “PerMag” and “DiaMag”.
1961
The future managing director of MAGNESIA GmbH, Mr. Udo Schenk, begins his training as an industrial clerk at latley formed “Saline Lüneburg und Chemische Fabrik”
1968
The later founder of MAGNESIA GmbH, Mr. Wolfgang Bornmann, joined the “Saline Lüneburg und Chemische Fabrik” as a senior employee. He has since built up a functioning distribution business with magnesium and calcium compounds as an alternative for the increasingly unprofitable mining operation.
Product portfolio of “Saline Lüneburg und Chemische Fabrik” 2
1969
The managing director of that time, Mr. Wolter, retires. He was succeeded by Mr. Wolfgang Bornmann, who became then managing director of “Saline Lüneburg und Chemische Fabrik”.
1980
Production of salt at the “Lüneburg Saline und Chemische Fabrik” is discontinued due to rising energy costs as a result of the crude oil crisis. Production operations, machinery and equipment, and in some cases buildings and land have been liquidated.
Building of the “Saline Lüneburg und Chemische Fabrik” in 1983 3
1983
Mr. Wolfgang Bornmann takes over inventory, customer records as well as existing contracts and founded the MAGNESIA on this basis. The shareholders’ agreement is finally signed in October 1983.
Communication between Mr. Bornmann and the notary’s office on letter paper of the “Saline Lüneburg und Chemische Fabrik” regarding the founding of MAGNESIA 4
1983 until the 90s
MAGNESIA’s first headquarters is the location “Auf der Hude 72”, which later became the iconic Lüneburg discotheque Garage and is now home to a digital advertising company. Due to the company’s growth, the move to the industrial area Lüneburg Hafen took place in the 90s.
Former company headquarters “Auf der Hude 72” in Lüneburg 5
2001
Mr. Schenk and Mr. Bornmann re-establish contact with each other. On January 1st, 2001, Mr. Schenk is appointed as the second managing director of MAGNESIA GmbH alongside Mr. Bornmann.
2004 — 2005
Move to the current location at Max-Jenne-Straße 2–4 with a 2,000 m² warehouse and the potential to expand the office space in the coming years.
Company headquarters in the “Max-Jenne-Straße” in Lüneburg in 2010 6
2008
25th company anniversary with attendance of local guests (here the former mayor of Lüneburg, Mr. Ulrich Mädge) and international customers at the company’s headquarters in Lüneburg.
Wolfgang Bornmann, Ulrich Mädge and Udo Schenk on the 25th anniversary 7
2010
Mr. Bornmann retires. Previously, he sold 100% of his shares in the company to Dr. Rudolf Seidel, who continues to run MAGNESIA as a shareholder in the spirit of Mr. Bornmann. From now on, however, Dr. Seidel leaves the strategic and operational management to Mr. Schenk, and other Managing Directors.
Michael Mett and Dr. Rudolf Seidel in front of the company’s headquarters 8
Since 2013
In 2013 Mr. Markus Cording and in 2018 Mr. Johann Studtmann are appointed as managing directors. Both manage MAGNESIA to this day.
Johann Studtmann and Markus Cording 9
2023
MAGNESIA celebrates its 40th anniversary and takes this opportunity to explore the history together with the German Salt Museum (Deutsches Salzmuseum), the Lüneburg City Archive, the Lüneburg Media House (publisher of local newspaper) and contemporary witnesses.
Udo Schenk and Markus Cording hand over to Dr. Alexandra Hentschel, Director of the German Salt Museum, possible exhibits of the salt works period from the MAGNESIA archive 10.
Future
In the coming decades, we intend to continue pursuing our vision of being one of the leading experts for mineral raw materials, as well as a provider of individual services around our portfolio.