STÜKEN recently marked the start of construction of a state-of-the-art electroplating plant in the Rinteln-Süd industrial park with a groundbreaking ceremony. The internationally active family-owned company is investing around £25 million in the expansion of its technological portfolio – a strategic step to strengthen its innovative power, secure the Rinteln location for the long term and make a clear commitment to the region.

According to STÜKEN, the new plant is currently one of the largest and most ambitious electroplating projects in Europe and one of the most significant projects in the company's history. ‘It exemplifies the courage and entrepreneurial vision that has always characterised STÜKEN,’ emphasised Dr. Uwe Krismann, spokesman for the management board. He expressed his particular gratitude to the shareholders and the advisory board for their support in economically challenging times. ‘In a phase of declining industrial production in Germany, such an investment is by no means a matter of course.’

STÜKEN welcomed numerous invited guests to the event, including Schaumburg District Administrator Jörg Farr, Rinteln Mayor Andrea Lange, architects, specialist planners, representatives of the press, and members of the works council, the project team, the shareholders, the advisory board, and management. The groundbreaking ceremony was the official highlight of the event, which also provided an opportunity to review the progress of the project to date. From the outset, the large-scale project was characterised by targeted, cooperative collaboration between the city, district, authorities, specialist planners and the STÜKEN project team – the original schedule was even shortened by around six months.

For STÜKEN, the ceremony marks an important milestone in the company's development. ‘With this investment, we are laying the foundation for groundbreaking solutions in the field of surface technology,’ explained Dr. Krismann. ‘The new electroplating facility will cover an area of approximately 5,000 square metres. It is a central component of our transformation strategy. The aim is to offer innovative, integrated and sustainable deep-drawing solutions.’ The new facility is designed for electroplating and chemical processes that will specifically expand STÜKEN's existing deep drawing expertise in technical surfaces. These include thin and multi-layer systems for electrical contacts, corrosion protection systems, finishing processes such as anodising, but also electrochemical polishing and pickling of titanium components. Target markets include electromobility, medical technology, sensor technology and energy technology. STÜKEN also wants to set standards in terms of sustainability: the plant will be largely CO2-neutral – with photovoltaics, heat pumps and heat recovery. The new electroplating facility will meet the highest standards of environmental, occupational and fire safety, as well as modern intralogistics. Commissioning is planned for the second half of 2027, with around 15 employees initially working in the new area.

‘STÜKEN remains a strong development partner for our customers and a reliable employer in the region,’ said Dr Krismann. The courage to break new ground is in the company's DNA. Referring to a statement by Christel Schwarz about her father, company founder Hubert Stüken, Dr Krismann concluded: ‘Courageous and progressive – this project was created in precisely this spirit.’

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