German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel and Tarek Al-Wazir, Minister of Economics, Energy, Transportation and Regional Development of the state of Hesse, have opened Viessmann’s new technological research and development centre.

The new Innovation Centre (‘Technikum’) represents an investment of €50m by the company and is the biggest single investment in its 100-year history.

Prof. Dr Martin Viessmann said: “In the future, the Viessmann Innovation Centre will be our breeding ground for innovations related to the energy transition and in the area of digitalization. It is where we are bundling development activities across the entire product engineering process – from the initial idea stage up to the start of production.”

The Innovation Centre is an interdisciplinary research and development centre that will employ 100 people and up to a further 60 colleagues in various teams. They will develop prototypes, turning them into marketable products and carry out admission and long-term tests.

During the inauguration ceremony at Viessmann company headquarters, the Chancellor emphasised the innovative strength of the manufacturer of heating, industrial and refrigeration systems. She said to Professor Viessmann: “Today, you are demonstrating the great importance of research and development within your company. What began in a small workshop, is now a globally active group of companies; the development in those 100 years is something to admire.”

In the light of the increasing digitalisation of the economy and industry 4.0, Chancellor Merkel said: “What is really exciting is that one can build a completely new relationship to the customers. Consumers want individual products, they want to know how to use a product best.” And she was confident that Viessmann will be offering these products.

Economics Minister Tarek Al-Wazir pointed out Viessmann’s role as a highly innovative company and an active partner in the energy transition. “As far as energy efficiency in the heating sector is concerned, Viessmann products are leading the way. What is more, the company is committed to energy efficiency in the production process and is actively involved as a cooperation partner of several universities. Viessmann represents an important economic factor for the state of Hesse. With the new innovation centre, this location is once again strengthened.”

Pictured above (L to R): architect Thomas Frauenkron, Hessens economic minister Tarek Al-Wazir, Chancellor Angela Merkel and company manager Martin Viessmann