International. Clariant officially confirmed the opening of its new Biotechnology Group Research Center in Planegg, near Munich. At a ceremony attended by Ilse Aigner, the Bavarian Minister of Economy, Media, Energy and Technology, the key to the facility was symbolically handed over to CEO Hariolf Kottmann and the Head of Clariant's Biotechnology Group, André Koltermann.
"Together with the Clariant Innovation Center (CIC) in Frankfurt, the new Clariant Biotechnology Center (CBC) is another important global research center for our company," emphasized Hariolf Kottmann, in a speech delivered to more than 100 representatives from the world of politics and business. He went on to describe the importance of Bavaria, and in particular the Munich metropolitan area, as a leading power in research and development in the field of biotechnology.
Ilse Aigner further said: "Industrial biotechnology is one of the key industries of the 21st century. With Clariant located in Bavaria, it can boast of being home to one of the most prominent international companies in this sector. The opening of this new Biotechnology Centre in Planegg is a visible testament to Bavaria's importance as a research centre."
The move was driven by the expansion of the company's activities, with around 100 staff members now employed at the CBC. The new building, with its laboratory space and offices of more than 6,000 square meters offers excellent conditions for research work. "The establishment of a research centre dedicated to biotechnology in its own building in the heart of one of Europe's largest biotechnology centres is doing much more than sending out a clear statement – which underpins Clariant's commitment to innovation, sustainability and profitable growth," explains Andrew Koltermann.
