Symrise has officially opened its brand-new, €1.7 million training center at its corporate headquarters in Holzminden.

Spanning approximately 340 square meters, the modern facility unites classroom learning with hands-on technical training, marking a major milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to workforce development and regional investment.

Bridging theory and practice 

Designed to foster curiosity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving, the new center accommodates around 30 apprentices across five core technical disciplines:

1. Industrial mechanics
2. Electrical engineering for industrial operation
3. Automation technology
4. Technical product design
5. Chemical production

By bringing these technical training activities into a single, centralised environment, Symrise aims to encourage closer interaction and cross-functional exchange among apprentices and their tutors. In addition to these technical roles, Symrise also supports around 20 administrative apprenticeships at the Holzminden site.

“Young people bring ideas, curiosity, and fresh perspectives to our company. We want to provide an environment where they can discover their talents, develop their abilities, and confidently shape their professional futures,” said Dr Stephanie Cossmann, member of the board of Symrise for HR, legal, sustainability, and labor director. “With our new training center, we invest in people and their development. At the same time, we embrace our responsibility to the region and lay an important foundation for Symrise’s long-term success.”

A strategic pillar for long-term growth

The opening of the training center is a key operational step in realising the Holzminden Site Vision 2035 and directly supports the broader ONE Symrise Strategy. By cultivating top-tier technical expertise, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and instilling modern technological skills, Symrise is deliberately future-proofing its operations to maintain its competitive edge in global markets.

For over 60 years, Symrise has maintained active vocational training programmes. What began decades ago has expanded into a robust catalog comprising 15 apprenticeship programs and two dual-study programs at the Holzminden location.

The company’s internal investment in talent has yielded tangible retention: among past apprenticeship cohorts over the past 26 years, 490 graduates remain employed with Symrise today, with 41 having advanced into leadership roles.

“Good vocational training offers so much more than technical expertise. It sparks enthusiasm, encourages initiative, and gives young people confidence in their own abilities,” noted Denise Bochmann, head of apprenticeships and training at Symrise. “Our new center creates space for collaboration, developing fresh ideas, and inspiring learning. Personal guidance remains especially important to us as our tutors support young talents in growing beyond their own expectations.”

From concept to reality

The journey toward the new facility began in 2022 with initial strategic planning, followed by the official groundbreaking and start of construction in November 2025. With its doors now open as of 19 October 2026, the Holzminden training center stands ready to equip the skilled professionals of tomorrow with the practical tools, digital acumen, and industry insights necessary to drive sustainable growth and innovation forward.