Germany, the MAIRE laboratory

Emanuele Pozzati, VP Region Europe at Nextchem: how country’s strengths and theirconnection transform them into a system capable of generating innovation.

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Germany, the Meire Laboratory. There is a thread that links industrial histories, technical skills, and long-term visions, stretching across Europe through one of its most solid foundations, Germany. It is here that Maire Group has built a presence over time that goes beyond numbers and projects, one made up of people, know-how, and relationships. A deep-rooted presence born of the tradition of European chemistry and petrochemicals, which today is being renewed in light of the challenges of the energy transition. Emanuele Pozzati, vice president of the Europe region at NextChem, has experienced this evolution firsthand. In his account for Evolve, he paints a picture of a region that is not merely a market, but a true laboratory of integration, a place where skills, cultures, and industrial models interact and influence one another. From the origins of the first engineering facility to the most recent acquisitions, a clear direction emerges to promote local excellence and connect it, transforming it into a system capable of generating innovation. In this journey, teamwork is key, because enjoy our way is not just a motto, but a concrete way of working, each day, creating an environment where people can contribute, grow, and work together to build something greater. Mayere's presence in Germany has deep roots. Dr. Pizzatti, where does this connection stem from and what historical factors make it so strategic even today? Germany, along with Italy, has historically been one of the leading centers of European chemistry and petrochemicals. This connection is deeply rooted in the industrial culture of both countries and is symbolized by the discovery of the Ziegler Nata catalyst, a product of this dual excellence. It is within this context that Maire operates, established over 25 years ago with the goal of serving a market characterized by a high concentration of expertise. From an initial joint venture, a solid company has developed, strengthened by the addition of a team of engineers highly specialized in low-density polyethylene, LDPE, produced using ultra-high pressure processes. This expertise, which remains deeply rooted in Germany to this day, has long been a defining feature of the group, a world-class engineering center capable of tackling complex technologies. Today, that connection remains strategic because it unites industrial tradition with integration capacity. On the one hand, German know-how. On the other, Mayret's vision of systematic application, building continuity between the past and the future. How is the group's presence in Germany currently structured across its various companies and areas of expertise? Today, Mayret's presence in Germany is primarily structured around two distinct yet complementary entities. The first is TPI, a company with a long history in the group, consisting of approximately 70 employees and specializing in engineering services, particularly in the field of polyolephins. Over the years, it has developed highly specialized expertise, becoming a leader in complex applications. In 2024, TPI became part of NextCam in a strategic move that enhances its role. While operating in engineering, it bridges the gap between execution and technology. The goal is to strengthen its contribution to the development and engineering of the group's proprietary technologies. Alongside TPI, also in 2024, GasContech joined the group, a smaller but highly innovative company active in the fields of syngas, hydrogen, and methanol. Its acquisition filled a key gap, particularly in the area of hydrogen, which is central to the energy transition. The focus now is on further integrating these companies, strengthening Germany's role as a hub within NextCem. What is the strategic rationale behind these decisions, and what kind of value do they add to the group? The initiatives undertaken in recent years, particularly in 2024, are part of a clear strategy to build an increasingly comprehensive technology chain capable of covering all stages of development of an industrial process. If we think of our work as a puzzle, over the years we have added various pieces, fertilizers, ammonia, urea, process engineering. This is where the Maire model stands out, maintaining distinct corporate identities, leveraging their specific strengths, while simultaneously fostering integration. It is in this balance between specialization and collaboration that our true competitive advantage lies. Today, it is not enough to possess excellent competencies. One must know how to combine it, offering a comprehensive and integrated vision. The goal is to accompany the client throughout the entire project cycle, integrating diverse skills into a single proposal. The context, however, has changed. The boundaries between technology, engineering, and execution are becoming increasingly blurred, and this requires a more flexible approach. The value lies precisely in the ability to balance these areas, leveraging synergies without creating rigidity, especially in markets where established relationships already exist. In this sense, the one company model is not a fixed framework, but a way of working that must be adapted on a case-by-case basis. Looking at Germany and the European context, how is this market evolving today, and what role might it play for Meira and the future? Germany and Europe are going through a complex phase, marked by a slowdown in the petrochemical industry and fewer new plants being built compared to other parts of the world. They matter a great deal, because ultimately the real distinguishing factor is not just technology, but the way people are able to work together. Germany is a very concrete example. Our teams are made up of people from different nationalities with diverse backgrounds and approaches to work. It is a naturally international environment where integration is not theoretical, but a daily reality, built on continuous dialogue and the ability to adapt. In my experience, value is created when you manage to bring together different perspectives and build a shared way of working. And in our case, this becomes even more important because expertise is distributed across different companies within the group, and collaboration is not an option, but a necessity. This is also the essence of enjoy our way, creating an environment where people can truly contribute, feel part of a system, and work in a positive way. Because even in the most complex situations, in the end, it is always people who make the difference. Evolve.