The same applies to conditions for economic development. Still characterised at the end of the eighties by crisis-prone industries and few large corporations, the economic structure of the County of Heinsberg has now undergone a tangible and successful change.
Starting in the early nineties, the region received substantial support from the state of NRW, the German government and the EU in connection with the closure of the Hückelhoven colliery in 1997. Building on the location’s inherent strengths, this support was used for one thing in particular: to improve the economy-linked infrastructure, making it more attractive and thereby literally creating space for new economic activity.
Abandoned industrial areas and former military sites have been transformed into attractive commercial and industrial estates, while existing areas have been expanded and new areas developed. In addition, technology and founders’ centres (in Hückelhoven, Geilenkirchen and Übach-Palenberg) have been established, the concentration of specialised industry competence (railway technology in Wegberg-Wildenrath and fibre composite materials in Heinsberg-Oberbruch) has been designated, and not least, professional structures for economic development have been established.
Today, the County of Heinsberg presents itself as a dynamic business location with excellent development prospects:
FAR TO THE WEST, BUT STILL AT THE CENTRE!
