Drusenheim/Herrlisheim (France)/Stuttgart (Germany), January 29, 2026 – C’est la fête!

Bauder is proud to officially open its new production facility in Drusenheim, Alsace. Following a construction period of around two and a half years, Europe's most modern production site for roofing systems is now fully operational.

As a fourth-generation family-owned company, Bauder has invested approximately €100 million in its first plant in France, underlining both its sustainable growth strategy and firm commitment to Europe as a key business location.

Together with Franck Leroy, President of the Grand Est Region, and in the presence of Jacky Keller, Mayor of Drusenheim, and Serge Schaeffer, Mayor of Herrlisheim, managing directors Jan, Mark, and Tim Bauder officially inaugurated the new facility. The opening ceremony included a traditional ribbon-cutting followed by a tour of the 12.6-hectare site, located in the Axioparc industrial park spanning both municipalities.

The new location will manufacture high-quality bitumen waterproofing membranes and PIR insulation systems. 

As Jan Bauder explained at the ceremony:

“Alsace is located in the heart of Europe, making it perfect for our growth strategy, especially for the key markets of France, Switzerland, and Southern Germany.”

Mark Bauder added:

“The location is ideal, and the cooperation with the municipalities of Herrlisheim and Drusenheim, as well as the local authorities, has been outstanding. We were welcomed with open arms, and we already feel completely at home here. We are convinced this investment in France is exactly the right step forward.”

The Drusenheim site, has installed two state-of-the-art production lines, one for PIR insulation and one for bitumen membranes. This investment builds on a long and successful history. Bauder has been producing waterproofing membranes for nearly 170 years and PIR insulation since 1967.

This extensive experience not only guarantees the highest product standards but has also shaped the planning and design of the facility, which also received funding support from the Grand Est region.

As Mark Bauder explains:

“The requirements for sustainable construction are high—but our ambition was not only to meet them, but to exceed them.”

Environmental integration plays a key role at the site, including extensive planting of native trees and hedges that enhance biodiversity and harmonise with the surrounding landscape.

Drawing on over 40 years of expertise in green roofing, a significant portion of the 20,000 m² production and office buildings features vegetated roofs. Additionally, the warehouse roof covering, 23,800 m², hosts a 2MWp photovoltaic system. 

The factory uses self-generated solar power, combined with an electric boiler, to heat bitumen. marking the first time a largely self-sufficient renewable energy system has been used for this process. Since bitumen must be heated to at least 180°C, this innovation significantly reduces emissions while delivering efficiency gains.

An advanced energy storage concept enables surplus solar power to be used for thermal charging of large bitumen tanks. This reduces, and potentially eliminates, the need for natural gas.

The site is connected to the local district heating network for general heating, further improving efficiency.

It systematically expands electromobility, with charging infrastructure for company and employee vehicles, as well as a fully electrified forklift fleet.

The rainwater management system reflects the same commitment to sustainability: all rainwater is collected through infiltration basins and returned to the groundwater system without entering the public sewage network. This reduces strain on local infrastructure and contributes to flood protection.

To date, the site has created 70 new jobs. All new employees have completed an extensive onboarding programme, covering both technical training and learning about the company’s values and culture.

The French team—internally known as the “meilleure équipe”, includes specialists across production, logistics, and sales. Employees benefit from modern working conditions, bright social areas, and a large break space with direct access to green outdoor areas.

The administration building exemplifies contemporary industrial design, with fully glazed façades for natural daylight and an automated LED lighting system to reduce energy consumption. A fully equipped company restaurant provides fresh, balanced meals, supporting both wellbeing and long-term employee satisfaction.

Across all our European locations, teamwork and collaboration are central to Bauder’s success. We have been recognised as a “Great Place to Work” multiple times, and we are proud of our exceptionally high employee retention.

As Tim Bauder emphasised:

“Our goal is for our employees to retire with us, which is why we invest in our people. We are delighted to welcome so many outstanding new colleagues to Bauder France.”

Customers will also benefit from the new site. A 400 m² Technical Centre (Technikum) offers modern training facilities, combining theory and hands-on application in one location.

As Jan Bauder concluded:

“Bauder is known across Europe not only for high-quality products but also for its technical expertise and skilled people. We are delighted to now bring this level of service directly to our customers in France.”