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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alan Fogg,
Director of Communications
afogg@fceda.org, 703-790-0600
Fairfax County Lands Division HQ of German Semiconductor Firm
Leica Microsystems is 21st German company in the county, FCEDA says
Fairfax County, Virginia, April 26, 2001 — Leica Microsystems, which will locate the world headquarters of its semiconductor division in Fairfax County, is the 21st German-based firm to open operations in the county, according to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA).
The FCEDA opened a marketing office in Frankfurt in August 2000 to promote Fairfax County to technology firms in Germany and continental Europe. The FCEDA previously opened marketing offices in London and Tokyo.
"We know many technology companies in Germany and Europe consider expansion to the United States critical to building their businesses, and we opened our office in Frankfurt to help them learn that Fairfax County is the best location for them," said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., President and CEO of the FCEDA. "We are also excited that Leica's work will involve biotechnology, which is an emerging industry in northern Virginia."
Other German firms doing business in Fairfax County include Siemens Information and Communications Networks Inc., a telecommunications division of Siemens AG; Optisphere, an optical networks subsidiary of Siemens; Deutsche Post International; software developers intraDAT and BOheads; ComTel Electronic Systems LLC; and intraDAT, a software developer. A list of more than 190 foreign-owned firms doing business in Fairfax County is available at www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org (go to "International").
Leica Microsystems, based in Wetzlar, Germany, is a leading global designer and producer of precision optics systems for the analysis of microstructures. The company will invest $1.5 million in a 10,000-square-foot space located in the Westfields office park in Chantilly, Virginia. Leica chose Virginia over Texas, Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore announced April 25. The FCEDA and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership assisted the company with its decision.
"The choice of the location in Fairfax County, Virginia, near the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. can be attributed to the dynamic growth of the high-tech industry in this region," said Leica Microsystems CEO Horst Wegener.
For technology companies, Fairfax County offers a state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure, access to domestic and international markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a well-educated workforce and an excellent quality of life.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as the business and technology hub of the Washington, D.C., area and the east coast. The FCEDA assists firms by identifying possible sites and facilities, sources of funding and other business connections, and is a source for up-to-date demographic and economic statistics.
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