Legacy Rooted in 1943
This is the original Certificate of Incorporation of Chempure Pvt Ltd., issued on 20th April 1943 under the Indian Companies Act of 1913. Framed in its preserved, ornate casing, this document reflects the very beginning of Chempure’s journey in Calcutta, Bengal.
It stands as a testament to an organisation built long before India’s independence, when scientific supply chains were still in their infancy and only a handful of companies served the country’s laboratories, research institutions and industrial chemists.
For more than eight decades, this certificate has symbolised Chempure’s commitment to reliability, scientific integrity and customer trust, values that have been passed down across generations. What began in 1943 as a pioneering effort in laboratory chemicals has evolved into one of India’s most enduring scientific supply organisations, still guided by the same principles that shaped its foundation.
Chempure Warehouse, Calcutta - 6 November 1968
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Chempure Warehouse, Calcutta - 6 November 1968
This photograph captures a rare glimpse into Chempure’s Calcutta warehouse in 1968, a time when laboratory chemicals in India were sourced, stored and supplied with meticulous manual care. The shelves lined with BDH and other classic reagent bottles reflect an era when scientific distribution relied entirely on trust, discipline and precision, long before automation, barcoding or digital inventory systems existed.
Each container in this image was catalogued and dispensed by hand, forming the backbone of research laboratories, universities and industrial units across India during the 1960s and 70s. This warehouse stood as a vital link in the country’s growing scientific ecosystem, supplying chemists and researchers with the materials they needed to advance their work.
More than half a century later, this photograph reminds us of Chempure’s enduring values: reliability, stewardship and an unwavering commitment to the scientific community. It is a tribute to the people and practices that shaped the company in its formative decades and set the foundation for the Chempure of today.
BDH Laboratory Chemicals Price List, 1964–65
This preserved BDH price list from 1964–65 reflects how laboratory chemicals were selected and ordered in an era long before digital catalogues. Dealers, research laboratories and universities relied on these printed booklets to identify reagents, pack sizes and grades.
For Chempure, which distributed BDH products in Calcutta at the time, catalogues like this were an essential part of daily operations. Every order was recorded manually, cross-checked and dispatched with the precision that defined scientific supply in the 1960s.
This document stands today as a reminder of Chempure's early decades, a time when trust, accuracy and personal relationships formed the backbone of India’s laboratory chemical trade.
BDH Laboratory Chemicals Price List, 1964–65
Historic Bank Ledger – Imperial Bank of India (Predecessor to State Bank of India)
Historic Bank Ledger – Imperial Bank of India (Predecessor to State Bank of India)
These sheets are original bank ledger statements of Chempure from the 1950s and early 1960s, issued by the Imperial Bank of India, which later became the State Bank of India. Before computerized banking existed, every withdrawal, deposit and balance update was recorded manually by bank staff in ledgers like this.
- Entries were handwritten, line by line, for each transaction
- Ticks in black pencil indicated that an entry was verified and tallied
- Pink or red check marks often signified internal cross-checking or branch-level reconciliation
- Balances were calculated manually and carried forward for the next page
These ledgers were essential tools for businesses of the time, they served as the only official record of financial activity and required meticulous accuracy. Preserving them today reflects Chempure’s long-standing culture of accountability and careful record-keeping that dates back more than seven decades.
Apology Letter from Fluka
This is a letter from FLUKA AG, Switzerland, to Chempure (Private) Ltd., Calcutta, dated 6 October 1975. It shows how an international principal handled a damaged shipment supplied through Chempure.
What the letter says
- Refers to Winphar Labs, Berhampur and Invoice No. 841075 of 28 April 1975. Main message FLUKA apologises for the damage to goods in that consignment. They confirm they have reported the loss to the General of Berne Insurance Company. Once the insurance company pays compensation, FLUKA will credit Chempure’s account and inform them of the process. As requested by Chempure, they are enclosing new labels for the damaged bottles so the stock can be correctly relabelled.
- Closing
- FLUKA writes that they hope they have met Chempure’s requirements and signs off formally, with handwritten signatures and a note of “Encl. ment.” for the enclosed labels.
What it shows in terms of utility and history
- Chempure was already working as a channel partner for global fine-chemicals manufacturers like FLUKA in the 1970s.
- The letter reflects a high standard of after-sales support: written apology, insurance handling, and practical support (replacement labels) for the end customer.
Apology Letter from Fluka
Government communication from the Ministry of Finance, Mauritius
Government communication from the Ministry of Finance, Mauritius
This is a formal government communication from the Ministry of Finance, Port Louis, Mauritius, to Chempure (Private) Ltd., Calcutta, dated 6 November 1981.
What the letter says
- Context of the correspondence: The letter refers to:
- Chempure’s letter dated 24th October 1981, and
- An earlier Ministry letter dated 16th October 1981, regarding the supply of Ether Solvent and Bentonite to the Ministry of Health in Mauritius, at revised rates that had been quoted in a Chempure letter of 7th April 1981.
- Main message: The Secretary of the Tender Board is:
- Enclosing a copy of his earlier letter of 16 October 1981 for reference.
- Once again requesting Chempure to give early attention to the matter so that the supply of these chemicals can proceed at the agreed revised rates.
What it shows in terms of utility and history
- Chempure was already working as a channel partner for global fine-chemicals manufacturers like FLUKA in the 1970s.
- The letter reflects a high standard of after-sales support: written apology, insurance handling, and practical support (replacement labels) for the end customer.
What it shows about Chempure’s history
- Chempure was not only serving Indian laboratories but was also supplying chemicals internationally, including to a foreign government (Mauritius).
- The products involved, Ether Solvent and Bentonite, were being purchased for the Ministry of Health, indicating use in public health or medical/industrial applications.
- The involvement of the Tender Board of the Ministry of Finance shows that Chempure’s supplies were part of a formal, state-level procurement process, with negotiated rates and written follow-ups for timely execution.
Electoral Roll registration process.
This is a historic government communication from 1950, sent to Chempure Ltd. at 6 Lucas Lane, Calcutta, relating to the Electoral Roll registration process.
What the letter says
- The backside of the postcard (dated 20/27 July 1950) informs Chempure Ltd. that:
- The premises at 6 Lucas Lane qualifies the company to register a representative on the electoral roll, based on:
- Payment of consolidated rate/tax to the Corporation, or
- Ownership of a house/hut in the borough.
- The Corporation requests that Chempure:
- Return the annexed card within one week of receiving the notice.
- Provide the name of a member (above 21 years of age) to be registered as the company’s representative for voting purposes.
- Provide the father/mother or spouse’s name of the representative, as required for electoral records.
- The letter is signed by A. Bhattacharjee, Election Roll Officer.
What this reveals about Chempure’s history
- Chempure was already an active and recognised business entity in Calcutta by 1950, operating from 6 Lucas Lane.
- The company was included in early post-independence civic processes, showing its legitimacy and standing in the city at that time.
- This reflects how businesses were directly contacted for participation in democratic processes, long before modern registration systems existed.
Electoral Roll registration process.
Municipal Trade License – Calcutta, 1945–46
Municipal Trade License – Calcutta, 1945–46
This document is one of the earliest surviving Municipal Licenses for Professions, Trades and Callings issued to Chempure Ltd. by the Corporation of Calcutta for the year 1945–46. It officially authorised the company to conduct business from its premises at 6 Lucas Lane, Calcutta.
The license printed on government stationery and stamped with Bengal revenue stamps reflects the regulatory process of the period, when every business required physical verification and annual licensing to operate. Fees were recorded manually, and the document bears handwritten entries, signatures, and official seals, all characteristic of pre-independence and immediate post-independence civic administration.
Preserved today, this license stands as one of the earliest proofs of Chempure’s commercial activity in Calcutta, demonstrating that the company was already an established and legally recognised enterprise well before 1947.
Sigma-Aldrich CBW Appointment Letter – 2002
This letter from Sigma-Aldrich (India), dated 20 December 2002, formally appoints Chempure Private Limited as the authorised liaisoning agent for all Customs Bonded Warehouse (CBW) operations in West Bengal for the entire year 2003.
The agreement outlines several key responsibilities and arrangements:
- Chempure Private Limited, Kolkata, is authorised to manage and coordinate all CBW operations for Sigma-Aldrich in West Bengal.
- Chempure would receive a 2.5% liaisoning commission on all sales routed through the bonded warehouse.
- A Sigma-Aldrich employee would be based in Chempure’s Kolkata office, with Chempure providing office space at no charge.
- Sigma-Aldrich would operate using telephone, fax and ISDN lines made available by Chempure, with all communication expenses borne by Sigma-Aldrich.
- Either party could terminate the arrangement with one month’s notice.
Historical Significance
This correspondence reflects an important milestone in the scientific supply chain in Eastern India:
Chempure was the company that enabled Sigma-Aldrich to establish and operate their Customs Bonded Warehouse in the region.
- At a time when bonded warehousing was still uncommon in the Indian laboratory chemicals industry, Chempure provided the local compliance support, infrastructure, and operational foundation required for Sigma-Aldrich to serve customers efficiently in East India.
- By hosting Sigma-Aldrich personnel, providing office facilities, and supporting all local logistics and regulatory interfaces, Chempure played a central enabling role in Sigma-Aldrich’s expansion in Eastern India.
This document stands as a reminder of Chempure’s longstanding partnerships with global scientific brands and its contribution to strengthening international supply chains in the Indian market.
Sigma-Aldrich CBW Appointment Letter – 2002
Standard Chartered Bank – Payee Advice (2015)
Standard Chartered Bank – Payee Advice (2015)
This document is an official payment remittance advice issued by Standard Chartered Bank on behalf of Sigma Aldrich Chemicals Private Ltd. It confirms a payment made to Chempure Private Limited.
Key Details:
- Date of payment: 09 May 2015
- Amount transferred: INR 6,183,000.00 (Sixty-one lakh eighty-three thousand)
- Beneficiary: Chempure Private Limited
- Beneficiary’s bank: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Kolkata – Jawaharlal Nehru Branch
- Originator of payment: Sigma Aldrich Chemicals Private Ltd
- UTR Reference: SIN00289Q0023138
Significance for Chempure’s history:
- This is one of the many financial records demonstrating the longstanding commercial relationship between Chempure and Sigma Aldrich, including large-value transactions.
- It highlights Chempure’s role as a trusted partner handling substantial business volumes.
VITLAB GmbH – Certificate of Authorization (2008)
This certificate, issued by VITLAB GmbH, Germany (Grossostheim, dated 6 February 2008), officially appoints Chempure Private Limited as the authorized distributor for VITLAB lab plasticware in India.
Key Points :
- Chempure is authorised to submit quotations on tenders and supply VITLAB laboratory equipment across India.
- Chempure is recognised as an independent company, buying and selling products in its own name while maintaining a direct commercial relationship with VITLAB GmbH.
- Validity of the authorization: until 31 December 2008.
- Signed by Karin Nick and Katrin Fuhrig on behalf of VITLAB GmbH.
Significance:
This demonstrates Chempure’s long-standing partnership with global manufacturers and its role in bringing high-quality German labware into the Indian scientific market.
VITLAB GmbH – Certificate of Authorization (2008)
BRAND GmbH + CO KG – Certificate of Authorization (2008)
BRAND GmbH + CO KG – Certificate of Authorization (2008)
This certificate, issued by BRAND GmbH + CO KG, Germany (Wertheim, dated 22 April 2008), appoints Chempure Private Limited as the authorized distributor for the eastern region of India.
Key Points :
- Chempure is authorized to handle BRAND’s laboratory equipment business in Eastern India.
- Chempure is entitled to participate in tenders, quoting BRAND products in accordance with official sales literature.
- Chempure operates as an independent company, managing all commercial relationships under its own account.
- The certificate is valid until 31 March 2009.
- Signed by Gerhard P. Horndasch and Alexandra Kazibudzki on behalf of BRAND GmbH.
Significance:
This document highlights Chempure’s pivotal role in developing the BRAND laboratory equipment presence in Eastern India, reinforcing its position as a trusted regional distributor for premium German laboratory brands.