About Us

From Humble Beginnings to an International Presence

Otto Dille founded the company at the beginning of the 20th century, focusing on the trade of tanning agents. In the 1930s, Herbert Baeck joined the company as a partner and, following Otto Dille’s death in 1943, took over sole management. Under his leadership, the company grew to become one of the leading suppliers of tanning agents in Germany and beyond.
Recognizing early on that leather production was increasingly shifting to countries outside Europe, Otto Dille strategically expanded its business activities to regions such as North Africa, Asia, and Central America. This forward-looking strategy secured not only market share in Germany and Europe but also established a strong presence in international markets.

A Diverse Portfolio for Versatile Needs

For decades, the company has represented leading producers of:

• Mimosa bark extract
• Quebracho and chestnut wood extract
• Fruit, bark, and specialty extracts such as myrobalan, sumac, tara, and valonia

In addition to trading in tanning agents, Otto Dille has expanded its portfolio to include the distribution of lignosulfonates. The product range includes both standard grades and custom-made special formulations used in various industries, including:

• Chemical production
• Particle board manufacturing
• Crop protection products
• Fertilizers
• Animal feed

A Brand with a Future

In 2003, Otto Dille GmbH & Co. KG was merged with Baeck GmbH & Co. KG as part of a reorganization and has since operated as a division of Baeck & Co. Thanks to trademark protection, the traditional Otto Dille name remains an established part of the industry.

Family-Run in the Third Generation

Today, the company is managed by the third generation and remains true to its mission: providing high-quality products and services to customers worldwide. Combining tradition, expertise, and innovation, Otto Dille will continue to set standards in the trade of vegetable tanning agents and related products in the future.