Plastics industry in Thuringia

The technical expertise of training networks and vocational education institutions, as well as first-class universities, ensure your entrepreneurial success. Thuringia relies on the industry-specific qualification of its skilled workers.

Academic Education

Around a third of students in Thuringia are enrolled in engineering degree programs. Five universities offer degree programs such as mechanical engineering and materials science/materials engineering, which are relevant to the industry.

Special degree programs/specializations are:

• Master of Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Plastics Technology, TU Ilmenau
• Master of Applied Plastics Technology, Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
• Bachelor in Engineering with a focus on Plastics Technology, Dual University of Applied Sciences Eisenach-Gera

Training and further education

Thuringia specifically promotes the training and qualification of students and trainees. Specialists and managers from the plastics and automotive industries can take a continuing education program as a product manager for plastics technology at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences.

The Thuringian Plastics Cluster PolymerMat e.V. - an association of companies, university and non-university R&D institutions and service providers - is strongly committed to promoting the training of young professionals in order to sustainably improve the training situation in the Thuringian plastics industry. The ongoing qualification and further training as well as the retention of skilled workers in Thuringian companies are also to be systematically secured.

The cluster is also successfully working to purposefully consolidate and further expand the strong dynamic development of the Thuringian plastics industry in recent years. Through network formation, the competitiveness and innovative strength of the Thuringian plastics industry can be further increased. Thuringia is perceived synonymously as an innovative plastics region and is recognized in Germany and internationally as a location for highly developed, sophisticated ideas for polymer products. The plastics processing industry is further expanding its position among the four strongest sectors in Thuringia's manufacturing industry.

Application-oriented research and development of high-performance polymers is carried out in
Thuringia places great emphasis on application-oriented research and development of high-performance polymers. Benefit from renowned industry-oriented research institutions that support you as innovation and cooperation partners.

TITK Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research e.V.
The TITK Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research e.V. conducts both industry-oriented preliminary research and applied research in this field. It supports small and medium-sized enterprises in their innovation efforts with scientific know-how, industry expertise, and the provision of modern technical infrastructure.

Research Focus Areas:

• Native Polymers and Chemical Research
• Textile and Materials Research
• Plastics Research
• Functional polymer systems

Ostthüringische Materialprüfgesellschaft
The Ostthüringische Materialprüfgesellschaft for Textiles and Plastics mbH, a subsidiary of TITK, offers services in the field of testing and problem simulation of plastics.

INNOVENT e.V.
INNOVENT e.V. – Technologieentwicklung Jena has been researching in the fields of surface technology, magneto-optical systems and biomaterials for 20 years. The 140 employees support Thuringian companies in industry-oriented, application-focused research and development work.

TITV Textile Research Institute Thuringia - Vogtland e.V.
The institute focuses on two areas of work – microsystems technology and its integration into textile and flexible structures, as well as the development of innovative materials based on new textile techniques and materials.

Research Focus Areas:

• Smart Textiles
• Surface functionalization
• Flexible Materials

Thuringia offers excellent innovation and growth opportunities for companies in the plastics industry. Numerous company settlements in recent years prove this.

GRAFE Advanced Polymers GmbH
The family-owned company GRAFE has firmly established itself among the top positions of German masterbatch and compound manufacturers. The company employs approx. 200 employees and exports to more than 30 countries. Its research department is one of the largest in the industry.

ContiTech AG
With around 1,300 employees, ContiTech AG, which emerged from the merger with Phoenix AG, is one of the largest employers in Thuringia. The production of hoses, conveyor belts, sound and vibration isolation systems is the focus of the plants in the Gotha/Waltershausen area.

Döllken Weimar GmbH
Döllken Weimar GmbH is a Europe-wide leading manufacturer of skirting boards and floor profiles made of technical plastics. The company supplies its products to many countries on all continents of the world. Its customers are wholesalers and specialized retailers as well as building and specialty markets in the field of floor coverings.

Weru Windows and Doors GmbH
Weru Fenster und Türen GmbH Weru AG is the market leader in the production of plastic windows for residential construction. Around 550 employees manufacture high-quality plastic windows and doors in Triptis, the second production site alongside Rudersberg (Baden-Württemberg).