East Brandenburg
location with benefits

Competence and tradition

Frankfurt (Oder) can look back on one of the longest traditions in Germany in microelectronics, with production of germanium diodes having begun back in 1958. Its successful development as a location for semiconductors is subsequently documented by its involvement in key innovations (production of Si-planar transistors, series production of analogue and digital ICs in bipolar technology, (I²L-technology, CMOS for SRAMs and pocket calculator ICs, low-power/low-voltage ICs for the camera industry, high voltage/high current technologies for smart power ICs and power transistors in epibasis technology etc.).

As well as high-volume manufacture of digital standard series for the computer industry, ICs for the radio and television industry in particular became key products for the city. At the same time, staff at the semiconductor plant in Frankfurt (Oder) increased to around 8000, approx. 1000 of which were employed in research and development. Wide-ranging experience and outstandingly trained staff during the period that followed subsequently acted as a basis for a range of spin-offs and new companies in microelectronics/electronics/computers and measuring engineering/software. .

"The region in the former GDR states, particularly the Berlin/Brandenburg region, offers excellent potential for the development of a strong semiconductor and electronics industry for Europe."

Benefits of the location at a glance

Highly-qualified human resources:

• Available workforce with excellent training and qualifications in engineering and other specialisms
• Flexible working hours models with competitive wages – comparable with Japan, U.K. or Ireland

Outstanding business development conditions:

• Subsidies of up to 50% for investment costs
• Financial support for research and development projects
• Moderate taxes and flexible tax model option

• Close to Berlin - contact persons and access to institutes in industry, technology, education and culture
• European skills - comprehensive international experience (Eastern and Western Europe).
• Twin location . . . double the profit - benefits of an international border for HR and product markets
• Fully-developed, low-cost real estate - wide range of available plots and sites for technology companies
• Competitive infrastructure costs - among the lowest in Europe

Innovative environment:

• Research institutes with the latest equipment. Capacity for design, production and testing
• Focal points: microintegration, electronics, high frequency, IHP SiGe:C semiconductor process technology broke records in 2002
• Profit from the existence of a close-knit network between industry, science and business development in the Berlin-Brandenburg Solar Region