Our History

How It All Began

RECKLI began with a simple observation: exposed concrete often fell short of the desired surface quality. When our founder Hans-Jürgen Wiemers saw an unexpected imprint left in fresh concrete on a construction site, it sparked an idea that would change concrete design: using a flexible, rubber-like material to create controlled textures and capture fine detail. That idea led to the first formliner and laid the foundation for RECKLI in Recklinghausen, reflected in our name to this day.

Exploring the Middle East

RECKLI starts to export to the Middle East and ships the first formliner to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Expansion into France

The company establishes its first branch in France. Liquid synthetics are shipped soon as well, to produce the formliners directly on site.

From Image to Concrete Relief

Thanks to the introduced photo-engraving technology, images are transferred on to board material in a computer-supported process through a milling technique, into which the formliner is then cast.

Support in America

The subsidiary company US Formliner is founded in Atlanta, USA. From there, the team supports the American market with local sales, project consulting, and customer service.

RECKLI Middle East, Light-Independent Graphics, FORMLINER Magazine

RECKLI Middle East commences operations in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, strengthening local support for projects across the region.

Around the same time, RECKLI introduces artico®: printed retarder foils that enable pinpoint washout of concrete surfaces, allowing almost any design to be transferred onto concrete. The innovation receives a "Special Mention" at the German Design Awards.

RECKLI also publishes the first issue of its in-house magazine FORMLINER.

From Standard Range to Bespoke Solutions

That year, RECKLI employs 93 people in Germany and is active in around 100 countries. International projects are supported by in-house teams and exclusive partners in 64 markets.

The portfolio continues to grow: alongside more than 200 standard formliners, RECKLI develops bespoke solutions and supplies 3D- and photo-engraved formliners as well as artico® neo. A full range of surface refining systems completes the offering, from retarders and deactivators to impregnation, protection, and staining products.

A redesigned formliner catalogue presents all 200 standard patterns available worldwide. RECKLI also receives the Innovation Award Concrete at Betonwerksteintage International for its solar concrete research project.

Concrete Formliners Meets Precision Chemicals

To sharpen its portfolio, RECKLI introduces two sub-brands: Concrete Formliners and Precision Chemicals. Concrete Formliners bundles solutions for architectural concrete: from formliners to surface protection and is organised into three lines: SELECT, UNIQUE and VISUALS.

Precision Chemicals covers RECKLI’s own high-quality chemical products for construction as well as mould- and model-making.

A New Chapter in Leadership

A leadership transition is underway at RECKLI. Since 1 April 2022, Andreas Delklock and Lutz Hammer have served as managing directors, supported by Sven Kosjak as authorised signatory: forming the new executive management team.

With more than 60 years of combined experience at RECKLI, they bring deep company knowledge and continuity. Sharing responsibility across three roles is intended to reinforce innovation and expertise while creating room for sustainable, long-term growth.

Digital Access. Sustainable Progress. A New Home Base.

2023 brings three milestones that shape how we work, and how we show up. With the launch of the onlineshop, RECKLI makes Precision Chemicals easier to access online, supporting applications from formwork and casting to repairs and creative uses. The shop is currently available exclusively in Germany.

The same year, we introduce our Formliner^ECO—the world’s most sustainable Formliner, certified according to ISCC PLUS. It reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising performance: a formliner concept designed with responsible raw materials and a clear focus on sustainability across the value chain.

And finally, a change you could actually feel day to day: we move into our new administration building in Herne. A new home base where teams come together even more easily, and where visitors get a warm welcome the moment they step inside.

Sustainability Milestones

RECKLI renews its ISCC PLUS certification, reinforcing the verified sustainability standards behind our Formliner^ECO. At the same time, a new rooftop solar system is installed and commissioned—bringing renewable energy directly to our site and supporting more efficient day-to-day operations.