David Waldie was born in Linlithgow, Scotland on 27th of February 1813. He was educated at Linlithgow Grammar School, and then went to Edinburgh to study medicine, qualifying in 1831. After that, he practised as a surgeon and apothecary in Linlithgow for the next few years.
Dr. David Waldie migrated to India, to take up a post as Chemist for a chemical works, Malcolm & Co, of Calcutta.
Around 1858, Waldie established his own chemical works at Barnagore, Calcutta. In 1874 the company (D. Waldie & Co) was relocated to Kasipur, West Bengal.
David Waldie passed away on 23 June 1889, and the last rites were conducted in Calcutta. Dr. Waldie's remains remained in India at Scottish Cemetery, Calcutta.
In the 30s, with technical assistance from one of the largest manufacturers of lead and lead compounds in the UK, Goodlass Wall & Lead Industries Ltd., now known as Cookson Group PLC, modern plants were set up and the four companies were formed. D. Waldie. & Co. (Lead Oxides) Ltd The Bangalore White Lead Syndicate Ltd Waldies Zinc Pigments Ltd Waldies Industries Ltd
On 1st November 1967, the four companies amalgamated under the name of D Waldies & Co. (Lead Oxides) Ltd.
The company was reformed and it was titled as Waldies Limited.
On December 2006, the company was amalgamated with Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co Ltd with retrospective effect from 1st April 2005. It was the then Waldies Division of Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co Ltd.
As an independent entity, Waldies Compound Ltd. took over the business structure of the Waldies Division. This change marked a new era in the destiny of the business. From then to today and on, the Waldies brand is a symbol of excellence and trust. Each day, the company’s mission continues to be about staying ahead in the growth curve and create rewarding journeys for its stakeholders and members.