Quality assurance in the beer brewing process, microbiological monitoring of wastewater treatment plants and support for the production of biotherapeutics and probiotics: vermicon AG, which has been active in industrial microbiology since 1997, will be docking in Hallbergmoos from March 2022 with biotechnological expertise and far-reaching plans for the future. In an interview, CEO Dr. Jiri Snaidr explains what motivated him to make the move.
Dr. Snaidr, your main address and laboratory are (still) registered in Munich’s Emmy-Noether-Straße. Does your move to the Munich Airport Business Park mean that you have another business premises?
Not at all! We are thoroughly convinced of the location. That is why we are relocating our headquarters to Hallbergmoos. So all in!
When are you moving?
We want to move into our new premises on March 1, 2022. We won’t be able to do this in one weekend like Munich Airport did back then. But due to the associated loss of work, we would like to complete the move in a few days.
And how much space do you occupy in Hallbergmoos?
We have rented an area of almost 800 square meters in Skygate. This gives our almost 20 employees enough space to do their work well on site, even during the coronavirus pandemic.
What motivated vermicon to settle in Hallbergmoos?
From the very beginning, we found the idea of establishing a biotechnology site in the north of Munich in the immediate vicinity of the airport appealing. vermicon AG is a “child of the north”: since our foundation in 1997, we have always been located in the north of Munich.
So was the direction of the compass the only decisive factor?
No, of course not. The excellent infrastructural connections of the Hallbergmoos site were an important factor. But we were also convinced by the fact that local politicians support the development of a biotechnology site. In addition, with the landlords of Skygate, the Rock Capital Group, we have found a partner who has been highly professional from the outset and not only understands the needs of a biotechnology company, but also has the expertise to realize them.
Did the airport also play a role in the decision?
vermicon AG works with companies from all over the world. Not only are samples sent to us or our products shipped around the world. There is always a continuous exchange with our customers. Of course, the coronavirus pandemic has made air travel more difficult. However, we hope that we will soon be able to maintain close ties with our customers in person again.
Why is this so important to you?
No video conference in the world can replace a direct personal exchange, a sincere nod and a handshake. Even behind computers, there are always people working with people. Trust is the basis of every relationship. If we try to “digitalize” and “dehumanize” this, then not only will global trade suffer considerable damage, but we will also become digital players in the truest and most negative sense of the word.
A number of companies from the life science and biotechnology sector have recently settled in Hallbergmoos. How important do you think the town is becoming as a biotechnology location?
I am firmly convinced that a new biotechnology location is growing up here in the north. Hallbergmoos could be a perfect complement to Martinsried. But there should be no competition. Both locations have the potential to complement each other perfectly and together consolidate Bavaria’s outstanding reputation in the field of biotechnology.
Will there be additional synergy effects for vermicon AG in Hallbergmoos?
Of course we are hoping for that. The more biotechnology companies that settle in the Munich Airport Business Park, the greater the synergy effects on site. Nowadays, every company buys services from other companies. And if they are also active in the same sector, then that can only be an advantage. But the on-site meetings and exchanges between employees from different companies is also an exciting process and has already given rise to new ideas. This shows once again that we urgently need the exchange of people. If everyone works in isolation, no creative space can emerge that promotes innovation. And we need innovations if we want to compete with American companies.
Has the pandemic situation changed anything for you in particular? Will microbiological issues play a greater role in the future?
Absolutely. The pandemic has shown people that microbiology plays a huge role in our lives. We should be wary of seeing only the negative side of bacteria and viruses. The positive effects far outweigh the negative. We have around 100 trillion bacteria in and on our bodies. That’s ten times more microorganisms than body cells. And then there are the 10,000 trillion viruses that, together with the microbes, have made us what we are today. Without bacteria and viruses, humans would not have survived. I think the current basic tendency to achieve the highest possible level of sterility everywhere is completely wrong. We are dependent on a constant exchange with microorganisms. These determine whether we are healthy, what emotional mood we are in or whether we become demented in old age. We need to study these relationships more intensively. We are only at the beginning.
And we are at the end of the line. Thank you for the clarification Dr. Snaidr!
Image material © Rock Capital Group, photo Claus Uhlendorf
