Matthews International Opens German R&D Hub to Scale Hydrogen Fuel Cell Production

Matthews International Corporation just cut the ribbon on a brand-new, 1,000-square-meter Development Center over in Vreden, Germany. It’s a big move that shows they’re all-in on pushing the boundaries of next-gen energy tech—especially when it comes to hydrogen fuel cells and battery electrode production. This new hub is all about turning big ideas into real, scalable energy solutions that can actually hit the market.

Quick Look at What’s New

Opened on May 21, 2025, the Vreden Center is essentially a testing ground for next-level clean energy tech. It’s kitted out for pilot-scale R&D focused on rotary processing technology, technical membranes, and materials for battery electrodes and hydrogen fuel cells. They’re not just talking theory—they’re coating, embossing, simulating, and testing. There’s even 3D prototyping on site, all tied directly into Matthews’ global innovation network.

Fuel Cell Tech Gets Real

This isn’t just about adding more lab space—it’s about moving the needle. With their new setup, Matthews Engineering is making a serious play in the industrial decarbonization game. The Vreden facility gives them something most others don’t have: the ability to run full pilot-line tests and rapid prototyping that gets hydrogen fuel cell stacks and advanced battery components out of R&D and onto production lines faster than ever.

And it’s not working in a vacuum either. Vreden complements Matthews’ other facilities in Bocholt, where they’ve got dry rooms and coating lines up and running. Together, they’re building a tight-knit network designed to supercharge clean energy manufacturing across Europe.

Inside the Tech Lab

• GK300L Laboratory Calender: This beast handles compression, lamination, and coating—in full-on pilot-mode. It’s perfect for prepping energy storage materials for the real world.
• Rotary Processing Systems: Key for creating web-shaped tech media used in electrolyzers and hydrogen fuel cell builds.

Why It Matters

• Scaling Up Innovation: A big hurdle in clean tech is moving from shiny demos to real, high-volume production. Vreden is built to tackle that head-on.
• Teaming Up Across Industries: The center is built around collaboration—between public partners, private companies, and researchers—helping bring solutions to market quicker and with less risk.
• Backing Europe’s Green Goals: With full support for EU-wide decarbonization efforts, Matthews is now in a stronger position to offer the kind of tech Europe needs—think affordable, reliable hydrogen solutions.

Who’s Steering the Ship

Leading the charge at Vreden are Thomas Hackfort (SVP Design & Development) and Brandon Babe (President, Matthews Engineering). Both bring serious experience in industrial innovation and are laser-focused on transforming sustainable tech from concept to reality.

Not Going It Alone

Germany’s clean energy scene is heating up, with giants like Siemens Energy and Bosch investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure and gigafactories. But Matthews has carved out a smart niche. Instead of going big from the start, they’re focusing on the crucial middle step—bridging lab experiments with ready-to-roll manufacturing. It’s a flexible, agile model that makes Vreden an ideal stop for anyone looking to validate or ramp up clean energy tech.

The Bottom Line

Matthews International isn’t just expanding—it’s helping shape the future of Europe’s hydrogen fuel cell and battery electrode production landscape. The Vreden center is more than a facility; it’s a launchpad for faster, smarter breakthroughs in scalable energy solutions. In the push to clean up the energy game, this move makes them a serious player in helping turn bold ideas into everyday reality.