“HOCHTIEF has won a major public-private partnership contract valued at approximately €230 million (around $273 million) to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain a state-of-the-art research facility for the Max Rubner Institute in Kiel, Germany. The project consolidates research units from Kiel and Hamburg into a modern 6,250 square meter usable space building focused on nutrition and food research, with completion targeted for fall 2028 and a 30-year operational phase.”
New MRI Research Center Advances German Nutrition Science Infrastructure
HOCHTIEF, through its PPP Solutions subsidiary, has been awarded a comprehensive public-private partnership (PPP) contract by the Federal Agency for Real Estate (BImA) for the construction and long-term management of a new headquarters building for the Max Rubner Institute (MRI). This federal research institution specializes in nutrition, food safety, and related health sciences, operating under the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The contract, totaling around €230 million, encompasses full project lifecycle responsibilities: planning, financing, construction, and 30 years of operation and maintenance following handover. This structure aligns with Germany’s growing preference for PPP models in public infrastructure, allowing the government to leverage private sector expertise and efficiency while spreading costs over time.
The new facility will be located in Kiel, serving as the unified hub for MRI’s currently dispersed operations. Researchers from existing sites in Kiel and Hamburg will relocate to this single, interdisciplinary campus. The building will provide approximately 6,250 square meters of usable floor space, designed to foster collaboration across specialized fields such as nutritional physiology, food technology, microbiology, and epidemiology.
Key design features emphasize sustainability, energy efficiency, and flexibility for cutting-edge scientific work. The structure will incorporate modern laboratories equipped for advanced experimentation in areas like metabolomics, gut microbiome studies, and food processing innovations. Specialized spaces will include controlled environment rooms, analytical instrumentation suites, and collaborative zones to support cross-disciplinary teams addressing pressing issues in public health, such as obesity prevention, allergic responses to foods, and sustainable dietary patterns.
The project timeline calls for completion by autumn 2028, after which HOCHTIEF will assume responsibility for facility management, technical maintenance, cleaning, security, and energy services for three decades. This long-term commitment ensures consistent operational standards and allows for ongoing optimizations in energy use and building performance.
Strategic Importance in Broader Context
This win strengthens HOCHTIEF’s portfolio in the German PPP market, particularly for specialized public buildings. The company has a track record of delivering complex research and educational facilities with stringent technical and environmental requirements. By integrating financing and operations, the contract reduces upfront public expenditure while guaranteeing performance over the asset’s lifecycle.
For the Max Rubner Institute, the new center represents a significant upgrade in infrastructure. Consolidation eliminates inefficiencies from split locations, enabling faster knowledge transfer and joint projects. The facility is expected to enhance Germany’s role in international nutrition research networks, supporting evidence-based policies on food security, consumer protection, and health promotion.
Project Scope Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Value | ~€230 million ($273 million equivalent) |
| Contract Type | Public-Private Partnership (PPP) |
| Scope | Design, build, finance, operate, maintain |
| Operational Period | 30 years post-completion |
| Usable Space | Approximately 6,250 m² |
| Key Functions | Laboratories, offices, collaborative areas |
| Completion Target | Fall 2028 |
| Client | Federal Agency for Real Estate (BImA) |
| Beneficiary Institution | Max Rubner Institute (MRI) |
| Location | Kiel, Germany |
The emphasis on interdisciplinary work will allow scientists to tackle multifaceted challenges, from molecular mechanisms of nutrition-related diseases to technological solutions for healthier food production. The building’s sustainable design is anticipated to achieve high energy performance standards, incorporating efficient HVAC systems, renewable energy integration where feasible, and materials selected for low environmental impact.
This contract underscores the ongoing investment in German federal research capabilities amid rising demands for evidence-driven approaches to nutrition and public health. HOCHTIEF’s selection reflects confidence in its ability to deliver a high-quality, future-proof facility that meets the rigorous needs of advanced scientific research.
Disclaimer: This is a news report based on publicly available information and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice.
