Henkel has inaugurated a new Inspiration Centre for the Adhesive Technologies division in Düsseldorf. On 47,000 square metres, 30 laboratories and 4 technology centres are available. The entire technology portfolio of adhesives, sealants and functional coatings is also on display.

Handle has inaugurated its new Inspiration Centre Düsseldorf (ICD). With a The Adhesive Technologies business sector has invested a total of 130 million euros. has built a state-of-the-art and unique global innovation and customer centre on the site of the Group headquarters in recent years and has been gradually putting it into operation since mid-2021. The new building serves as global customer centre, where Adhesive Technologies presents its entire technology portfolio of adhesives, sealants and functional coatings and works on new solutions together with customers from over 800 industry segments. The inauguration of the ICD will take place as part of a multi-day customer event focussing on innovation and sustainability instead.

Picture of a woman sitting and working at a table in a laboratory
(Image: Henkel)

„The ICD marks the largest single investment in our company's history and is a central component of our strategy for holistic growth. With this state-of-the-art building, which is unique in the industry, we have created the infrastructure to take the innovative strength of Adhesive Technologies to a new level. In 1922, Henkel started producing adhesives for its own use - today we are very proud to celebrate another milestone in the 100-year success story of Adhesive Technologies, which will further strengthen our leading position in the adhesives business. The ICD is a prime example of both our pioneering spirit for sustainable action and our long-term entrepreneurial thinking.“

Carsten Knobel, Chairman of the Management Board of Henkel

On a total of seven levels of the ICD, there are 30 laboratories with various research and testing facilities as well as 4 technology centres with double-height rooms, in which, among other things Pilot production lines and equipment for large applications such as in the automotive industry or in structural timber construction are accommodated. The laboratories have a modular design and can be quickly and flexibly adapted depending on the research and development task and to support collaboration between the teams. The ICD is the most sustainable building at the company site in Düsseldorf. It is designed to be resource-efficient, has a rainwater collection system, highly efficient refrigeration technology and fulfils the highest requirements for building insulation.

Image of a robot arm and a machine
(Image: Henkel)

„The ICD reinforces our ambition to further strengthen our world-leading portfolio and expertise in the field of materials science and create added value for our customers. We offer our employees an inspiring working environment that promotes the exchange of knowledge and daily collaboration and utilises state-of-the-art technologies. At the same time, we can bring our entire portfolio to life for our customers and work together with them and external partners on new, future-proof solutions. Our focus is particularly on sustainable innovations that contribute to CO2-reduction for our customers or contribute to new solutions for a circular economy.“

Jan-Dirk Auris, Henkel Management Board member responsible for the Adhesive Technologies business unit

The ICD has a modern, data-driven laboratory in which new formulations are automatically prepared, tested and checked around the clock are being realised. This enables a faster product development cycle and a reduction in time to market for new products by turning data into valuable insights that provide the basis for innovative new technologies. The ICD is closely networked with Adhesive Technologies' international development and application centres around the world to enable tailored solutions of global technologies for local markets.

Picture of a bright and high hall
(Image: Henkel)

In addition to the extensive facilities for research and development, Henkel has also established a Modern customer centre integrated into the ICD. Here, customers from all over the world can modern digital technologies and numerous exhibits to demonstrate the innovative and technological power of and the pioneering spirit of Adhesive Technologies in a wide range of application areas. Thanks to the flexible design, each visit can be customised to individual requirements. 

Source: Handle

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