Opening of Reinhold Würth Innovation Center Curio
Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG opens one of the world’s most capable test centers for fastening technology including a certified anchor laboratory.
- 15,500 square meters of state-of-the-art labs and workplaces
- Linking up research with industry through university cooperation
- Specialists for Hohenlohe: 30 high-potential talents wanted
- Interactive workshops reflect customer application worlds
The official inauguration ceremony took place on 28 September 2022. With an investment volume of EUR 75 million, Würth’s home location in Künzelsau presents state-of-the-art laboratories and workplaces at around 15,500 square meters. The objective of the innovation center is to offer a space for creative ideas, speed up innovation cycles and bring new and more customer-specific products to the market even faster.
The innovation center is a clear commitment to our roots and the business hub of Hohenlohe; it is an investment in growth and thus in the future viability of the company. At the same time, it is clear proof of Würth’s manufacturing expertise and thus of the user-focused quality of our products. This is only possible thanks to the trust of our customers—I thank you for this.
Corporate News
The innovation center consists of two buildings: The triangular shape of the main building is emphasized by an artful steel-glass structure that overlooks the foyer. The adjoining building connects directly to the main building via a bridge. A green rooftop terrace and meeting points overlooking the Hohenlohe region make for wide horizons. The workspaces are based on the Gold standard of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).
Würth’s screws and fastening systems can be found all over the world, both in Biberach and in Brisbane. I am sure that the new center will give further impetus to Würth’s innovative spirit. Würth has always been busy inventing something new, thinking out of the box, further improving what already was good, thinking ahead bravely and taking a powerful lead. Characteristics that have made Baden-Württemberg a successful business hub. And that we desperately need. Particularly in these days, given the multiple challenges.
Arts & Culture
An oasis of innovation: cooperation with universities and science
Around 250 people will work on product and system innovations in the new Curio center: employees from product development of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, from production companies of the Würth Group as well as scientists and students from technical universities. At Curio, they will be in direct touch with Würth customers from the trades and industry. “This is how we strengthen our own expertise and innovative power through the direct knowledge, ideas and needs of our customers,” said Dr. Heiko Rosskamp, Head of Research and Development at Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG. The research focus is on fastening technology, screws, anchors, chemicals, power tools and systems, all of them fields of expertise of the Würth Group. Cooperation with scientists from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, the University of Stuttgart and Reinhold-Würth-Hochschule in Künzelsau will create an oasis of innovation based on research, development and application in the field. This will ensure that only best-quality products for the customers are developed.
Innovative power through customer proximity
At Würth, innovations are inspired by the daily challenges of the customers. “More than 42,000 employees worldwide are in touch with our customers through the customer contact points every day. Therefore, we know exactly what challenges our customers are facing,” said Thomas Klenk, Managing Director of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG for Purchasing, Product, Marketing and Divisions. Involving customers in the development of products and services is a core element. In interactive workshops, Würth simulates the customer’s application worlds. “This is not just about delivering innovative products. It is about taking an end-to-end approach and including comprehensive service modules and systems with real added value for the customer in their everyday life. We consider ourselves consultants and problem solvers, allowing our customers to fully focus on their work”, said Mr. Klenk. In addition to the actual product, Würth is also working on the connection of products. The digital management tool ORSY®online, for example, helps customers to manage their power tool fleet.
Sustainable working environment
Workshops, test fields, air-conditioning chambers, 3D printing technology, seismic test stands for anchor systems as well as an IoT laboratory make sure application-based research and development are constantly driven forward. Earthquakes can be simulated in the innovation center and products tested for their functionality in extreme situations. Climate chambers and a tropical house simulate relevant environmental impacts. With the innovation center, the company positions itself as an attractive employer for specialists and executives, especially in the fields of mechatronics, chemistry, software development/IoT and fastening technology. Potential employees can look forward to state-of-the-art jobs and new development opportunities. Another 30 high-potential talents with an engineering background will be hired in the coming months.
About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of fastening and assembly materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group employs more than 84,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,500 pick-up shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 17.1 billion in fiscal year 2021. With 7,500 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.