Jena will then become an integral part of Zeiss’ global investment strategy and will connect seamlessly to a series of international projects for the expansion, modernization, and reorientation of locations that Zeiss has been carrying out since 2011, including projects in Germany, Europe and Asia. ”As a global technology leader, our investments are aimed at utilizing the existing potential in our growth markets,“ says Prof. Dr. Michael Kaschke, CEO of Carl Zeiss AG. “This is why we need an even stronger presence and better net working with innovation hotspots.” In Jena, this would mean close cooperation with institutions such as the Friedrich Schiller-University, the Ernst-Abbe-University of Applied Sciences, the Ilmenau University of Technology, universities of applied sciences in the region, and local institutes such as the Max Planck Society, as well as with partner companies and local suppliers.
The current grouping of over 2,000 employees at the foundation site is possible because the optics specialist will purchase a partially unused Schott operating site, renovate it, and erect new buildings for an integrated high-tech location. During the course of this major investment, Zeiss intends to recruit around 500 new employees and also to create a dynamic growth environment for start-up companies, thus further increasing the attractiveness of Jena as a high-tech and knowledge location. (gro)
