NEXTCHEM (MAIRE) unveiled its new high-tech engineering center, the “NX Engineering District”, in Catania, Sicily, in a ceremony attended by the local political and institutional leaders.

The NX Engineering District, in Sicily’s Science and Technology Park, will benefit from its location in an area with strong potential development because of its solid industrial base and high-quality educational resources. MAIRE is building on its ongoing partnership with the University of Catania, reflecting the Group’s belief that working with local universities and professional technical training centers is crucial to recruiting the qualified engineers and technicians offering them the opportunity for professional and personal growth at an international and dynamic Group such as MAIRE.

The new engineering center is designed to nurture talent in the field of innovation and technology to support the energy transition. The goal is to create a hub that will eventually employ over 200 professionals with high value-added technological expertise profile. MAIRE’s investment in the new facility is part of its goal to further enrich innovation and research in the field of the circular economy and green chemistry.

Enrico Trantino, Mayor of Catania, said: "Today we are inaugurating a new innovation hub for our city. This important message will demonstrate our ability to attract talent, as well as the historic know how and high quality of professionalism in the area. MAIRE’s important project is a new driver of growth and development that can help stem the brain drain and outflow of talent away from southern Italy. We are honored to be part of a project so totally focused on the future."

Fabrizio Di Amato, President of MAIRE, commented: “The opening of this new technological center in Catania meets the demand for developing the technical and engineering skills required by our society at a time of massive evolution. Enriching this partnership in Sicily will allow us to face the challenges of the energy transition with a new perspective and develop sustainable solutions, aimed at reducing environmental impact, aiming at local talent development and enhancement".