What makes Günzburg County so unique? STAY A WHILEWas macht den Landkreis Günzburg so einzigartig? BROCHURE 3 of 5

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What makes Günzburg County so appealing? Landratsamt Günzburg Regionalmarketing Günzburg GbR Wirtschaftsförderstelle An der Kapuzinermauer 1 An der Kapuzinermauer 1 D-89312 Günzburg D-89312 Günzburg Tel. +49 (0) 82 21 / 95-140 Tel. +49 (0) 82 21 / 95-154 Fax +49 (0) 82 21 / 95-145 Why is it worth it to pack your bags Fax +49 (0) 82 21 / 95-440 [email protected] and visit Günzburg County? [email protected] www.regionalmarketing-guenzburg.de www.landkreis-guenzburg.de

About this puplication What makes Günzburg County so unique?

Publisher: Landratsamt Günzburg and Regionalmarketing Günzburg GbR Design: vogeleundthomas Werbeagentur Why does Günzburg County enjoy such a high quality of life? Picture credits: - Pictures 6, 8, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 30 and 32: Landratsamt Günzburg (Georg Drexel) - Pictures 2, 4, 11, 13, 15, 19, 23, 25-29, 31, 33 and 34: vogeleundthomas - Picture 1: www.photocase.de (micjan) - Picture 3: www.photocase.de (Boris Schrage, whoiscocoon) - Pictures 5 and 21: www.photocase.de (momosu) Why are so many people so enthusiastic about - Picture 7: www.photocase.de (lalax) Günzburg County? - Picture 12: www.photocase.de (kesmen) - Picture 14: www.photocase.de (beddie) - Pictures 9 and 10: MEV I. What advantages will you find in Günzburg County? > A powerful area of 4 > Stability meets dynamism 4 > What excites both – entrepreneurs and companies 5

This brochure will tell you about the clusters, STAY A WHILE // networks, and synergies that make Günzburg II. What makes Günzburg County so unique? County ideal for living and doing business. > Food Günzburg 8 > LEGOLAND® and the regional economy 9 > Ökoprofit (Ecoprofit) 12 > Invention and production of board games 13 > Swabian Commercial Vehicle Cluster 14

STAY A III. WhereWHILE should I locate my business? > Quality of life and economic strength 16 > Attractive business locations 17 > 17 > Günzburg 18 > 18 > Jettingen-Scheppach 19 > Krumbach 19 > 20 > 20 What advantages will you find in Günzburg County?

A perfect place for families and kids county’s economy and culture. The diversity of The number of full-time jobs covered by so- Employment Agency District, to which Günz- A powerful area of Bavaria technology companies, skilled tradesmen, in- cial security have developed very dynamical- burg County belongs, but also for the entire dustry, retail and service creates tremendous ly over the last few years in both manufactu- state of Bavaria! As the old saying goes, the “jack of all trades” synergies while offering medium-sized com- ring and the promising service sector. tends to be a master of none. In the past few panies an ideal “economic habitat.” The strong partnership that has developed years, Günzburg County has established a STABILITYIn as a whole, manufacturing still between politicians and businessmen also strong reputation – both across Bavaria and A number of “hidden champions” have also outpaces other sectors both in terms of va- supports a high employment rate. The em- on the international stage – as an economic settled here and grown into larger compa- lue added and number of employees. But its ployment agency conducts regular training powerhouse and as a place that offers both nies. Those include AL-KO, Wanzl, Küchle, percentage of manufacturing jobs (43 %) is sessions to help applicants meet local busi- young and old a superb quality of life. petra electric, CREATON, Günzburger Steig- nearly identical to Günzburg County’s per- ness needs. For example, the agency offers technik, Hans Lingl, and Molkerei Zott. centage of service-sector jobs (41 %). part-time soldering classes to women along And there is also the carefully chosen claim to with internships at local companies where be the best family and kid-friendly region in they can further refine their skills. Germany. With the opening of LEGOLAND® Stability meets dynamism Tops in employment Germany in May 2002 and the expansion of The secret to Günzburg County’s success high-quality wellness and medical services, Günzburg County’s structural dynamic has What excites both the Günzburg-Krumbach region perfectly Sometimes, politics can work a lot like econo- generated a very high employment rate that entrepreneurs and companies meets the needs of families as well as dis- mics: stability is never just a given – it’s so- is impressive even in the context of Bava- cerning boomers. mething you have to build over a long period ria – an economic powerhouse. As of May A favorable wage structure, an ideal location of time. Today, Günzburg County’s political 2008, the county’s unemployment rate was in the heart of Europe, and a highly qualified The county’s extremely broad range of active and economic arenas are first-rate – and you extremely low at only 2.6 %. This is the best workforce – Günzburg County has much to industries is the second pillar that supports the can see that in almost everything we do. recorded figure not only for the offer at many different levels when it comes

4 DYNAMISM5 to making entrepreneurs and companies People make the difference tive efforts. We’ll show you what close, enthusiastic about the Günzburg-Krum- mutual cooperation can accomplish and bach region. When it comes to the county’s success, the why Henry Ford’s words still ring true to- most important factor of all is the commu- day: Our extremely attractive investment incen- nity of people who support our companies, ATTRACTIVEtives include labor costs that are 9 % under and live here with their partners and families. “Coming together is a beginning, staying the Bavarian average, and real estate tax Regional employers give our workforce very together is progress, and working together rates that are significantly lower than in high marks. The people of Günzburg County is success.” neighboring or economically comparable re- have a very good work ethic, show a great deal Henry Ford gions. Rates in Günzburg and Leipheim, for of initiative, and have a tremendous sense of example, are about 320 %; in Burgau, Thann- social responsibility. This adds up to an excel- hausen and Krumbach, just 335 %; and in lent workplace environment and outstanding , 240 %. level of quality. Given our common goals and economic successes, strikes or lockouts are The bottom line is that the county’s business unheard of. This is precisely why Günzburg tax rates, averaging only 311.32 %, are much County and its environs can point to many lower than in , , Stuttgart or examples of successful networks and part- . Another important consideration nerships among companies with significant for entrepreneurs is that for many years, differences in products and areas of focus. both business tax rates and real estate tax rates have remained very stable, offering a On the following pages, we will tell you high degree of security for planning. much more about our exciting coopera-

6 SUCESSFULLY7 What makes Günzburg County so unique?

Food Town Günzburg In 1979, Esca Food Solutions opened a pro- Logistik + Service supplies all of the goods LEGOLAND® Germany – in fact, many medi- Just in time duction plant in Günzburg to make meat pro- to the McDonald’s restaurants in Germany um-size companies from the region are also ducts exclusively for McDonald’s. Then two and Luxembourg. integral to LEGOLAND®’s success. How does the legendary Big Mac make its additional McDonald’s service companies way onto our trays and tables? What about came to Günzburg. In 1993, it was Kamps the McRib? Or, McDonald’s hamburgers and Brot- und Backwaren GmbH. In 1996, WLS LEGOLAND® Germany Gerstlauer Amusement Rides develops and cheeseburgers? In some ways, it’s obvious – GmbH Warenhandel + Logistik + Service arri- Synergy effects for the local economy builds a kid-sized roller coaster. Gerstlauer we get them cooked up fresh by ordering at ved. The three partners joined forces to create Amusement Rides GmbH created a pint-sized a McDonald’s or swinging along the drive- Food Town Günzburg. While a single LEGO® block isn’t likely to fill roller coaster guaranteed to give its young PEOPLEthrough at any of the roughly 350 McDonald’s children and adults with a sense of won- riders a thrilling sense of racing through the in Southern Germany and Luxembourg. But The benefits of the Food Town concept are der, we guarantee that a to-scale, LEGO®- air. The company, headquartered in Mün- the questions remain: What happens before clear. Production and distribution are at the built reproduction of the Allianz Arena in sterhausen in Günzburg County, focuses that? How do the individual ingredients same location, making doing business much Munich will. With more than 30,000 LEGO® not only on strictly adhering to the world’s combine to make a burger? more efficient. Also, goods can be transfer- figures and millions of individual LEGO® toughest safety standards for amusement red directly to the storage freezers of the blocks, the reproduction will not only get rides (DIN 4112, DIN EN 13814 and TÜV-Ba- The answer is simple. Ordering a burger – Food Town-based distributor, WLS. FC Bayern or 1860 fans excited, but im- varia), but on reducing noise levels, using whether you’re in Konstanz or Stuttgart, Mu- press people who don’t even care that kid-friendly G forces, and incorporating cu- nich or Mannheim – means you’re ordering Esca Food Solutions produces beef and pork much about soccer. stomer-specific design elements. something made in Günzburg. Or, to be more products for McDonald’s such as hambur- precise, “Food Town Günzburg.” It’s the point gers and Big Macs. Kamps makes the buns On the following pages, we’re going to show Gerstlauer Amusement Rides operates of origin for all of those fresh ingredients that for all McDonald’s restaurants in southeast you that there’s a lot more than “just” one worldwide under the company motto “We a genuine McDonald’s hamburger requires. Germany. And WLS GmbH Warenhandel + large, globally operating company behind make the world go round.” The company

8 KID-FRIENDLY9 has employed about 35 experts since 1982 plied non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks at exclusive visitors’ packages have been pre- ral other companies to plan and construct to meet the needs of customers in big-name the park instead of one of the national “as pared for Sparkasse customers who visit the the LEGOLAND® vacation village and neces- amusement parks in North and South Ame- seen on TV” beers favored at so many other park, including students on school trips and sary infrastructure. rica, Europe, and Asia. amusement parks. youth groups.

The Autenried Brewery quenches the thirst KUKA robots provide fun-filled thrills. The of young and old alike. The Autenried Castle The Günzburg-Krumbach Sparkasse bank BBS Reisen and Bendl Bau team up to network of LEGOLAND® regional partners Brewery lies just a few kilometers southwest satisfies its customers with more than just handle travel and lodging in and around has an impact not just in Günzburg County. AMUSEMENTof the LEGOLAND® Park. The medium-sized, debit cards. The park’s exclusive partnership LEGOLAND®. BBS Reisen and Bendl Bau are It also ripples out into Bavarian Swabia and privately owned brewery is a family enter- with the Günzburg-Krumbach Sparkasse two companies with a common goal – at- neighboring Augsburg County. A good ex- prise with generations of tradition behind bank includes various joint marketing activi- tracting guests to LEGOLAND® Germany and ample of this is LEGOLAND®’s partnership it. The company brews specialty beers and ties. In addition, the bank takes care of all of creating overnight accommodations. BBS with KUKA Roboter GmbH in Augsburg, soft drinks in an environmentally friend- the park’s cash management needs, such as Reisen Brandner GmbH, headquartered in the leading European manufacturer of in- ly way, using the award-winning mineral the posting of daily receipts and debit card Krumbach, has a long tradition as a bus trip dustrial robots. Together with LEGOLAND®, water from the Autenried Castle’s garden receipts. The partnership not only benefits organizer; since 2003, the company has been KUKA Roboter took the “Robocoaster” it springs. To date, the Autenried Brewery has the regional Günzburg-Krumbach Sparkas- running package trips to LEGOLAND® Ger- developed for the entertainment industry been awarded more than 140 DLG medals. se, it’s also in the interest of the entire Ger- many and coordinating with LEGOLAND® and turned it into a very special, one-of-a- It’s also won the coveted Best in Gold prize man Sparkasse Finance Group – particularly partner hotels. Meanwhile, construction kind LEGOLAND ride. Its 1.4 billion possible seven times. Autenried’s stellar history hel- the locations affiliated with the Association company Bendl GmbH & Co. in Günzburg is ride elements are unique in the industry. ped convince LEGOLAND® management to of Sparkasse Banks in Bavaria and Baden- helping LEGOLAND® Germany continue its At the same time, the KUKA Robocoaster is select the high-quality, local brewery. Since Württemberg. With the help of the German growth and development. True to its motto, the first and only robot in the world that is then, the local Autenried brewery has sup- Sparkasse Press in Stuttgart, among others, “Building is fun,” Bendl partnered with seve- licensed to carry passengers.

10 PARTNER11 The Ecoprofit model Ecoprofit certification. The award can pro- And there was an unanticipated benefit: a delighted with it and even extended his Taking an idea to its logical conclusion vide a tremendous boost to a participating small network of companies was created in stay. He’d also have stopped by Jettingen- company’s image. The city of Graz, , the process. The companies now maintain Scheppach’s LUDO FACT Company, where Eco-profit? Just a few years ago, many entre- initially developed the Ecoprofit model. It’s closer ties and meet regularly to exchange inspiration and interaction have been top INGENIOUSLYpreneurs wouldn’t have known what that now used in more than 70 German cities ideas. That’s resulted in several new business priorities for more than half a century. meant. But today, both its meaning and and 17 foreign countries. relationships. The participating companies benefits are pretty clear; companies that are not just strengthening the Augsburg/ Best-selling board games like “Settlers of use environmentally friendly principles in Participating companies strive not only to Swabia as a center of environmental exper- ,” “,” “Carcas- developing, producing and selling their reduce the burden on the environment, tise, but the region’s family and kid-friendly sonne,” “Zooloretto,” and “Beppo der Bock” products don’t weaken their market posi- but to save on their energy costs, achieve image. The ECOPROFIT Initiative has impro- are produced and assembled here. A terrific tion. Far from it – “working green” often greater legal certainty in their day-to-day ved both the economy and the quality of life idea, straightforward implementation, easy- results in big advantages in both domestic operations, and boost their image. With a in Günzburg County. to-understand rules – these are what make and international markets. For example, total of 38 Ecoprofit companies certified so a genuine bestseller. In just five years, this since 2003 Günzburg County’s Ökoprofit far, Günzburg County is surely playing in formula for success has made LUDO FACT one (Ecoprofit) Initiative has been successfully the “Bavarian big leagues” when it comes invention and production of the most successful game companies in demonstrating that economy and ecology to protecting the environment. The county Of small inventors and great settlers Europe. And for good reason, because large are not mutually exclusive. Ecoprofit is a has provided about EUR 35,000 in funding publishers profit enormously from the top- simple, low-cost program that works like for the project so far. By enacting more envi- Nicholson Baker, the great American writer, notch performance LUDO FACT delivers. In its this: at the end of a project, a company can ronmentally friendly policies and processes, novelist, and cultural critic once said: “Life is high-volume game production, it’s not un- submit to a preliminary ecological audit. participating companies have saved about interaction. And interaction is everything.” common for the plant to turn out more than If it passes inspection, the County Admini- EUR 763,000 in energy costs and reduced Baker may never have visited Günzburg 2,500 games an hour on each production line. strator will reward the company with an emissions by 3,126 tonsENVIRONMENT of CO2. County. But if he had, he would have been In addition, LUDO FACT has its own customer- 12 13 friendly warehouse management service HUCH! & friends is also responsible for the that the individual companies are extremely About 30 companies in the commercial that’s handled by its subsidiary, LUDO PACKT – sale of creative game ideas from Oberschwä- well known internationally. These compa- vehicle supplier, service, and end-user it’s fast, flexible, and naturally just in time. bische Magnetspiele in Nattenhausen (near nies include EvoBus GmbH; IVECO Magirus value chain are currently part of the Swa- Krumbach). In 2007, company owner Dr. Pe- AG, Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG, Kögel bian Commercial Vehicle Cluster. Kögel The success of these high-quality games is ter Schackert’s magnet toy and game ideas Fahrzeugwerke GmbH, Liebherr-Werk Ehin- Fahrzeugbau GmbH of , one of partly due to the county’s short transport were an important factor in the success of gen GmbH, and even Airbus Deutschland Europe’s largest manufacturers of trailers routes and well-functioning network. For children’s games. GmbH, which builds truck cabs. and semi-trailers, is a major Cluster part- example, AL-KO Kober Group supplies some ner. The company is thriving and expan- of the precision plastic parts used in some of To foster better networks between the indi- ding in its Günzburg County location. In LUDO FACT’s games. Swabian Commercial Vehicle Cluster vidual companies, and encourage knowledge 2000 alone, the company invested roughly Ulm / Neu-Ulm area exchange among scientists and research fa- 25 million euros in its Burtenbach plant. Obviously, before a game can be manufactured, NETWORKcilities, the Nutzfahrzeug Cluster Schwaben The expansion and modernization resulted it has to be invented. Günzburg is the region’s The Ulm/Neu-Ulm region is Germany’s pri- e.V. (Swabian Commercial Vehicle Cluster) in the most cutting-edge trailer plant in all cradle of new game ideas. For several years, me location for commercial vehicle pro- was founded on September 7, 2007. Its crea- of Europe. HUCH! & friends has been inventing and develo- duction. It has the highest concentration of tion came at the urging of the Ulm Chamber ping successful and innovative educational and commercial vehicle manufacturers in the of Industry and Commerce and the Swabia AKsys, AL-KO, Klimmer, and the Reifen Ihle board games for children and families. By wor- entire country. The Ulm-Günzburg-- Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Augs- tire company are also important players king with LUDO FACT, HUCH Verlag will be able heim region also has an exceptionally long burg. The Cluster has had two goals: to work in the commercial and passenger vehi- to turn its ideas into profitable and customer- tradition in commercial and special-purpose together to realize forward-thinking projects cle sector. Although they are not official friendly games. The proximity of the two com- vehicle manufacturing. The public is largely in business, science, and politics and to create members of the Cluster, they still play an panies and short decision-making paths within unaware of this region’s significance to the a lasting competitive advantage for the com- extremely significant role in the industry’s the region have contributed to their success. commercial vehicle industry, despite the fact panies involved and the region as a whole. value chain.

INSPIRATION14 15 Where should I locate my business?

Quality of life and economic strength Why should your company locate here? fields of health care and social services, Attractive business locations A unified concept in Günzburg County What are the strengths of Günzburg County tourism, nutrition, and energy. The se- Our cities and markets invite you to linger as a business location? cond is the ‘M-cluster,’ which is extremely Despite its unspoiled feel, Günzburg Coun- Regional Administrator Hubert Hafner: important to Günzburg County. It includes Mayor Konrad Barm, City of Burgau: “The ty has a thriving economy. Many attractive “Our area’s centralized location between the metalworking, machine and vehicle buil- city of Burgau is a modern, welcoming city of ECONOMYindustrial/commercial sites are available large cities of Munich and Stuttgart provides ding, mechatronics and materials. Medi- about 10,000 people with its own autobahn in the county’s 34 cities, market cities, and both existing businesses and new prospects um-sized enterprises form the backbone of interchange on the A8 and a train station. In- municipalities. Authorities are always wil- the very best conditions for growth and suc- our county’s economy and provide most of vestors will find that we are reliable, compe- ling to respond to the specific needs of tho- cess. There are also physical links to several its output. Among many other advantages, tent and eager to support new ventures. se who express interest in a site. For expert industry/commerce centers. Those include Günzburg County has three features that consultation, there’s the Wirtschaftsför- Ulm/Neu-Ulm, a center for biotechnology, provide a healthy economic environment Burgau is an economically thriving city, and derstelle im Landratsamt (Rural District Of- pharmaceuticals, medicine, and logistics. and a balanced business structure: the is among Günzburg County’s and Northern fice Economic Development Center ). Regi- Then there’s Augsburg, the hub of the Swa- variety of fields represented; the ongoing Swabia’s prime locations. Outstanding in- onalmarketing Günzburg GbR, Günzburg’s bian Environmental Expertise Region – as eagerness to innovate; and a commitment frastructure and a high quality of life await regional marketing office, is also handy as well as a regional freight hub. All of these to hard work. With its focus on growth and residents and investors in Burgau.” an agent and guide. A process manager centers provide companies with optimal its clear commitment to providing a ‘fami- will always be glad to help you, as will ad- conditions.” ly-oriented and kid-friendly’ environment, ministrators in cities, , market cities, Günzburg County has shown that it is rea- municipalities and rural districts. Their “Two pioneering areas of focus, primarily dy to head in new directions.” goal is to give you professional guidance concerned with people and their surroun- and facilitate the approval of any necessa- dings, are especially noteworthy. The first ry building permits. is the increasing number of jobs in the

16 ATTRACTIVE17 Lord Mayor Gerhard Jauernig, City of Günz- Mayor Hans Klement, City of Ichenhausen: Mayor Hans Reichhart, Jettingen-Scheppach: Mayor Hubert Fischer, City of Krumbach burg: “The county seat of Günzburg, with “Welcome to the heart of Günzburg Coun- The right place for you to succeed – look no (Swabia): “The right site for your company? its roughly 20,000 residents, has been able ty! Ichenhausen lies between Günzburg and further than our Market City of Jettingen- Krumbach, of course! Here, in the heart of to win new companies over with its perfect Krumbach, directly on the B16 highway. Our Scheppach, home to about 7,000 people. Mid-Swabia you’ll enjoy good road and rail location – it’s in the middle of the main traf- regional economic base also profits from this Thanks to our own interchange on the Stutt- connections, favorable business tax rates, fic routes between Munich and Stuttgart, di- central location. It’s only 6 km from our “In gart-Munich A8 autobahn and our train sta- and attractive commercial and industrial rectly at the Günzburg A8 exit. der Wanne” industrial park to the Stuttgart- tion, the regional centers of Ulm/Neu-Ulm sites. Munich A8 autobahn, which offers a total of and Augsburg are just minutes away. As a prime business location, Günzburg is 25,000 square meters on which investors can But that’s just the beginning. You’ll also known for its healthy industry mix. It in- build. You’ll be very pleased with the reaso- It’s no wonder that our market city is home find authorities at many of our offices eager cludes largely owner-managed, medium- nable prices and thriving, inspiring environ- to large retail chains such as OBI, and large to cooperate with you – from the City Buil- sized companies along with global players ment!” restaurant chains like McDonald’s, who run ding Office to the Office for Rural Develop- that appreciate the ongoing improvements their operations from our Scheppach-West ment. We also offer excellent health care to Günzburg’s infrastructure and quality industrial park. Well-known global pla- and a number of schools that benefit both of life. Günzburg’s goal-oriented commer- yers such as AL-KO Kober AG (AL-KO Therm employers and employees. Those include a cial/industrial site policies maintain the GmbH) profit from our variable lot sizes as Gymnasium, a vocational/technical school, city’s vital business-friendly climate. Günz- well as the fully developed sites that we offer other professional training schools, a music burg scores points as a very attractive city to investors under attractive terms.” conservatory, and a professional academy in terms of education, health care, and for social work. Numerous recreational ac- culture, QUALITY and boasts an excellent standard tivities further enhance our hustle-bustle of living and a wide range of recreational downtown.” options.”

18 EXCELLENT19 Mayor Christian Konrad, City of Leipheim: Mayor Georg Schwarz, City of Thannhausen: “If you look to the east from the Ulm/Elchin- “We are known for a range of special fea- gen exit on the autobahn, you can just make tures: attractive commercial and industrial out our enchanting little town’s church sites both in the center of town and on the steeple. Our location manages to be both ul- outskirts; secluded residential sites, some LOCATIONtra-convenient and idyllic, attracting medi- with fully protected views of the beautiful um-sized companies like Wanzl, the market Mindel Valley; and a skilled workforce with leader in the production of shopping carts. reasonable labor costs! We also attract a young, well-trained work- force that appreciates how quickly you can The town of 6,500 people owes its status as a get from Leipheim to Munich, Stuttgart, Lake business hub to its strategic location directly Constance, and even Austria and Italy. on the B300 Augsburg-Memmingen high- way. Just ten minutes away are the neighbo- What else does Leipheim have to offer? We ring regional centers of Ulm/Neu-Ulm and can provide affordable, first-class commer- Augsburg to the north, and the business are- cial and industrial sites. Then there are the as of Memmingen// truly special development opportunities on am to the south.” the site of the former Leipheim Airfield that’s directly adjacent to the A8 autobahn. Plans for the site include a multi-municipality of- fice/industrial park.”

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