Manufacturing research & innovation in the Leipzig Region

Intelligent workplaces, machines and processes are created utilising IoT applications in the “Factory of the Future” Co Creation Lab from Saxony5 (a university network that HTWK Leipzig are part of). The lab focuses on exploring the topics of smart factories, smart operations, smart products, data-driven services, employees and digital leadership.

The Institute for Applied Informatics (InfAI) is a renowned IT service provider in areas such as Industry 4.0, IoT, Big Data/Smart Data and Data Analytics. It is an innovative partner in BMWi projects such as NASIA (Network for Anomaly Detection and Incident Management for IoT-based Applications) and PlatonaM (Platform Ecosystem for Innovative Maintenance Management through Predictive Maintenance). In addition, the InfAI supports spin-offs from IT research with its incubation programme, both financially and with technical know-how.

Based in the Leipzig Region, the Federal Agency for Leap Innovations (SprinD) funds ground-breaking innovations as part of the “made in Germany” programme. Over an expected term of ten years, the federal government will provide funding of 1 billion euros for this purpose.

As part of the German government’s AI strategy, ScadS.AI researches efficient use of mass data, machine learning, trust, transparency and privacy protection. In addition, ScaDS.AI deals with the processing of large data sets in science and industry.

Under the umbrella of the simul+InnovationHub, Saxon companies work together with research institutions and administration in the digital development of improved regional value chains. The focus is on a mix of sensor technology, robotics and automation with networked data use through artificial intelligence and big data. Projects such as “Cognitive Robotics 2.0 in Horticulture, Fruit Growing and Viticulture”, “EXPRESS: Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture”, and “Project Field Swarm®”, are exciting ways for local companies to enter into digital processes.

Manufacturing business networks In the Leipzig Region

The Leipzig Region’s network of the casting industry, Gießereinetzwerk Leipzig e. V., unites foundry companies and industry-related institutions to secure the demand for skilled workers and employee competence jointly. The association supports the career prospects of this supplier industry in vehicle construction and mechanical engineering as well as in energy technology.

As the largest sector network of the capital goods industry in Europe, the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) is one of Germany’s most important associations of its kind in Germany. The Eastern Regional Association, based in the Leipzig Region, represents about 350 companies, plants and branches. It supports members in further education, practical topics and developments relevant to mechanical engineering and networking. In addition, it represents the industry’s interests in terms of economic and educational policy acting as a mouthpiece for the industry at the state level.

The Leipzig Region brings together a veritable “Hidden Champions League” of concentrated technical know-how and outstanding manufacturing quality. Whether it is railway technology from Kirow-Ardelt or Schwihag, forming technology from Profiroll Technologies, machine-formed iron castings from GF Casting Solutions, stainless steel from BGH Edelstahl Lippendorf, aluminium profiles from Hydro Extrusion or cooling systems from Bitzer, Leipzig manufacturing is known for world market leaders in the manufacturing industry.

Cybersecurity in manufacturing

Data security is one of the central topics and one of the most important cornerstones for successful digitalisation of manufacturing. In the Leipzig Region, innovative companies and public institutions ensure that manufacturing companies secure their data and processes both right now and for the future.

For example, Rhebo, the only provider of a manufacturer-independent attack detection system and network condition monitoring tool for industrial environments, is a reliable partner in the cyber security of large energy suppliers and industrial producers in the Leipzig Region. In addition, Rohde & Schwarz subsidiary ipoque, an expert in deep packaging inspection (DPI), has been on the board of the IT Central Germany cluster since 2020.

The Federal Agency for Innovation in Cybersecurity, based in neighbouring Halle (Saale), is dedicated to protecting against hacker attacks in civilian and military computer systems. They will move to their new base at Leipzig/Halle Airport in the coming years. The agency’s task is to identify needs in the field of cyber security and to stimulate, finance and coordinate corresponding research into innovations.

Manufacturing education in the Leipzig Region

No matter what skills you require for your manufacturing business, you are sure to find them here thanks to the variety of courses offered by the University of Leipzig. These also offer perfect opportunities for employees to upskill and continue their professional development while working for you to ensure your company grows.

Living in the Leipzig Region

Leipzig is often called “the new Berlin” and is the perfect location for manufacturing professionals of all ages and backgrounds. With great public transport around the region as well as cyclist-friendly traffic layouts, the daily commute is easy and enjoyable. If people want to travel further, Leipzig is located at a junction for major railway lines across the country, with the international Leipzig/Halle airport only 30 minutes from the city centre.

The cost of living is almost half of what it is in Berlin with low crime rates so you can feel safe wherever you live. The Leipzig Region also has a range of facilities for all ages including multi-lingual schools, parks, zoos, opera houses, sport venues and plenty of nightlife.

Relocation services for your manufacturing business

Invest Region Leipzig is a unique partner in Germany for companies looking to relocate or start a business in the region.

We’re here to help you throughout your whole relocation journey including:

• Searching for suitable space
• Identifying skilled workers
• Connecting you with business partners
• Providing tailored confidential information to support your relocation
• Researching cluster infrastructure
• Helping you with funding opportunities

Moreover, thanks to our free of charge soft-landing programme, nowhere in Germany is easier to invest in as the Leipzig Region.

Manufacturing expertise in the Leipzig Region

The Leipzig Region is home to many experts and companies across the manufacturing industry, specialising in a number areas that are driving ground-breaking innovations.

Lightweight construction, materials processing, additive and digital manufacturing in the Leipzig Region

Lightweight construction and the development and processing of materials are now elementary components of industrial value creation. Companies in the Leipzig Region, whether from the automotive, construction, mechanical engineering or aerospace industries, benefit from the innovative strength of the Free State of Saxony as one of the top locations in this field.

The further processing of semi-finished products into finished industrial parts in the plastics and metal sectors is also an important competitive factor for companies. For example, in the Leipzig Region, The Plastics Centre (KUZ) supports companies in converting existing moulded parts to lightweight components and developing new materials, opening up new fields of application.

Key Leipzig Region Companies:

• Plastics Centre in Leipzig GmbH (KUZ)
• Rapidobject GmbH
• GF Casting Solutions
• 3D-Metall Theobald e. K.

Industry 4.0 and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in the Leipzig Region

The manufacturing industry in the Leipzig region benefits enormously from its proximity to the strong local IT sector. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, big data or cloud computing to additive manufacturing, the manufacturing industry makes use of the expertise in digitalisation on site. These fruitful relationships, which sometimes give rise to forward-looking processes with of Industry 4.0, make the Leipzig region the ideal growth location for the manufacturer of tomorrow.

Key Leipzig Region Companies:

• Sage
• In-Tech
• powercloud
• Alexander Thamm
• Smart Infrastructure Hub
• InfAI
• ScaDS

Mechanical and plant engineering in the Leipzig Region

More than 200 companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector with more than 12,500 employees generate an annual turnover of more than 2 billion euros in the Leipzig region. These businesses are specialists, drivers of innovation and last but not least: genuine global players.

Key Leipzig Region Companies:

• Kirow Ardelt
• Hydro Extrusion
• Profiroll Technologies