The former Clariant site has a long and fascinating history dating back to 1842 when chemical production in Offenbach began. Can you outline this historical development?

Of course! In 1842, chemist Dr. Ernst Sell founded a small tar distillation and asphalt factory here, laying the foundation for chemical production. Initially, he mainly developed products like moth powder and disinfectants before selling the factory due to health issues. The Oehler family took over in 1850 and expanded the production of synthetic dyes, including the famous blue dyes made from aniline. During this period, many patents were registered here that had global significance. This was a place of innovation, development, and experimentation, leading to expanded production and the creation of numerous jobs.

The Oehler family was also socially progressive. They built housing for their employees, which stood until the 1960s before being demolished. In 1876, several years before health insurance became mandatory, they introduced their own company health insurance fund. They also supported an evangelical women's association and established a school in Offenbach. In 1905, Griesheim-Elektron took over and developed new processes, including light- and water-resistant dyes, which gained worldwide fame under the "Naphtol AS" brand in 1912. In the 1920s, Griesheim-Elektron became part of IG Farbenindustrie AG.

What role did chemical production in Offenbach play during World War II?

During the war, the site was used by IG Farben, and like many other industrial locations, forced laborers were employed here. Most of them were women from Ukraine, the Caucasus, and former Yugoslavia, who lived in barracks on the premises.

After World War II, the site was placed under trusteeship and managed by the American government. One particularly fascinating chapter is the Offenbach Archival Depot (OAD), which was established here by the Americans as a collection center for looted cultural property. The goal was to identify rightful owners both domestically and internationally and return the items. Between 1945 and 1949, over 3.5 million documents, books, artworks, religious objects, and personal jewelry were stored in a former IG Farben building. Experts from around the world worked alongside staff members to research ownership histories, successfully returning nearly 3 million books and objects—primarily to Jewish owners. Citizens of Offenbach also participated in the restitution efforts. The depot was dissolved in 1949.

And what happened after World War II?

In 1953, the Offenbach plant was integrated into the newly founded Farbwerke Hoechst and began producing polyester precursors in the 1960s. "Trevira" became a household name during these successful years. In the 1990s, Clariant took over the site, but production gradually declined. In the 2000s, large sections of the site were shut down, and production was increasingly moved abroad—to Eastern Europe, China, and India—where costs were significantly lower. By 2009, production in Offenbach had ceased entirely. The site then lay dormant until the city began searching for future uses.

The Clariant site was sold to the City of Offenbach for only 7 million euros. How was such a low price determined?

Yes, indeed. The low price was due to the site’s long history of chemical use, which led to severe soil contamination. Some areas remain polluted and cannot be utilized, making this an ongoing challenge for the future.

This is a truly eventful industrial history—one that SAMSON is now building upon. Let’s turn to the future concept of the Innovation Campus. What is planned?

The Innovation Campus is designed to enable sustainable growth and revive industrial production in Offenbach. SAMSON AG is currently relocating from Frankfurt to Offenbach, and biotech company BioSpring is also establishing a presence here. Additionally, a design park is planned in collaboration with the University of Art and Design (HfG Offenbach) to create a creative space for societal and industrial transformation.

Former industrial buildings will be repurposed as office spaces for startups, which are expected to establish long-term roots in Offenbach. Cafés, restaurants, and green public spaces will also be created, alongside cultural events. The Parkside Studios are already located here, and the City of Offenbach organizes a summer cultural program featuring open-air concerts, wine festivals, and comedy shows.

Some parts of the site remain inaccessible due to soil contamination—including, unfortunately, the park-like green belt behind the pellet plant. In the future, these areas may also be opened up, which would certainly be desirable.

Ida Todisco is an author and local politician in Offenbach. She has written the book Offenbach – Love at Second Sight: A Dozen Discoveries in Texts and Images, which portrays unique places and stories from her hometown. She also leads city walks through Offenbach, taking participants to her favorite spots while providing insights into local culture and history.