Region Limburg

Chemical Cluster in Province Limburg

Limburg is both a Dutch province and a European region with a highly distinct character. It's an excellent location for many foreign businesses and companies targeting international markets are of increasing significance to Limburg's economy and employment. In the field of education, Limburg has again succeeded in benefiting from its strategic European location. Within a 25 kilometre radius of Maastricht there are five universities. Different parts of Limburg belong to one of three Euroregions: the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, the Rhine-North Meuse Euroregion and the Rhine- Waal Euroregion. Within these forums, cross-border cooperation is developing in various fields of policymaking, public administration and social policy.

The Limburg region was long characterised by the mining industry which formed the basis for the chemical industry. The chemical cluster in Limburg has existed for approximately 30 years and is a significant driver of innovation. Though the chemical industry is concentrated in Geleen, Sittard and Heerlen, the geographical reference area includes also other regions. The cluster area embraces the cities of Rotterdam, Antwerpen and Marl (Ruhr Region). Besides the "lead companies" DSM and Sabic, a great number of smaller companies are numbered among the cluster actors. These include Ciba, INEOS Silicas, Vanimul Polymers and Trespa. The region has a good international reputation as a research location. Important universities for the chemical sector are situated in Maastricht, Aachen and Liege. The success of the chemical cluster is based primarily on DSM Research. Its research activities will be extended in the future so that there is a excellent research base in the region. The Chemelot Industrial Park provides a good infrastructure. At the same time, high costs for industrial sites and the dependence on raw materials are disadvantages.

The companies in the cluster produce mainly new materials and plastics. Services focus on the research sector (DSM Research). A new programme has been set-up to develop the Limburg chemical cluster. DSM, SABIC, the investment bank LIOF, the city of Sittard-Geleen and the Province of Limburg are members of the steering group. Programme aims are based on the development of Petrochemicals, performance materials, biomaterials, biotechnology and life sciences.