Innovative economy, a good quality of life, nature

This sums up the business location Rems-Murr district

Gentle valleys, deep forests, rolling vineyards and culinary specialities – this sums up the Rems-Murr district. The area also boasts a well-structured economy: this combination is the reason for the high quality of life in the Stuttgart region. This can be summarised quite simply: “Rems-Murr district: wine, forests & global market leader”

Rems-Murr district – Part of the Stuttgart region

The Stuttgart region is located in the centre of Europe and in the heart of Baden-Württemberg. Part of this economic engine of the country around the state capital Stuttgart is the Rems-Murr district. The economic strength of the region is similar to that of the whole of Hungary. Of the around 1.2 million employees currently paying social insurance contributions, about one third work in the manufacturing sector and two thirds work in the service sector. The focus in the Stuttgart region is therefore on the manufacturing sector – as compared with many other regions in Germany. This focus attracts employees: around a quarter of the Baden-Württemberg population (2.8 million people) lives in the Stuttgart region and at 18.6 percent, the proportion of foreigners is higher than the national average (15.1 percent). This shows the attractiveness of the region for people who want to live and work here – including highly qualified people from abroad.

Main industry sectors

Mechanical engineering

As a core element of the capital goods industry, mechanical engineering is traditionally strong in the Rems-Murr region. It is an industrial pillar in the region and therefore plays a significant role in the industrial supply chain. As machines and systems are an important basis for the success of companies, they are a decisive factor in their productivity, quality and cost development.

automotive industry

It would be hard to find any other region in Germany that has had such an impact on shaping the automotive region as the Central Neckar region. The car was invented here and the development of mass transport vehicles had its origin here. There is also unlikely to be any other economic unit at a global level that is connected with vehicle manufacturers to this extent. The automotive manufacturers themselves, the suppliers and the service providers are concentrated here and also in the Rems-Murr district. Many important developments have their origin in the heart of Baden-Württemberg.

Electrical engineering

Whereas mechanical engineering, the automotive industry and electrical engineering were previously represented equally in the Stuttgart region, the focus in recent years has shifted away from electrical engineering. However, the sector has stabilised and is showing an upward trend. The reason for this is the increasing networking with the other two areas.

Strong mix of industries

The economic region of Stuttgart is heavily influenced by the manufacturing sector and therefore by the capital goods industry – 343,000 people work here. The main emphasis of the manufacturing sector in the region is on automotive production as well as mechanical and plant engineering, with a focus on production technology. Both areas are very export-oriented and reliant on a strong supply and service industry. Another strong sector is the construction industry: many participants in the market have evolved from pure construction companies into internationally established infrastructure providers with planning, financing, construction and operation of large-scale projects. The trade sector is characterised by great diversity: the sector is mainly shaped by small and medium-sized companies with their roots in the region.

district business development comissioner

The district business development commissioner is generally a networker. For example, we organise a regular “business brunch for companies” in Rems-Murr district in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In cooperation with the Volksbank, Sparkasse and Chamber of Crafts, we have the “Rems-Murr district succession network” and regularly hold events on the topic of succession planning. Currently we are about to introduce a uniform parking permit for tradespeople in the district. This is actually a municipal task but it would have practical benefits throughout the district. The tradespeople then no longer have to apply for permits several times. The district business development commissioner coordinated this matter and got all stakeholders around the same table. Finally, he also navigates through the red tape in the district when we get enquiries from companies.

Skilled workers

Here we can help to contribute by offering attractive training professions in our vocational schools. We are currently examining how we can set up a dual study programme for mechatronics engineers based on the “Ulm model”. We are also part of the “Rems-Murr alliance of skilled workers (F.A.I.R.)” network and are in continuous discussions with all the members from the employment agency to the supervisory school authority.

Quality of life

The Stuttgart region has a very international flavour with its location right in the heart of Europe: people from more than 170 nations live here and the sales markets of local companies are located all over the world. According to a representative opinion poll, 94 percent of the residents rate the quality of life in the region as good or very good. The mix is what gives it its charm: on the one hand, the metropolitan flair with world-class cultural highlights and, on the other hand, beautiful countryside for relaxation in the immediate vicinity. Well-organised local public transport in the Stuttgart Transport and Tariff Union (VVS) allows for uniform fares for all buses and trains in the Stuttgart region. 

People also want to get out and experience things in the area where they live and work: they can combine all three in the Rems-Murr district. There are various leisure regions right on the doorstep that offer something for every taste. Hiking trails or cycle tracks and culture and nature at its purest are within easy reach in the Rems Valley, the Swabian Forest and the Backnanger Bucht area.

The district is diverse in terms of art and culture: this includes everything from traditional Swabian to international high culture.

Learn more

...about the Rems-Murr district as an attractive business location by studying our brochure.