A topping-out ceremony was held in the Határ út industrial park, where the Swiss company's two-storey, five thousand square metre plant is being built.

Construction of Swiss company Sensirion's plant in the Debrecen Regional and Innovation Science and Technology Park is progressing well. The two-storey, five thousand square metre plant, built by HUNÉP Zrt. as an investment by Xanga Ventures Magántőkealap-kezelő Zrt. and Szinorg Universal Vagyonkezelő Zrt., has reached its highest point. A topping-out ceremony was held at the site, which members of the press were able to follow online.

At the event, Lajos Barcsa, Deputy Mayor of Debrecen, said that Sensirion, which produces digital microsensors and systems, is a sign to them that not even the pandemic could halt the development of Debrecen's economy.
– Sensirion further strengthens the resilience of Debrecen's economy, since their sensors are used across a great many fields, from the health industry to the automotive industry, said the deputy mayor. They spend 24 per cent of their revenue on research and development, an outstanding proportion, which ensures their products will remain at the forefront worldwide in future. Meanwhile, working for an innovative company offers an excellent opportunity for growth for the Debrecen economy and for the city's workforce alike.

He also noted that the Határ út industrial park, which has held the title of Science and Technology Park since 2016, is a distinguished representative of high value-added industries. The 40-hectare site established 20 years ago has been tripled in size; it now extends over 135 hectares, is home to 60 companies and provides work for 6,000 people. The pandemic, then, is halting neither the development of Debrecen's economy nor the municipality's intent to develop further.

Strong interest in Debrecen and the region

István Herdon

István Herdon, CEO of the Xanga group, said negotiations with Sensirion began more than a year ago, and remain memorable partly because of the spring pandemic situation. He thanked the company for choosing Hungary, Debrecen and Xanga's Science and Technology Park.

He explained that Xanga's business model has been unchanged for more than 20 years: they develop infrastructure, build the roads and high-capacity utilities, then construct the plants and logistics halls on the industrial sites so created and let them on long leases. The tenant carries out the technology transfer, employs the staff and production can begin — which is what happened here too.

A bright future for Sensirion in Debrecen

Patrick Good, Director of Sensirion Holding AG, said he is back 203 days after the laying of the foundation stone for the topping out, a ceremony with a long tradition in Switzerland and Hungary alike. It serves two purposes: above all it celebrates the completion of the building's shell, having reached its highest point, and it is also an occasion to give thanks. He went on to thank the municipality under Mayor László Papp, EDC for its support, and Xanga, BORD Építészet Stúdió, the local advisory team and HUNÉP.

A good example of creating new value

Gyula Szűcs

Szinorg Universal Zrt. is one of the project's co-investors. One of the company's main activities is asset management, and its motto is the creation of new value.

– There could be no better example of creating new value than this plant building. Szinorg's cooperation with Xanga Ventures Zrt. is not new – noted Gyula Szűcs, the company's Chairman and CEO. He added that the Debrecen 2030 programme is a well-considered plan for urban development and economic stimulus, and offers particularly good opportunities to Szinorg and Xanga alike. – We are glad to invest in industrial and logistics projects that provide infrastructure for companies establishing themselves in the region or in Debrecen – the Chairman and CEO said.

Szinorg is present in other areas in Debrecen too: it carries out developments in the hotel industry and on residential and office buildings.
– Debrecen matters to us because, alongside the city's foundations, we have been able to build a considerable portfolio with the Xanga group – the CEO emphasised. – At the foundation-stone ceremony in June I was proud that we too could be part of this venture, and that Sensirion regarded Debrecen as the best place to invest. I was struck by the fact that they started out as a start-up, and by where they have got to today. I have no doubt that in May, at the opening ceremony, this will continue with the same success.

At the end of the speeches, those present pressed the button together to raise the topping-out wreath to the highest point of the building.

Source: dehir.hu