Our history

DRACO d.o.o. was founded in Split in 1997, but the roots of the company reach back to 1890.

The company was built on quality, technical knowledge and decades of practical construction experience. Today DRACO has grown into a leading Croatian manufacturer and exporter of waterproofing systems and construction chemical products, combining a strong industrial heritage with modern technologies and innovation for contemporary construction.

1890 – Ljudevit Deutsch establishes a workshop in Zagreb for the production of tar and asphalt, pioneering the manufacturing of waterproofing materials.

1913 – Teodor Abelman founds Hrvatska industrija katrana, focused on tar distillation and the production of waterproofing membranes.

1917 – Antun Res acquires Deutsch’s company and develops it into a leading supplier of asphalt materials in Croatia.

1922 – Istok is established as a subsidiary of Asthandels A.G. from Munich and later develops chemical production.

1947 – The merger of Antun Res, Hrvatska industrija katrana and Istok forms Katran, a state company specializing in waterproofing and chemical manufacturing.

1954 – Katran exports its first products internationally, including tar pitch and abrasives.

1957 – Together with Chromos and Pliva, Katran establishes the Chemical Industry Community, contributing to chemical innovation in Yugoslavia.

1964 – Katran becomes part of the Chromos–Katran–Kutrilin industrial group, expanding production of bitumen waterproofing materials.

1993 – The breakup of SOUR Chromos results in Katran continuing as an independent private company.

1997 – Draco-Merx d.o.o. is founded in Split, initially focused on the import and distribution of waterproofing materials.

2010 – DRACO launches its first proprietary product line, AKWA, marking the transition from distribution to manufacturing.

2013 – The company opens its headquarters in Solin and establishes its own research and development laboratory.

2017 – The company rebrands as DRACO, with a stronger focus on advanced waterproofing systems.

2018 – A modern production facility opens in Muć, featuring automated manufacturing and advanced laboratories for research, development and quality control.

2024 – DRACO acquires KATRAN, bringing together more than 130 years of industrial tradition with modern production capacity.

Building on this heritage, DRACO continues to invest in production, innovation, sustainable technologies and expanded manufacturing capacity. The goal is simple: reliable waterproofing systems and consistent quality for partners and customers.