VOCO's development from a small family business to a global player is continuing steadily. The construction of a new building in 1992 as well as two extensions (1997 and 2005) has now been followed by the building of a prestigious company HQ with integrated training centre and a modern R&D laboratory complex in Cuxhaven, which took around a year to complete. The manufacturer of dental materials made this move to cater for the firm's ongoing expansion: The extra buildings will provide the space needed for expanding its activities in different sectors. First and foremost, however, they will act as a focal point for VOCO's international workforce and clientele.
The firm's corporate philosophy is also its formula for success: As a research-based dental company, VOCO stands for reliable quality and the latest technology, and this is why dentists all over the world trust in the brand products "Made in Germany". 670 dentalists worldwide currently choose to work for VOCO: 330 in Germany and 340 dental consultants outside Germany.
It was in 1992 that the firm's growth first made it necessary to build a new HQ in Cuxhaven. Following two further extensions in the years 1997 and 2005, the management has invested heavily in the future of the owner-operated company once again – the total cost of the third extension project required is in excess of ten million euros.
Training rooms and laboratories
The two new buildings include a three-storey main building with a total effective floor area of 2,700 square metres, which houses exclusive conference and training rooms, offices and a canteen, and a second building with a large laboratory complex 2,200 square metres in size, containing state-of-the-art laboratories and office space over two floors. "It was important to us that the new R&D/laboratory building reflect the value we place on research and development as the heart of VOCO," emphasises managing director Manfred Thomas Plaumann, who is responsible for research and development as well as production.
Combining comfort and functionality, the new main building is an eye-catching part of the complex. Every year, the global presence of VOCO attracts numerous customers, including dentists and dental medical wholesalers from all continents, to the North Sea coast. Whether they are groups of visitors, participants of courses or members of the field team arriving at VOCO HQ for training: Everyone is now greeted with conference rooms equipped with the best technology, an inviting cafeteria and dental simulation workstations.
In addition, VOCO offers the ideal conditions for staff to combine work and family life – a company childcare service opened its doors in September. Parents can leave children from the age of four months to school starting age in this spacious and child-oriented playtime paradise on a whole day, three-quarter day or half day basis, knowing they are in good hands and without having to worry about issues such as day-care opening hours.
Milestone for VOCO
The building was designed by Bremen-based architects Gildehaus und Lankenau, who, among other things, provided the construction documentation for the redevelopment of Bremen's Weserstadion.
Managing director Olaf Sauerbier, who is responsible for sales and marketing, is more than happy with the result of the many years of planning: "We are very happy to see our new buildings completed. They represent another milestone in the VOCO success story and symbolise the status our company has made for itself on international markets."
Picture caption: Investing in the future: With a new main building including a modern training centre and a new R&D laboratory complex, VOCO is setting the course for further growth.