Soon to be 125 years old and always totally focused on the future: the chemicals company Zschimmer & Schwarz started the construction works for the new company headquarters and a modern training centre in Lahnstein. In the presence of representatives from the town, the general contractors Goldbeck and the management of Zschimmer & Schwarz the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony took place today. Once the building is finished in 2019, on time for the 125th anniversary of the company founded in 1894, it will offer employees a completely new working environment.      

“The inviting architecture reflects the openness of our company,” said Dr Martin Haberl, General Manager Sales & Marketing at Zschimmer & Schwarz. “We are active worldwide for the most diverse customers from the most diverse industries, employ people in 15 nations, and work together with people across all languages and national borders.” Dietmar Clausen, General Manager Finance at Zschimmer & Schwarz, added: “The new company headquarters and training centre are a symbol of our openness to the world and our growth as well as our connection to Lahnstein that we feel as a company, employer, training enterprise and part of the community.”

Political representatives at the official ground-breaking ceremony were extremely pleased that the Lahnstein location will be strengthened by the prestigious project. “Zschimmer & Schwarz is a highly important economic factor for us, and as a worldwide concern, an advertisement for the town. The extension of the head office is a clear sign for the company’s location and the whole region,” said Lahnstein’s Mayor, Peter Labonte.

Wolfgang Nowak, General Manager Operations of the Zschimmer & Schwarz Group, emphasised the company’s high expectations for the new building: “We want to create a place for the anniversary whose atmosphere promotes creativity and common endeavour and which perfectly represents Zschimmer & Schwarz. We are delighted to have found a strong partner in Goldbeck, the general contractors, who will bring our desires and ideas into form.”

The Goldbeck Group, from Bielefeld and with 48 locations across Germany and further afield in Europe, is a specialist in planning, construction and supervision of commercial property, and is responsible for the concept and implementation of the project. Marco Bayer, head of the responsible branch in Koblenz, is delighted to see the architectural vision put into effect: “With an open aspect, rooms flooded with daylight, numerous external areas and a view into the green surroundings, the company’s head office offers room for representative offices and meeting rooms across four storeys and around 2,300 square metres of usable space as well as a company restaurant with external terrace. Even the training centre will invite lively exchange of ideas with its three conference rooms, a tea kitchen and an external and roof terrace. Colour and design details, such as triangular windows, interpret the company’s visual public image architecturally.”