2024: A year of success for the Leipzig Region

Interview with Sophie Martin

The current issue of Landkreis Journal Leipzig features an interview with Sophie Martin (SM). Sophie Martin has been working as a business development manager and contact person for commercial sites at Invest Region Leipzig (IRL) for several years and works closely with those responsible in the district to support companies in their relocation. The Landkreis Journal Leipzig (LKJ) spoke to her about the successes of 2024 and the prospects for the region.

LKJ: ‘Mrs Martin, which investments and projects from 2024 had the greatest impact on the Leipzig region?’

SM: 2024 was a very successful year. We are particularly proud of the major companies that settled in the Leipzig district. In Zwenkau, OPES Solar Mobility took over the SOLARION hall after a long period of vacancy and started producing vehicle-integrated photovoltaic modules. The company plans to create up to 115 jobs by 2027.

The American C&L Aviation Group has also opted for a new distribution centre in Zwenkau. As a leading global supplier of aircraft parts and provider of aviation maintenance services, this decision is great for our region.

We also hope that the planned hydrogen plant at the Goldener Born IGZ in Thierbach will be realised. With the approval granted and the interest of new investors, we believe there is a good chance that this important project will be realised.

Various new settlements that we were able to support in the city of Leipzig in 2024 also have an impact on the district. For example, the SRH University of Applied Sciences, which will increase the educational opportunities for the entire region.

LKJ: What advantages do settlements like this bring to the region?

SM: It's always nice to see how companies gain a foothold in the region. The success lies not only in the actual settlement, but also in the long-term positive effects - be it the creation of new jobs in the company itself and beyond, the strengthening of the local economy or the inspiration of further investors.

LKJ: What other topics play an important role in your work?

SM: We also focus on the topic of skilled labour, which is a decisive factor for business location decisions. We are a member of the Skilled Labour Alliance in the district of Leipzig and recently completed a study on the development of IT and tech professions together with the IT Cluster Central Germany and the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences for Economics, Culture and Technology. The results are intended to help drive forward the development of skilled workers in our region and will be presented to the public on 22 January.

LKJ: How does the IRL present the city and Leipzig Region nationally and internationally?

SM: Our team travels to numerous national and international industry trade fairs to present the locational advantages of the city and the district: from top talent to funding and space potential.

For example, EXPO-Real in Munich, Germany's largest property fair, is a central component of our work. Last year, we were accompanied by three mayors: Anna-Luise Conrad from Naunhof, Holger Schulz from Zwenkau and Oliver Urban from Borna. Together, we were able to present the towns' currently developing commercial areas to the market participants.

LKJ: The IRL launched the #LeipzigUnlimited campaign in 2024. What is it all about?

SM: It's an online advertising campaign in which companies from our region speak for the region. Over 30 companies have agreed to take part and stand up for the region, including FAUN from Grimma and ACL from Markkleeberg. In this way, we are not the only ones to publicise the positive news, but the companies themselves also ensure greater visibility for the Leipzig region.

LKJ: How do you see the prospects for 2025?

SM: We are optimistic about the future. Some projects are about to be realised. Our goal is to continue to present the Leipzig region as an attractive location for companies from all over the world and to create sustainable jobs. We are taking the positive momentum from 2024 with us!

LKJ: Thank you very much, Ms Martin, for the informative interview and the insights into the exciting developments in the Leipzig region. We wish you and Invest Region Leipzig continued success with your projects in the coming year.