Franconia is home to a number of companies that can be described as “Hidden champions”, i.e. globally leading, established brands that are not widely known to the general public. The listed companies demonstrate how regional location and internationality can be combined and how companies actively integrate skilled professionals from abroad and benefit from their expertise.
A prominent example is Kaeser Kompressoren SE. As one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of compressed air solutions, the company operates an international network of subsidiaries, partners, and customer service centers. Kaeser Kompressoren has been hiring trainees from abroad for many years. To ensure successful integration, the company relies on central contact persons who take care of questions and concerns before and after arrival. This is how the shortage of skilled professionals in the German labor market is being addressed, while at the same time international exchange and intercultural skills are growing.
The Wiegand-Glas Group also relies on international workers. Recruitment from European and non-European countries has helped the company meet its demand for -skilled professionals. At the same time, creates obstacles, for example in terms of integration. To facilitate the process, companies offer practical support measures that make it easier to get started, improve collaboration and thus increase productivity. Experience proves that qualified workers from abroad can strengthen innovation and competitiveness in the region if integration processes are supported properly.
Création Gross, a large clothing manufacturer in Hersbruck near Nuremberg, also sees advantages in employing international talent, not least because skilled workers from different cultural backgrounds bring new expertise to the company. Management emphasizes that internationalized workforces often lead to more open mindsets; in some departments, English is even spoken exclusively. This demonstrates how global communication and collaboration render operational processes more efficient and open up new perspectives.
Koenig & Bauer in Franken, one of the world’s largest printing press manufacturers, also emphasizes the importance of openness and tolerance. The company is actively involved in measures that support and promote migration and immigration into the economy. Video messages emphasize that third-generation colleagues and employees from different countries are part of a shared corporate culture. International diversity is thus described as a value that strengthens locations in Germany and abroad.
Another outstanding player is the Knauf Group, one of the world’s leading companies in the insulation materials industry. The combination of internationality and good training is also evident at the plant in Argentina, where training and qualification are promoted through technical training programs and partnerships with educational institutions. Potential applicants are actively encouraged to apply regardless of their background, among other factors. An example of how opening up talent acquisition supports the regional economy.
Franconia also has an international focus in the field of mechanical and plant engineering. Bosch Rexroth explicitly advertises potential applications in various countries and areas of the company. Such perspectives illustrate how global career paths are built and, where appropriate, how skilled staff from all over the world can come to Franconia and work there.
In the medical sector, Würzburg University Hospital (Uniklinik) and the Mittelfranken district hospitals are one of the region’s largest employers. The university hospital employs nearly 7,900 people in more than 230 occupational groups from 87 countries. The Mittelfranken district clinics offer information specifically for international -skilled personnel on their website regarding the recognition of qualifications, licenses to practice medicine, and activities requiring professional authorization. In addition, there are programs such as work shadowing, which facilitate initial contact.
The clinics also refer to the advice and support services offered by the Service Center for Professional Recognition (ZSBA) and the International and Specialized Services (ZAV), so that interested people from abroad can contact them directly for advice and assistance.
