GEA's new headquarters unites modern workplace and sustainability

• New headquarters in Düsseldorf's “maxfrei” quarter in Derendorf district

• Attractive, modern working environment with a wide range of opportunities for collaboration

• LEED Gold-certified building with a focus on sustainability, flexibility, and urban integration underscores GEA's leadership in sustainability

The international technology company GEA today moved into its new corporate headquarters at Ulmenstr. 99 in the new “maxfrei” urban district in Düsseldorf-Derendorf. GEA previously occupied three buildings in Düsseldorf’s Airport City. Bringing all central functions and parts of the divisional and country organizations under one roof marks an important step toward greater cross-functional collaboration, shorter distances, and a corporate culture built on dialogue, personal responsibility, and openness. The new headquarters represents a clear commitment to the city of Düsseldorf – one of Europe's leading business locations. Its modern design supports frequent in-person exchanges, innovation, and new ways of working.

Architecture for modern working 

The new building, designed by the architectural firm caspar.schmitzmorkramer, combines functionality with a high-quality working environment. The building frames a green inner courtyard that serves as a quiet, light-filled retreat and a design link between the wings of the building. Flexible open-plan spaces, meeting areas, collaboration spaces and quiet rooms, inviting foyers, a canteen, and a communal roof terrace promote exchange and creativity.

“Our new corporate headquarters is a milestone for GEA and at the same time an expression of our values. Here, we are shaping the future together: with openness, responsibility and a solution-oriented mindset. The new headquarters embodies modern work culture, fosters open dialogue among peers, and reflects our ambition as a global technology company to unite social responsibility with entrepreneurial success,” says GEA CEO Stefan Klebert.

Architectural inspiration in a forward-looking neighborhood

The new company headquarters is part of the striking ”maxfrei” development in a neighborhood with a unique history. Where the Ulmer Höh prison stood until 2012, a car-free, vibrant district has emerged with subsidized housing, a daycare center, public green spaces, and a strong commitment to sustainability. In 2021, “maxfrei” was honored with the prestigious polis Award for “Urban Land Recycling” as a prime example of successful transformation, social integration, and the preservation of cultural identity.

Sustainable thinking – down to the last detail

The building meets the Efficiency House 55 standard and holds the international LEED Gold certificate – proof of its high energy efficiency and resource conservation. Measures include:

• Photovoltaic systems on intensively greened roofs
• District heating with more than 90% of heat sourced from waste-to-energy plants
• Rainwater management via retention areas
• Smart building technology with AI-supported consumption analysis
• Charging facilities are also available for bicycles and cargo bikes.

GEA alone has 40 exclusive e-charging points at its disposal – the underground car park is prepared for expansion to 160. Bicycles and cargo bikes can also be charged on site.

Integration into a lively environment

The urban quarter follows the 15-minute city concept: living, working, mobility, and amenities are all within walking distance. With its recesses, exposed concrete, natural stone, and wood veneer elements, the architecture of the headquarters fits seamlessly into the surrounding urban landscape – open to the city, with views of the historic chapel that forms the center of the quarter.

The mixed-use, green neighborhood was developed by a joint venture between HAMBURG TEAM and Arrow Global Germany. “The GEA headquarters transforms a historic location into a place of the future – open, connected, and helping to shape the city skyline. That's exactly what good urban development is all about today,” says architect Anja Lohfink, project manager for the two “maxfrei” office buildings at HAMBURG TEAM.

“With our new headquarters, we are offering a very attractive environment for current and future GEA employees. We are convinced that our modern building in the lively ‘maxfrei’ district will further enhance our employer attractiveness and thus also contribute to GEA's long-term success,” adds Stefan Klebert.