Hessen masters 2018 with flying colors

Andreas Damrau, Senior Manager Investor Services at Hessen Trade & Invest, is pleased with the last 12 months: "Compared to the previous year, the number of inquiries and talks with potential investors increased significantly. This proves that Hessen offers important location advantages: outstanding infrastructure, well-trained specialists and excellent research institutions.” Whether settlements and company expansions or investments in science buildings - the year 2018 is coming to a successful conclusion throughout the state of Hessen.

Holger Schach, Managing Director of Regionalmanagement North Hessen, explains: "In addition to a €17 million investment in a second plant in Bad Arolsen by ALMO GmbH, the world market leader for disposable syringes, the marketing measures of the Kassel industrial park 'Langes Feld' are a great success as well. The resulting interest is so high that a second construction phase will be developed two years earlier than planned." North Hessen also remains an attractive location for the logistics sector - Dietz AG is investing €150 million in developing the logistics area Neu-Eichenberg. Even there alone, up to 2,000 jobs will be created in coming years.

The development in Central Hessen during the last year proved to be satisfying as well. Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, the largest employer of the region, made the biggest investment in the company's history with more than €250 million. On an area of 24,000 square meters, an Industry 4.0 factory was built in Haiger, in which all plants work together in a network. In addition to numerous other investments by companies, Central Hessen has also strengthened its pioneering role as a research location. In September, for example, the foundation stone was laid for a €37 million project at the Technical University of Central Hessen. On a total of 5,700 square meters of usable space, new buildings for the mechanical engineering, power engineering and civil engineering departments will be erected. Jens Ihle, Managing Director of Regionalmanagement Central Hessen, emphasizes: "Central Hessen is an innovative education, research and business location. The companies in our region use these ideal conditions to sell excellent products throughout the world with the support of their highly qualified employees and a cooperative environment."

The FrankfurtRhineMain region was already able to benefit this year from the so-called "first wave" of the Brexit, which means new settlements within heavily regulated industries, such as the financial sector. By the end of November, 25 international banks had already announced plans to relocate business units, employees and assets in the high hundreds of billions of euros to Frankfurt and the region. In addition to the financial industry, the region can also boast about exciting settlements from the real economy. Eric Menges, Managing Director of FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH - International Marketing of the Region, points out: "The successful establishment of two Chinese car manufacturers, Geely and Chery, is a testimony to the attractiveness of Frankfurt and the surrounding area. All in all, we are experiencing a growing interest in our location worldwide." Along with the Brexit, the United States' trade dispute with the People's Republic of China has contributed to a growing uncertainty for companies. In contrast, Hessen stands for political and economic stability.

Fabienne Privat, Senior Manager Investor Services at Hessen Trade & Invest, summarizes: "Once again, Hessen has attracted many international companies from various industries this year. We are confident about the new year and look forward to promising projects."