Research and Development for Tomorrow

Located close to Frankfurt/Main in Germany, Wolfgang industrial park is a unique location with a strong focus on research and development, efficient production facilities and highly qualified personnel. Here, eight international companies are working on the topics health and nutrition and efficient use of resources through new technologies such as photovoltaics and fuel cells. Key competencies are materials and particle technology, specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

The combination of core industrial competencies, high-calibre R&D and efficient infrastructure make the site attractive to innovative companies. The latest example: Evonik Industries will be relocating its administrative activities from Frankfurt to Wolfgang industrial park this autumn. That will increase the number of people by around 750. In all, there will be some 5,200 people working at the site from October, making it the second-largest industrial park in state of Hesse.

Optimization and Growth

"We are steadily aligning the industrial park for further growth," Dr. Christoph Broßmer reports, head of marketing at site operator IPW. "Our program includes investing in infrastructure and buildings to attract further businesses." Under supervision of IPW, state-of-the art office premises have been built for the Evonik staff moving to the site, including a cafeteria and adjoining garage. IPW is coordinating this project, which will establish the industrial park as a hub for Evonik Industries' top management and administration in the Rhine-Main region.

At the same time, IPW is optimizing logistics at the site. Concentrating materials handling in a single area ensures safe and rapid processing of shipments. "One of our advantages is that we have good connections to Germany's road and motorway network," Broßmer says. The next step is the completion of the main entrance, which is being redesigned to cope with the increased number of staff and visitors.

Perspectives for the Future

Investment in transport infrastructure is part of IPW's growth strategy, which includes developing new areas of the site and designing new buildings. For example, an adjacent development site is available for business or industrial use. This could be added to the five hectares of fully developed industrial land already available.

IPW is continuing the systematic development as a high-tech site. "We are focusing on attracting companies that would benefit from our R&D infrastructure and professional services," Broßmer explains. The site also offers potential investors a knowledge network centered around international companies such as Evonik Industries, Umicore, Dentsply Int., and Ferro, and smaller, highly specialised firms such as SolviCore, Cyplus and AQura.

As a professional site operator and provider of supra-regional research, development and manufacturing services, IPW's policy is geared to an integrated concept: it bundles site-specific services such as security and energy supply with a range of other services, including industrial maintenance, technology and logistics. Broßmer: "Our one-stop shopping offer saves customers the time-consuming and expensive work involved in coordinating services sourced from a variety of different suppliers. To support the customers' business activities IPW provides a range of services tailored to the needs of R&D and pilot production. The technology service center is a valued partner for process technology and equipment that help translate ideas into products. In addition, the service center has a validated testing and calibration laboratory. The range of technical and scientific support services offered by IPW are unique in the Rhine-Main region, and include glass blowing, a scientific library, a high-pressure pilot plant and a pool of trained R&D staff.

IPW is also a reliable partner providing infrastructure for production facilities at the industrial park. Low-cost, on-site energy utilities, including steam generating facilities operated by IPW, are a key factor in the success of this site.

Green and Sustainable

Companies at the Wolfgang industrial park specifically foster a campus atmosphere through the architecture of their buildings. A stock of mature trees underscores the pleasant working atmosphere. Moreover, the companies at the site support a "green" agenda: in addition to their research into innovative fields such as fuel cells and photovoltaics, they have set up a joint initiative known as "Green Industrial Park", which analyzes, promotes and implements activities that benefit the environment. Examples include solar collectors on roofs, electric cars, zero energy offices and the presentation of environment-friendly products and processes developed at Wolfgang industrial park.