A century of transformation. That’s what defines Industriepark Gersthofen today. This industrial park in Bavaria has evolved from a chemical plant to a modern production and service hub. Let’s dive into its story.
In 1899 Farbwerke Hoechst AG founded a branch here. Gersthofen was chosen because of the reliable power supply. A hydroelectric power plant on the Lech canal provided electricity. Two coal-fired power plants were added later to ensure consistent power.
Initially, the area was a reservoir for the Lech canal. It later became an expansion area. Synthetic indigo production was planned for Gersthofen. In 1902 the plant started producing chromic acid, quinone, and phthalic acid. Monochloroacetic acid was added in 1905.
After I.G. Farben was founded wax production began in 1927. After the war from 1945 to 1951 the plant operated as Lech-Chemie. It was under US administration. When I.G. Farben was reorganized the Gersthofen plant returned to Farbwerke Hoechst.
Gersthofen focused on waxes, polymer additives, and acetic acid intermediates. There were also plants for fiber precursors and polyester granules. In 1958 Abieta Chemie started producing synthetic rubber emulsifiers.
In the late 1960s the chemical plant employed over 2,000 people. There were 378 company apartments. Clariant GmbH took over the Gersthofen plant in 1997. It developed it into Industriepark Gersthofen in 2002.
Today around 1,200 people work at Industriepark Gersthofen. Ten companies operate on the 35-hectare site. They focus on specialty chemicals. These companies include Archroma, Kraton Chemical, CABB, Clariant, and INVISTA.
MVV Industriepark Gersthofen GmbH operates the industrial park. It is a subsidiary of MVV Enamic GmbH. MVV provides energy, infrastructure, and services to the companies. Their expertise lies in safety and environmental protection.
MVV Industriepark Gersthofen is a major training company. It trains around 100 apprentices in nine professions. This ensures skilled workers for the park’s companies.
In 2008 the MVV Group invested in a refuse-derived fuel power plant. Since 2009 it has supplied process steam to the companies. The combined heat and power plant uses waste materials. The industrial park’s wastewater has been treated biologically since 1975.
Hydrogen production at the site supports a gas balloon filling station. Gersthofen became a significant balloon launch site. Auguste Piccard set a balloon altitude record in 1931 using Gersthofen hydrogen. The record was 15,785 meters.
Industriepark Gersthofen stands as a testament to industrial evolution. From dyes to specialty chemicals it continues to adapt and innovate. It remains a vital part of Gersthofen’s economy.