Picture: MESSER SE & CO. KGAA
One name that stands out when talking about traditional family businesses in Bad Soden am Taunus, is Messer. The world’s largest family-run specialist for industrial, medical, and specialty gases made a conscious decision to relocate to Bad Soden am Taunus in 2010 – and has not regretted this decision since.
From Frankfurt to the spa town: a strategic decision
Messer’s history is closely linked to the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main region. Following the realignment of the company in the early 2000s and several intermediate stops in the region, the decision was made to establish the company’s headquarters in Bad Soden am Taunus in 2010. “This is the ideal location for us,” says Stefan Messer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of MESSER SE & CO. KGaA. The proximity to Frankfurt, the excellent transport links and, last but not least, the high quality of life were crucial factors in this decision.
Internationally connected, locally anchored
As a global player with business activities in America, Europe and Asia, Messer especially benefits from Bad Soden’s central location. “The proximity to Frankfurt Airport is essential for us,” Stefan Messer explains. “Our employees travel a lot to our international markets.” The company currently generates around half of its turnover in America and a quarter in Europe and Asia, respectively. The direct rail link and good highway connections are further advantages for conducting business internationally.
Key factors: skilled professionals and quality of life
Bad Soden am Taunus is not only the site of Messer’s headquarters. The town also has an impressive record when it comes to recruiting highly qualified skilled professionals, as owner Stefan Messer explains: “It is important for us to attract international experts. Bad Soden offers an appealing environment for them.” The high quality of life, the cultural offerings, and the proximity to Frankfurt make this location particularly attractive for skilled professionals.
We appreciate the short distances and the good relationship we have with the town administration.
Growth and prospects for the future
Since moving to Bad Soden, Messer has been growing continuously. “We have hired many new employees here, especially in future-oriented areas such as ESG and IT security”, Stefan Messer explains. Even though the company’s operational business is decentralized in the respective markets, Bad Soden as the headquarter location remains an important anchor point for the company’s international expansion.
Strong commitment to the location
Messer actively participates in local community life at its Bad Soden site. For example, the company built the impressive Adolf-Messer-Forum, an event center that regularly welcomes international guests. The gases specialist also organizes a traditional Christmas market around the historic railroad station, which has become a popular fixture in the town. “We appreciate the short distances and the good relationship we have with the town administration,” Stefan Messer emphasizes.
Messer’s success story in Bad Soden am Taunus is a prime example of how an internationally operating company can benefit from the town’s locational advantages. With its central situation, excellent infrastructure, and high quality of life, Bad Soden is an ideal base for globally oriented companies – today and in the future.
