Symrise has inaugurated a new €1.7 million training center at its corporate headquarters in Holzminden, Germany.
The 340-square-meter facility combines traditional classroom instruction with practical technical education. Its opening represents a significant investment in employee development and reinforces Symrise’s long-term commitment to the local region.
Connecting classroom knowledge with practical skills
The center is designed to promote collaboration, curiosity, and hands-on problem-solving. It can support approximately 30 apprentices working across five key technical fields:
- Industrial mechanics
- Electrical engineering for industrial operations
- Automation technology
- Technical product design
- Chemical production
Bringing these disciplines together under one roof gives apprentices and tutors more opportunities to exchange knowledge and work across functional boundaries. Symrise also offers approximately 20 administrative apprenticeships at its Holzminden location.
The facility will help prepare future professionals for evolving food manufacturing trends, food processing technology, and broader food and drink industry innovation. These capabilities are increasingly important as companies respond to changing food and beverage industry trends, food and drink regulations, and sustainability expectations.
“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.”
Supporting sustainable, long-term growth
The new center forms an important part of the Holzminden Site Vision 2035 and contributes directly to Symrise’s wider ONE Symrise Strategy. By developing advanced technical capabilities, encouraging cooperation between departments, and strengthening digital expertise, the company is preparing its operations for continued success in international markets.
Symrise has provided vocational training for more than six decades. Its long-standing commitment has grown into a comprehensive program at the Holzminden site, now including 15 apprenticeship pathways and two dual-study courses.
This investment in talent has also delivered strong employee retention. Of the apprentices who completed their training during the past 26 years, 490 continue to work for Symrise, including 41 who have progressed into management positions.
The skills developed through these programs support the company’s ability to respond to food distribution trends, food and drink consumer trends, food and drink packaging developments, and changing approaches to food and drink marketing. They also contribute to the company’s broader focus on food and drink sustainability.
“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.”
Turning a long-term plan into a working facility
Symrise began planning the training center in 2022. Construction officially started after the groundbreaking ceremony in November 2025. The facility opened on 19 October 2026 and is now positioned to help develop the next generation of skilled workers.
Through practical training, digital learning, and exposure to current industry requirements, the Holzminden center will equip apprentices with the knowledge and capabilities needed to support sustainable growth, operational excellence, and future innovation.
