From a craft business to an industrial enterprise

Home Craftsmanship and History

Expertise spanning generations

Since 1910, experience has been shaping the future

Our history is characterised by courage, passion and an unwavering determination to overcome practical challenges with technical solutions. From the first „boiler boys“ in the Port of Bremen, through spectacular large-scale projects in the shipping industry, to state-of-the-art systems for industry and construction – our tradition has never stood still, but has always continued to evolve.

For over 100 years, GTF Freese has stood for technical excellence, craftsmanship and innovative solutions – from Bremen to the rest of the world. What began in 1910 as a small „technical business“ specialising in ship and boiler cleaning, founded by Cassen Behrends Freese, has developed over several generations of the Freese family into an internationally recognised company specialising in ship deck coverings, flooring technology, coating systems and building protection.

1910

Founded by C.B. Freese

1937

Renamed following its acquisition by Gustav Theodor Freese

1945

Establishment of the Building Construction Department (now Freese Floor Technology)

2017

Commissioning of the synthetic resin production facility

2019

Introduction to the Building Conservation Department

2022

Establishment of the Coating Systems Department

Employees of Freese

A team carrying out asphalting work in 1910

In-house workshop vessel for hull coating

A trip around the Port of Bremen

New company premises following the name change

Renamed in 1937 by Gustav Theodor Freese

Exhibition stand after the war

Focus on the core business of floor coverings

Achim Building Materials Plant

Export of our products in 1970

Staff involved in bottling

Manual bottling in Achim, 1972

Company premises, Schongauer Straße, Bremen

The refurbishment took place in 1989

GTF Freese continues to grow

Move to Carl-Benz-Straße in 2003

Company premises today

Expansion through the establishment of an in-house laboratory, synthetic resin production, and the building protection and coating systems business units

FOUR BUSINESS DIVISIONS

A holistic approach

The company’s ongoing development has given rise to four strong business divisions, which operate independently whilst working closely together.

Today, the Freese Group offers integrated systems for industry, shipbuilding, the construction sector and public sector projects – technically sophisticated, well thought-out and tailor-made.

Act with conviction.
Grow with vision.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide our customers with efficient, durable, and sustainable innovative system solutions for shipbuilding, building construction and industry.

  • Industry expertise for shipbuilding, construction and industry
  • Long-lasting system solutions with high reliability
  • Innovative and sustainable technologies from a single source

Our vision

We aim to set new standards with innovative and sustainable solutions and to actively shape the future of shipbuilding, construction, and industry.

  • Solutions instead of products – practical and customer-oriented
  • Innovation as a driver for efficiency and safety
  • Highest quality standards

Our values

With our values of collaboration, commitment, and responsibility, we create an atmosphere that not only drives us forward as a team but also allows us to grow.

  • We are KLIIN.
Nachhaltigkeit in der Freese-Gruppe

RESPONSIBILITY THAT SHAPES THE FUTURE

Acting sustainably. Safeguarding values for the long term.

As a responsible company, we combine business activities with environmental and social responsibility, with the aim of creating long-term value for our customers, employees and partners.

For us, the responsible use of natural resources is a matter of course. We ensure our processes are efficient, reduce our energy and material consumption, and – wherever possible – opt for sustainable and durable solutions.