The Erfurter Kreuz industrial park will create 15,000 new jobs.

Published

20.10.2025

Author

Franziska Gerlach

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CATL, N3, and Daimler attract new investors

At 439 hectares, it is Thuringia's largest industrial park. LEG has been developing the "Erfurter Kreuz" since 2005 and has since attracted world-class companies. Two of these high-tech companies are Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the world's largest battery cell manufacturer, and N3 Engine Overhaul Services , a joint venture between Lufthansa Technik and Rolls-Royce, which has become one of the most modern maintenance centers for large civil aircraft engines.

The challenge: Developing an attractive industrial location

LEG supports domestic and international companies in establishing operations in Thuringia. This enables them to generate high added value and create skilled jobs. LEG also develops industrial and commercial parks, including those with large, contiguous areas. One of these strategically important sites is the "Erfurter Kreuz," located in Arnstadt/Amt Wachsenburg. Here, LEG is creating one of the most developed and attractive industrial locations in the state of Thuringia. LEG acquired the several hundred hectares of land in order to develop and market it: tasks of LEG's central land management department.

Our goals: To enable added value for high-tech companies and the region.

Creating an attractive environment for businesses
Creation of new jobs
Generating added value for companies and Thuringia
Market leaders and high-tech companies win
Increase growth and prosperity in Thuringia

"Thuringia is an attractive location for high-tech."

Andreas Krey, spokesperson for the management of LEG

"Thuringia must be attractive to investors, and we are creating the conditions for this with modern, well-developed industrial parks in excellent transport locations, such as the 'Erfurter Kreuz'. Companies like CATL and N3 Engine Overhaul Services demonstrate with their investment decisions that Thuringia is an attractive location. With their high technological potential and the large number of skilled jobs they offer, both are a great asset to the Free State."

Steps towards developing the industrial site

1

LEG began acquiring the land in 2005 and developed the "Erfurter Kreuz" into a modern industrial park. The development and construction of modern infrastructure is taking place in five phases; the last is scheduled for completion by 2024/25.

2

The development included the expansion of the entire infrastructure, including the provision of all necessary utility connections such as electricity, (waste)water, gas, and IT. This also included the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant and a rail connection.

3

To attract businesses, LEG promotes local locations through various channels, including national and international markets, trade fairs and investor events, trade journals, and its websites. LEG supports companies planning to establish a presence in the region or those already established there, CEOs

4

During their initial setup and subsequent expansions, companies benefit from a full service provided by LEG: location and funding advice, management by authorities and support in recruiting skilled workers .

The results: 15,000 new jobs and a pull effect for new investments.

At the highly successful LEG site "Erfurter Kreuz" and the adjacent commercial and industrial areas, around 110 companies have now established themselves, creating nearly 12,000 jobs. If all current plans (especially those of CATL) are realized, the number of jobs will increase to approximately 15,000. CATL is investing around €1.8 billion and will create up to 2,500 new jobs. This will create a pull effect that encourages other companies to establish themselves at the site.

The company N3 has invested nearly €150 million in its site to date and currently employs almost 750 people. Other significant companies located at the Erfurt interchange include Daimler, Marquardt, IHI Charging Systems , Gonvauto, XXXLutz, and BorgWarner, as well as the Battery Innovation and Technology Center (BITC) of the Fraunhofer IKTS, which was established in 2020.