Awards

In 2005, the jury has selected five major international businesses : DHL, Fujitsu, GE, Sanden and Siemens for their outstanding investments in Europe.

DHL was awarded for the creation of DPWN IT Services in Prague in the Czech Republic.

Osamu Watanabe, Chairman & CEO of JETRO gave the award to Dr Peter E Kruse, CEO of DHL Worldwide Network NV/SA

The facility was constructed and fitted out in record time to be opened and ready for operation in June 2004. Between June and December 2004, more than 600 highly skilled IT professionals were recruited, the majority of whom are Czech nationals. By the 1st January, 2005, the IT Services Center Prague became fully operational.

Fujitsu Limited was awarded for its outstanding investments throughout Europe.

Martin Jahn, Czech Republic Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs gave the award to Naoyuki Akikusa, Chairman of Fujitsu Ltd

Between January 2002 and December 2004 Fujitsu Limited invested in UK, France, Spain, Germany and Finland representing a total investment amount of 355 M€.

GE was awarded for its creation in Europe of Global Centers of Excellence as well as Research and Development centers, not only in Western Europe but also in Eastern Europe.

Matti Vanhanen, Prime Minister of Finland gave the award to Jeffrey R. Immelt, Chairman of the Board and CEO of GE

In 1987, GE had 3,000 employees in Europe and sales of some $3 billion. Since 1990 GE has made a huge commitment to Europe - making over 160 acquisitions and investing an impressive $20 billion - today the number of employees in Europe is closer to 90,000 and sales in 2004 totalled $38 billion, not including exports.

Sanden was awarded for its significant investments in Europe in the last years in the automotive field.

Clara Gaymard, Vice President of the Steering Committee, Member of WAIPA and President of Invest in France Agency and Sir Francis Mackay, Chairman of the Steering Committee and Chairman of Compass Group PLC gave the award to Masayoshi Ushikubo, Chairman and CEO of Sanden

The total investment in Europe represents 287 M€ between 1996 and 2005 (France : 218M€, Germany : 23M€, Poland : 46M€ representing 1580 jobs).

Siemens was awarded for its investments in Stollberg (Saxony in Germany) and in France.

François Loos, French Minister Delegate for Industry, representing the Prime Minister of France, gave the award to
Dr Klaus Kleinfeld, President & CEO of SIEMENS AG.

Siemens project is to reinforce its investments in France for production, R&D and regional development announced between 2005 and 2007 for a total investment of 400 M€.
By the same time, Siemens created Volkswagen Mechatronic joint venture (50% VW, 50% Siemens VDO Automotive) in Stollberg (Saxony / Germany) for a total investment of 270 million € between 2003 and 2007.