Evonik invests in new innovation centre to strengthen market position
The [innovation centre] will not only offer us scope for research and development, [it will] also strengthen our competitiveness and our position in the market. We therefore want to send out clear signals for sustainable growth and customer-oriented action", stated Klaus Engel, chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries.
The new centre will house the company’s research and development team and focus on innovative and sustainable products for the cosmetics industry.
Investing for future innovation
The Consumer Specialties Unit, which will be based in the new building, manufactures raw materials, active ingredients, emulsifiers, cosmetics oils, conditioners and also performance additives like thickeners for the industry. This is in addition to developing new products.
“We want to be in a position to offer our customers future-ready solutions. We do this by relying on high creativity and innovative expertise”, said Engel.
Evonik is investing approximately €16.6m in the new building as a replacement for the current site, which will be about 5,000 square meters.
The company expects the centre to be completed by the start of 2013, with the aim of achieving a German-based gold standard for sustainability.
"Evonik attaches great importance to considering the sustainability and ecological compatibility of [the new building]. We consider ourselves as working hand in hand with customers from the consumer goods industry, who are increasingly using the concept of sustainability as a way to differentiate themselves," Engel explained.
Evonik has also invested in a second innovation centre in Essen, for the paints and coating industry.
