A new home for research and innovation

On 26 October, we celebrated the inauguration of our new laboratory and office building at the HeidelbergCement Technology Center (HTC) in Leimen. Around 180 guests gathered to witness the ceremonial handover of the keys to CEO Dr. Bernd Scheifele. The new building provides space for the expansion of our research activities – particularly in the laboratory sector. Overall, 190 workspaces will be housed in 7,200 square meters of offices and labs.

HTC brings together the Group's central engineering and R&D units focusing on cement, process technology and operational efficiency. The research activities focus, among other things, on the development of alternative binders that do not necessarily require conventional clinker. Belite-Calciumsulfoaluminate-Ternesite (BCT) cement is one promising concept, which generates up to 30 percent less carbon dioxide during manufacturing than normal Portland cement clinker.

In his address to the guests, Dr. Bernd Scheifele made clear that the new research center would play an important role within HeidelbergCement: “It is here that we can show not only our commitment to efficiency in cement production, but also that we are working with focus to bring about innovations. This new building, which was built and ready in only 15 months, is to be a place of creativity. This is reflected in the great value we've placed on designing an atmosphere that promotes communication and new ideas.”