In mid-March 2024, around 80 invited guests assembled on the site of the new PLANTON Laboratory Centre in perfect weather conditions. Guest of honour Minister-President Daniel Günther arrived punctually at 1.30 pm. After a few brief conversations with the guests, it was time for the most important part of the ceremony. Together with Managing Director Prof Michael Kleine, Laboratory Manager Karsten Hofmann and molecular biologist Dr Martin Weigel, the minister-president cut the red ribbon at the entrance to the new laboratory with an impressive pair of oversized scissors.

Daniel Günther becomes a laboratory employee

This cleared the way - for the team to start work in the modern laboratory and for the guests to visit the laboratories and gain exciting insights behind the scenes of laboratory analysis. Minister-president Daniel Günther not only got a first-hand impression of the modern equipment, but also had a go himself. His task was to determine the concentration of a mycotoxin in thyme powder - one of the typical analyses carried out at PLANTON to detect harmful substances in food and ensure the food safety of a wide range of products. In preparation, Daniel Günther received an intensive introduction to the practice of analysis from laboratory manager Karsten Hofmann and carried out his task in an exemplary and meticulous manner. "I could start at PLANTON straight away," commented the minister-president humorously.

„We have ensured sustainability“

In his speech, PLANTON Managing Director Prof. Dr Michael Kleine emphasised the short construction time of just 18 months and also focused on a topic close to the company's heart: "We have not only optimised our laboratory processes, we have also ensured sustainability. For example, this building has been constructed to the KfW 55 standard, which means it has extremely efficient insulation. In addition, no fossil fuels are used; instead, we work exclusively with electricity."

In his words of welcome, minister-president Daniel Günther emphasised the biotech company's good links with Kiel University. After all, the flow of knowledge between research and industry and thus the continuous innovation process play a central role at PLANTON. In special recognition - not only of the outstanding achievements of the minister-president in the field of analytical technology during the opening - Managing Director Michael Kleine presented the guest of honour with a Planton lab coat embroidered with 'MP Daniel Günther'. This could also become his work clothes in future, because: "We can easily convert the MP into K."

Innovative companies are indispensable

The lecture by renowned agricultural scientist Prof Friedhelm Taube not only captivated listeners who themselves come from this or related disciplines. Prof Friedhelm Taube explained the relevance of agriculture to the future challenges facing agriculture in terms of climate, nutrition and profitability. In some areas, this would require a rethink and a change in nutritional behaviour. "Innovative companies like PLANTON are indispensable for these processes," said the agricultural scientist.