Tetra – The global leader in aquatics

1950s – Fishkeeping revolution

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In 1951, the natural scientist Dr Ulrich Baensch registered the company Tropenhaus (later Tetra) in Hanover. Two years later, he founded the BioMin laboratory, where he was able to test and further develop his products. During this time, he introduced many innovations to the market and applied for several patents.

1960s – Developing the brand

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In 1962, the company headquarters with around 20 employees was moved to Melle and renamed Tetra Kraft Werke. At that time, Dr Baensch had already registered 15 patents for manufacturing processes and 20 trademarks. The company also published its first aquarium magazine, Die Wasserfloh-Post.

1970s – Globalisation

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At the beginning of the 1970s, production was expanded to the new site in Offelten. Tetra then had about 420 employees. At that time, the first Tetra expedition to the Amazon was undertaken. In 1974, the company was sold to the American group Warner-Lambert, thereby taking its first step towards globalisation.

1980s – Conquering garden ponds

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At this time, garden ponds were becoming increasingly popular and Tetra presented Tetra Pond, its first complete product range in the garden pond sector comprising food, care and technology. The innovative Pond Sticks float on the garden pond’s surface so that you can watch the fish eating undisturbed.

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Tetra opened branch offices in Blacksburg (VA) and Morris Plains (NJ). Warehousing and distribution were combined in the Tetra Logistics Centre in Melle, and the Tetra Aquarium was opened at Osnabrück Zoo.

2000s – Developing the brand

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In 2005, the American consumer goods group, Spectrum Brands, took over the company. The site in Melle was expanded to accommodate the filling and packaging production that was to be relocated from Offelten to Melle. The 8in1 brand was also integrated at the Melle site.

Today – New brands, new markets

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In recent years, quality assurance was implemented in accordance with IFS Food (International Featured Standard) and the brand’s design was relaunched globally. We now hold a unique number of patents on products, technologies and manufacturing processes.