Interview: Currenta CEO Hilken Plans to Make Chempark Europe’s Chemical Flagship

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10–15 Thousand Additional Jobs Possible, Hilken States

So how does the recent arrival of a cable manufacturer like NKT fit into the picture?

Hilken: Naturally, we make a distinction between the types of companies which locate here. NKT Cables is obviously not a typical chemical producer, but attracting the company was one of the biggest success stories for Currenta. On a 21 acre site, NKT invested around €120 million to construct offices and production facilities for high-voltage and special cables.

When you take a closer look at Chempark Leverkusen, you will see why that was not a problem. One zone at the park is dedicated to actual chemical production. Pharmaceutical packaging, application technology development, a Training Center, etc. are located in another part of the park, and that is where companies which are not in the chemical industry can set up operations.

Does Chempark have enough remaining space for companies that would like to locate there?

Hilken: Let me begin by saying that we have the flexibility to move companies within Chempark if additional space is needed. There is also more free space available than it may appear, as the facilities which companies now build are much more compact than they were just a few years ago. If we are able to fill this space, we could create an additional 10–15 thousand jobs.

Innovative Materials for Innovative Strategies

Currenta has identified “innovative materials” as a strategic technology at Chempark. Have you now achieved your goal of leveraging this strategy to make Chempark more attractive to investors?

Hilken: We are one of the initiators of the “Innovative Materials Network”. Just one year after it was founded, the Network has become a regional success story. The Network has grown from the original 31 members to include 50 partners from the business and scientific communities, and membership continues to expand.

The automotive, medical equipment and construction industries among others have a keen interest in this technology. More than 1,000 personal contacts have taken place, and some encouraging discussions are currently underway with Chinese investors.

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