- Comprehensive Renovation and Innovation Plan Unveiled for High Voltage Laboratory and Facilities with CHF 12.5 Million Investment
Breitenbach/Wesel, 23.02.2024 – In a significant development for the local economy and the global electrical and electronics industry, ELANTAS today announced a groundbreaking investment plan for the headquarters of Von Roll in Breitenbach and Büsserach. Over the next three years, from 2024 to 2026, ELANTAS will invest CHF 12.5 million to consolidate all activities into the Büsserach area, renovating the existing buildings to the highest technological and sustainability standards.
The investment underscores a long-term commitment to the site, focusing initially on the relocation of the Von Roll Institute. The High Voltage (HV) testing lab will be equipped with the latest technological infrastructure and most modern test equipment as part of the move. It is set to establish worldwide benchmarks in HV insulation research and testing and will be completed by 2025. Renovations will also see the shifting of composite R&D lab, e-mobility testing lab, services and utilities, office spaces and improvement of internal logistics culminating in a state-of-the-art infrastructure that promises enhanced efficiency and advancement.
Ravindra Kumar, Division President of ELANTAS, says: "This investment is not just a commitment to the site but a clear statement of our dedication to innovation and sustainability. By bringing together the activities in one advanced location, we are setting new standards for the industry and creating an environment where our shared vision for the future can thrive."
The renovation plans include a strong emphasis on sustainability, with initiatives such as the use of sustainable materials like wood for construction and the implementation of an eco-friendly lighting system. These efforts highlight the companies' dedication to environmental responsibility.
Dr. Christian Hennerkes, CEO Von Roll, says: "We are thrilled to see our headquarters transform into a hub of technological excellence and sustainability. This investment not only secures the future of our site but also reinforces our role as a key player in the global market. The new Von Roll Institute will be a cornerstone for innovation, driving forward our contributions to the energy and mobility transition."
The comprehensive renovation and investment plan mark a significant milestone in the integration of Von Roll into ELANTAS, following the recent acquisition as announced in August 2023. The investment project aims to enhance operational efficiency, foster innovation, and set new sustainability standards, ensuring vast opportunities for the two companies and their stakeholders.
About ALTANA:
ALTANA is a global leader in true specialty chemicals. The Group offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions for coating manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industries, the cosmetics sector, and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, specialty coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments. ALTANA's four divisions, BYK, ECKART, ELANTAS, and ACTEGA, all occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation, and service.
Headquartered in Wesel, Germany, the ALTANA Group has more than 50 production facilities and more than 60 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group, about 8,000 people work to ensure the worldwide success of ALTANA. In 2022, ALTANA achieved sales of more than € 3 billion. About 7 percent of the total sales is invested in research and development each year. Its high earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the world's most innovative, fastest growing, and most profitable chemical companies.
About ELANTAS:
ELANTAS, a company of ALTANA AG, produces protective materials and liquid insulating materials for the electrical and electronics industry. The products are used, for example, in electric motors, household appliances, cars, generators, wind turbines, transformers, capacitors, lights, and sensors. They help product developers build ever smaller and more powerful electrical and electronic devices, thus saving material and energy. At the same time, the products help to extend the life cycle of electrical and electronic components. ELANTAS products support the transition to eMobility and Green Energy for a more sustainable future. ELANTAS is represented by over 20 manufacturing companies in all the world’s major regions. In 2023, the company employed more than 2,000 people.