Clariant, a world leader in speciality chemicals, has officially opened its new Group Biotechnology Research Center in Planegg near Munich, Germany.
In a ceremony attended by Ilse Aigner, the Bavarian Minister for Economic Affairs, Media, Energy and Technology, the key to the facility was symbolically handed over to CEO Hariolf Kottmann and the Head of Clariant’s Group Biotechnology, André Koltermann.
‘Alongside the Clariant Innovation Center (CIC) in Frankfurt, the new Clariant Biotech Center (CBC) is another important global research facility for our company,’ emphasised Hariolf Kottmann in an address delivered to more than 100 representatives from the worlds of politics and business.
He went on to outline the importance of Bavaria and, in particular, the greater Munich area, as a leading research and development powerhouse in the field of biotechnology.
Ilse Aigner added: ‘Industrial biotechnology is one of the key industries of the 21st century. With Clariant located in Bavaria, we can claim to be home to one of the most outstanding international companies in this sector. The inauguration of this new biotechnology centre in Planegg is visible testimony to the importance of Bavaria as a research hub.’
The new building, with more than 6000m2 of laboratory and office space, offers excellent conditions for research work. ‘Establishing a dedicated research centre for biotechnology in its own building right at the heart of one of Europe’s biggest biotech hubs is doing far more than just sending out a clear statement, it underpins Clariant’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and profitable growth,’ explained André Koltermann.