Room for the future
In biology, growth means the “natural increase in size of a living organism”. This is also a fitting image for a successful company. At least, the history of Optima is characterized by continuous expansion – with particularly significant boosts over the last 20 years. It is also a story of building and buildings. The first structural expansion took place at the headquarters in Schwäbisch Hall; however, as the company grew, other locations in Germany and around the world were expanded.
In 1959, the relocation from the former headquarters at Alte Reifensteige 7 to the new industrial area on the Westhöhe marked the beginning of a new era. The spacious and modern new building in the Steinbeisweg drew attention. Successful developments, especially the Clipfix packaging equipment played a major role in the expansion. It was obvious, even back then, that an Optima facility must both be functional and meet the highest aesthetic requirements.
Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, continued growth required constant modifications, expansions, and even temporary leasing of property and halls. Improvisation can bridge things for a while, but in the 90s, when Optima acquired Inova-Pac-Systeme GmbH, the available space had finally reached its limits. The company found ideal conditions for its new subsidiary, which was the nuclei of Optima Pharma, in the new industrial area Solpark. Construction began in 1999 and was completed at the beginning of the new millennium.
22 years, several ground-breaking ceremonies and construction projects later, today’s Optima Pharma in the Solpark is in its fifth building phase. Other divisions also expanded during that time, in some cases substantially.
No matter what is being built, renovated or rebuilt, one rule always applies, says Matthias Dietz, facility manager at Optima: construction work is carried out within the budget and scheduled time frame. Sustainable construction, including solar panels, is one of the core principles whenever possible.
These pages provide insight into some of Optima’s diverse construction projects over the years. However, by no means can all international projects be named here.
Optima Headquarters /Optima nonwovens
Steinbeisweg 24, Schwäbisch Hall
Since 1960
1963 Doubling the hall space
1982 Hall expansion
1987/ 88 West and middle extension
2015 North gap hall extension
2016 Purchased neighboring property with assembly hall
2019 –21 Roof renovation, converted warehouse for assembly
172,200 sq ft
Fallback area for large and special orders
53,800 sq ft
Optima pharma
Otto-Hahn-Straße 1, Schwäbisch Hall
2000 Office and assembly hall
2007 Doubling of hall and office space
2012 Hall extension
2019 CSPE hall with office space
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 90, Schwäbisch Hall
2022 CSPE hall with office space
91,500 sq ft
Vor dem Langen Loh 8, Gladenbach-Mornshausen
2007 First BA (formerly Klee GmbH)
2021 Second BA
43,000 SQ FT
