Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Expansion of the Destilla Site in Nördlingen

ith a ceremonial groundbreaking at the “Steinerner Mann” industrial estate, Destilla GmbH has officially launched a pivotal expansion of its site. With the commencement of the second construction phase, Destilla GmbH is investing approximately €60 million in the development of its Nördlingen location, reinforcing its strong commitment to growth, sustainability, and regional ties. Numerous guests from politics, industry, and the construction sector attended the celebratory event.

Even at the site’s foundation stone laying in 2017, it was clear that this would be just the first step in a comprehensive site development plan. With the current construction phase, the facility is being significantly expanded to consolidate the entire Kleinerdlingen site into Nördlingen. An additional 14,000 square metres will accommodate state-of-the-art production halls, an expanded tank farm, and cutting-edge, energy-efficient distillation and extraction systems. As a result, the total site area will grow to over 25,000 square metres. District Administrator Stefan Rößle expressed his admiration for the scale of the project: “This is an impressive undertaking that will not only benefit Destilla but also advance the entire region. The district is proud to have such a company in its midst.” He described Destilla as one of the “hidden champions,” whose expansion further strengthens its market position and underscores its growth trajectory.

Sustainability as a Guiding Principle

A central focus of this expansion is sustainability. Destilla is implementing largely self-sufficient electricity generation through photovoltaic systems, utilising surplus energy for cooling and employing recyclable materials. Additionally, waste heat will be harnessed for a low-temperature network to further enhance energy efficiency. Lord Mayor David Wittner highlighted that Destilla is not only investing in its own future but is also actively shaping the region’s economic and sustainable development: “This groundbreaking marks a milestone in Destilla’s success story. The company demonstrates entrepreneurial responsibility, courage, and foresight – proving that the future is not just anticipated but actively shaped.”

A Family Business with Regional Responsibility

Armin Thienel and Matthias Thienel, Managing Directors of Destilla GmbH and Managing Partners of Thienel Holding GmbH & Co. KG, are spearheading this pivotal expansion alongside Katharina Hämmerle (née Thienel), authorised signatory of Thienel Holding GmbH. Thienel Holding serves as the ownership and asset management company for Destilla GmbH, laying the foundation for the company’s sustainable growth. In his speech, Matthias Thienel emphasised the importance of the company’s regional roots: “This expansion is not just an investment in our company but in the future of our family and our region. It fills me with pride that we are not only based in a beautiful region but can also rely on strong local partners. This rootedness is not merely a location advantage but a deliberate choice.”

The site expansion is not only a growth step for Destilla but also a significant boost for the regional economy. By collaborating closely with local construction and planning partners, regional value creation is strengthened, and jobs are secured. Architect Werner Eberl of Holzinger-Eberl-Fürhäußer Architekten GbR emphasised the collaborative nature and technical precision of the project: “Delivering such a construction project on schedule and to exact specifications is a major challenge – all the more reason for us to appreciate the strong partnership with the city of Nördlingen, which has enabled a smooth implementation.”

Looking to the Future

With this expansion, Destilla is significantly increasing its production capacities and adopting state-of-the-art technologies to further enhance efficiency, workplace safety, and flexibility. The new infrastructure will enable even greater customer focus and innovation. Armin Thienel, Managing Director of Thienel Holding and project developer, summarised the vision for the coming years: “With this groundbreaking, we are making a clear statement of our commitment to continuous development and our dedication to sustainable, future-oriented production. Expanding our production capacities will allow us to respond even more flexibly and efficiently to market demands and further cement our position as a leading industry provider.”

Matthias Thienel, Managing Director of Destilla GmbH, also looks to the future with optimism: “Our goal is to shape a company that provides space for its employees to grow, remains deeply rooted in the region, and simultaneously sets new standards as an international partner in the food industry. ‘Flavour and Enjoyment – Made in Nördlingen’ remains our promise for the highest quality.” Through this investment, Destilla underscores its long-term commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability – delivering a clear promise for the future.