Distinctive research and the high level of industrial expertise place the country amongst the front runners, even when pitched against international competition. The advantages of the location are a magnet for leading environmental technology companies.
Many successful international companies have located their headquarters in the Green Tech Valley to ensure they are prepared for changing market conditions and future developments. The circuit board manufacturer AT&S relocated its headquarters to Leoben in Upper Styria. AVL, one of the leading independent companies involved in the development, simulation and testing of drive systems for the automotive industry, is also based in Graz. And one of the major groups in the mechanical and plant engineering sector, Andritz AG, also has its headquarters in Graz.
The high level of employment and growth in sales turnover in southern Austria also speaks volumes for the location. In the last 10 years, companies in the Green Tech Valley have been able to double their employment figures and triple their sales. Around 24,500 people are currently employed in the energy and environmental technology sector. Together they generate annual green tech sales of € 6.8 billion.
The export ratio of nearly 90% is also a positive confirmation of the worldwide demand for the products and services of Green Tech Valley companies.