Approximately 90,000 jobs generated over roughly a quarter-century through economic development efforts - Approximately 90,000 positions filled over a span of about 25 years.
Brandenburg Economic Development Corporation Celebrates 25 Years of Success
The Brandenburg Economic Development Corporation (WFBB), founded in 2001, has been a driving force behind the growth and development of Brandenburg, Germany, for the past 25 years. Over this period, the WFBB has supported a total of 8,975 projects, including 3,123 settlements and 5,852 innovation projects.
One of the WFBB's earliest successes was the settlement of the laminate manufacturer Classen in Baruth (Teltow-Fläming) in 2001, which created 98 jobs with an investment volume of 98 million DM. More recently, the Tesla factory in Grünheide (Oder-Spree) stands as the largest settlement in the history of the WFBB, with an estimated 11,500 jobs.
The WFBB has accompanied approximately 10,000 business projects in total, contributing to around 90,000 jobs since its inception. The investment volume for these projects is estimated to be around 19.6 billion euros.
Daniel Keller, Brandenburg's Minister of Economics and WFBB Supervisory Board Chairman, praised the WFBB's 25-year anniversary balance sheet, stating that it makes an important contribution to structural development in the state. Keller also highlighted that the WFBB works closely with regional economic development agencies in all regions of the state and across the state border with Berlin and Saxony.
Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) has previously stated that Brandenburg is a dynamic economic location in part due to the WFBB's work. While Woidke is not mentioned in the latest balance sheet, it is clear that the WFBB's efforts have played a significant role in Brandenburg's economic growth and job creation over the past 25 years.
The success of the WFBB can be attributed to several key factors. Attraction of investment and establishment of new businesses, development of high-tech industries, research, and innovation hubs, infrastructure improvements, skilled workforce development and training programs, and strategic support in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, mobility technologies, and digital industries are likely contributors to the WFBB's achievements.
While Potsdam is not directly mentioned in the paragraph, it could be inferred as a location due to the context of the WFBB's work. The city where the Classen settlement took place is Baruth (Teltow-Fläming), and the Tesla factory is located in Grünheide (Oder-Spree).
Brandenburg's economic importance within Germany is reflected in its Gross Regional Product (GRP) of about €88.8 billion (2.3% of Germany’s GDP), indicating steady economic activity and potential growth areas. Germany’s overall economic strengths, including a highly qualified labor force, developed infrastructure, high innovation levels, and a social market economy, likely benefit Brandenburg as well. Sectoral contributions in Germany’s economy emphasize services (around 70%) and industry (around 29%), suggesting Brandenburg’s economic growth might be supported by a similar sector mix, with possible focus on manufacturing, services, and technology.
Labor market conditions such as unemployment rates have fluctuated in Germany, with indications of structural job creation efforts and workforce integration in regions like Brandenburg contributing to employment gains over time. These factors, combined with the efforts of the WFBB, have contributed to Brandenburg's dynamic economic landscape.
- In light of its 25-year anniversary, the Brandenburg Economic Development Corporation (WFBB) announces new community policy initiatives, including plans for expansion of vocational training programs in partnership with local businesses to foster a skilled workforce and address potential labor gaps in emerging sectors.
- As part of its strategic support in growing Brandenburg's economy, the WFBB has partnered with regional financial institutions to provide loans for businesses in various industries, such as renewable energy and digital industries, contributing to the area's continued economic growth and job creation.
