Described as Clariant's new global hub for Research & Development, the facility based at the ‘Industriepark Höchs’ will now be home to the company's competence centers in chemical research and process technology as well as application laboratories for several business units and analytical laboratories.
“Advances in chemistry are necessary to help our customers respond to society’s trends and challenges,” chief executive officer, Hariolf Kottmann explains.
“Experience shows that innovation results from open communication and an on-going exchange of ideas which often sparks further ideas and solutions and this center will facilitate this, providing a stimulating environment fostering creativity and know-how exchange,’ he adds.
Committed to developing closer relationships….
Located at Clariant’s largest manufacturing site, the new facility covers a total surface area of 36,000 square meters and will house around 500 employees from R&D and supporting business and administrative functions.
It will also comprise of the departments for Intellectual Property Management and New Business Development whilst also ensuring the coordination of the company’s R&D network which includes centers across Europe, North America, Brazil, Japan, India and China.
Layout wise, the chemicals supplier opted for a mix of open workspaces, offices and laboratories in a bid to cater to this idea of the exchange of ideas amongst employees as well as with visiting partners from industry and academia.
Within the Center or the ‘CIC’ as referred to by Chief Technology Officer Martin Vollmer, an ‘Open Lab’ has also been set up in a bid to focus on innovation projects with customers and other development partners, under the one roof.
“This will enable us to translate market needs into innovative product solutions in a fast, flexible and efficient way,” he explains.
Ceremony
To mark the occasion of the opening this week Clariant invited guests from the regional government, industry, academic institutions, and the local community.
Themed “In touch with Clariant”, the multimedia exhibition on the premises showcased the company's innovations already in place that it says is aiding customers and society in meeting the global challenges of environmental protection.