Bavarian premier Dr. Günther Beckstein visits KUKA

During a visit lasting several hours, Dr. Beckstein informed himself about the company's manufacturing facilities and markets and was given a detailed explanation of the KUKA Group's "Automation Made by KUKA" business model from Gerhard Wiedemann, the KUKA Group's chief executive officer. Dr. Beckstein was pursuaded that the strategy to focus systematically on general industry and at the same time implement innovative solutions for the automotive industry was one that promises success. The premier also conversed with employees and apprentices during a tour of the facility.

During a subsequent discussion, the prime minister, chief executive officer and politicians from the Augsburg area exchanged thoughts on current issues related to promoting the Augsburg technology area. Some of the topics discussed included combining carbon fiber composite materials, establishing research institutes in Augsburg and the mechatronics initiative. In his closing statement, Dr. Beckstein offered assurances that the Bavarian government will actively support any settlement of research facilities in Augsburg.