Heuchelheim, August 26, 2026 – During a tour of the facility, the Minister, accompanied by Member of the Hessian State Parliament Nina Heidt-Sommer, learned about Schunk's materials expertise in Heuchelheim. The visit focused on the company's activities in carbon and graphite materials as well as the research, development, and manufacturing capabilities concentrated at the site. Mansoori also gained insights into the technology group's broad portfolio, whose solutions are used in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and security and defense applications, among other sectors.
"In times of increasing geopolitical tensions, having our own development and materials expertise in Germany is a decisive success factor," said Peter R. Manolopoulos, CEO of the Schunk Group. "As a foundation-owned company, we invest for the long term in research, development, and production, thereby strengthening the innovative capacity, industrial value creation, and resilience of Germany and Europe."
The discussions highlighted how the company is already contributing to Germany's economic and technological strength. With RECOSiC, the world's first recycling plant for silicon carbide, Schunk is investing in a sustainable and independent supply of critical raw materials in Europe. In addition, the company develops ceramic protection solutions for security forces and military applications. Schunk also supports its customers in the electrification and digitalization of transportation and logistics through intelligent pantographs for rail transport and automated charging solutions for electric buses and trucks.
"Hesse is a strong industrial state, and it should remain so. To achieve this, we need companies that invest, conduct research, manufacture products, and secure quality jobs here. Schunk demonstrates the tremendous technological expertise that exists in our regions. Especially in a time of growing international dependencies, this is of strategic importance: those who master key technologies and recycle critical raw materials strengthen not only their competitiveness but also our economic sovereignty. 'Made in Hesse' is therefore far more than a label of origin. It stands for innovation, industrial value creation, and secure jobs," emphasized Hessian Minister of Economic Affairs Kaweh Mansoori.
With around 4,000 employees in Central Hesse, the Schunk Group is one of the region's largest industrial employers. Despite a challenging market environment, the company invested more than €100 million in 2025. An equity ratio of 70 percent provides the foundation for long-term and independent decision-making. The visit underlines the importance of close dialogue between policymakers and industry to strengthen innovation, value creation, and sustainable growth in Hesse and Germany.
