Beiersdorf Invests 139 Million Euros in New Innovation Center in Hamburg

The German manufacturer officially launched the construction of its new innovation center at a groundbreaking ceremony at its Hamburg headquarters. Beiersdorf plans to invest 139 million euros and the center is expected to be put into use in 2028.

Vincent Warnery, CEO of Beiersdorf, said: "The innovation center is not just a building, but our commitment to the future. With this investment, we will strengthen our global innovation capabilities and create an exciting space for thriving, creativity and collaboration. Our goal is to attract thought leaders and talents from all over the world to work with us to create the future of skin care."

By 2028, the center will cover an area of about 14,000 square meters and will bring together research and development teams as well as some production, marketing and sales personnel. Beiersdorf said that the integration of these different functions will help speed up the time to market for new ideas and breakthrough innovations and optimize synergies across the entire innovation chain.

The comprehensive use of digital technologies will become a key element of the innovation center. Beiersdorf aims to use artificial intelligence, data-driven skin analysis and digital processes to speed up development cycles and predict product effects more accurately.

The pilot plant located on site will facilitate the production of small batches and test samples, allowing for faster feedback, more efficient use of resources and accelerated innovation processes. "This approach will make the entire process from idea to finished product more flexible, efficient and sustainable," the group said.

The center will also help Beiersdorf to establish closer ties with start-ups, universities, laboratories and other external partners.

Beiersdorf already works closely with several external institutions, including the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) and Helmut Schmidt University (HSU). The Innovation Center will provide more targeted opportunities to further deepen partnerships in these and other areas and open up prospects for further cooperation with local educational institutions, such as schools, to encourage young people to study STEM subjects.

According to Beiersdorf, the new building, designed by Munich-based Brechensbauer Weinhart + Partner, will meet the highest energy efficiency standards. It will be equipped with a green roof, photovoltaic panels and a geothermal system, significantly reducing the energy demand of the Beiersdorf campus.

Hamburg Minister of Economics, Labor and Innovation, Senator Dr. Melanie Leonhard said: "The completion of the Innovation Center marks the completion of Beiersdorf's Hamburg campus. It will become a key element of the company's R&D activities and further promote innovation in the Hamburg metropolitan area. Cooperation with partners in business and academia is not only an important competitive advantage for the company, but also strengthens the local network in the city of Hamburg. Beiersdorf will continue to enhance Hamburg's outstanding position as a life science cluster. "