Multi-million investment to drive the de-fossilization of the chemical industry
Verbio flagship project in bio-based chemicals: groundbreaking for catalyst production in Hungary
XiMo, a wholly owned subsidiary of Verbio SE, held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the new production facility for the large-scale industrial production of Metathesis catalysts in Gödöllő, Hungary. Starting in summer 2026, innovative metathesis catalysts will be produced here. These catalysts will be used to manufacture bio-based chemicals at the new Verbio plant in Bitterfeld, Germany, as well as by industrial customers in sectors such as renewable chemicals, polymer production, fragrances and odorants, agrochemicals, research and development, and other applications. The facility is expected to create 44 new high-tech jobs. Verbio is investing nearly EUR 30 million in the new facility at the Gödöllő site. The project is being supported by a 20 percent subsidy from the Hungarian government.
Multi-million investment to drive the de-fossilization of the chemical industry
As the chemical industry primarily relies on fossil resources, it faces significant challenges in becoming more sustainable. Verbio is committed to driving the green transformation of the sector by supplying bio-based chemicals. Through its subsidiary XiMo, Verbio offers innovative catalysts that enable precise control of olefin metathesis processes. This technology makes it possible to utilize plant-based methyl esters – such as rapeseed methyl ester (biodiesel) – as renewable raw materials for the chemical industry.
Verbio is investing a total of EUR 27.7 million in the construction of the new catalyst production facility. The Hungarian government is supporting the project with a 20 percent subsidy, amounting to EUR 5.5 million (HUF 2.2 billion). Theodor Niesmann, CTO at Verbio SE, expressed appreciation for the partnership: "On behalf of Verbio, I would like to sincerely thank the Hungarian government for their ongoing support and trust in our company. Your commitment is deeply appreciated.”
Breaking ground on a project with economic and environmental impact
The new production plant will not only create jobs and strengthen the local economy but also enable the chemical industry to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. This project is a strong example of how environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand.
Among the distinguished guests were State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Levente Magyar and Gödöllő Mayor, Dr. György Gémesi.
Nobel Prize-winning technology in practice
Prof. Dr. Richard Schrock, one of XiMo's original founders, was amongst the guests of honor. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2005 for his groundbreaking work in the field of metathesis – a key reaction in organic chemistry. He and his colleagues conducted decades of research that laid the foundation for developing molybdenum- and tungsten-based olefin metathesis catalysts. Since XiMo's acquisition by Verbio in 2018, the team led by XiMo’s current Director Dr. Levente Ondi has successfully advanced this technology for industrial application.
With the construction of the new production plant in Gödöllő, these scientific discoveries are now being translated into industrial practice. This marks a significant milestone, opening new possibilities not only for the chemical industry, but also for Verbio’s continued diversification and internationalization efforts.
“With the launch of this new multipurpose plant, XiMo is demonstrating that it is economically viable to produce molybdenum-, tungsten-, and ruthenium-based metathesis catalysts on an industrial scale. This technological breakthrough lays the groundwork for converting renewable vegetable oils into high-value organic compounds, which can be used in the production of cleaning agents, high-performance lubricants, and plastics. This not only enhances sustainability but also reduces the chemical industry’s reliance on fossil-based raw materials such as petroleum," says Dr. Levente Ondi, Director of XiMo Hungary Kft.
A significant share of the catalysts produced at the Gödöllői plant will be used by Verbio in its new plant for bio-based chemicals in Bitterfeld. Moreover, XiMo will extend access to its catalysts to additional customers across various markets.
Verbio Expands into New Market Segment
The construction of the new catalyst production plant in Gödöllő marks a key step in Verbio’s internationalization and diversification strategy. Theodor Niesmann, Chief Technology Officer at Verbio, highlights the strategic relevance of the initiative: “By expanding our product portfolio to include renewable molecules and green solutions, we are entering a new market segment beyond biofuels. This diversification is a crucial factor for sustainable growth and long-term stability at Verbio.”
In parallel, Verbio is constructing a facility in Bitterfeld, dedicated to producing bio-based carbon molecules from rapeseed methyl ester. This process utilizes metathesis catalysts developed by XiMo. In the long term, the company plans to produce up to 60,000 tonnes of renewable products annually for the chemical industry. The Bitterfeld plant is expected to begin operations in 2026.
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