Albert, Heinrich Johann

Chemist, industrialist

Born: 12.02.1835 in Amorbach

died: 31.12.1908 in Biebrich

Albert completed his chemistry studies in Munich as the best student. His examiner at the final examination was Justus von Liebig, who directed his studies towards agricultural chemistry. Together with his brother Eugen and a brother-in-law, Albert leased the Lohmühle mill in Biebrich in 1858 and set up his first small factory there, producing fertilizer from nitrogenous waste products. He called his product "artificial guano". In 1861, the company moved to Amöneburg on the Rhine. There were large phosphorite deposits in the Lahn Valley, which Albert used as a raw material for his fertilizer production. In 1871, he invented "double superphosphate", a high-percentage plant nutrient salt that became a bestseller.

While continuing his search for sources of raw materials for fertilizer production, Albert came across "Thomas slag", a waste product of steel production (named after Sidney G. Thomas), and discovered that this phosphate-containing slag was an excellent plant nutrient. Using a special grinding process, he succeeded in making the Thomas slag usable for agriculture. This made a cost-effective raw material, the world-famous Thomas flour, available in large quantities. This important invention was the basis for his company's rise to become the world's most important phosphate factory. Production began in 1885 and was secured by contracts with numerous domestic and foreign steel companies for the supply of slag. Albert's process brought him not only fame but also great commercial success.

Albert, who also stood out as a writer and took a public stance on economic policy issues, supported his employees early on, e.g. by setting up a relief fund for sick and disabled workers (1863).