Seat belts, textiles for medical use or for space travel, highly sensitive membranes or bulletproof vests are manufactured in high-tech factories. The production of textiles is historically important in Wuppertal.
Industrial development was shaped by the textile industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. This can still be felt in the city today. But instead of the production of fabrics and ribbons for clothing, it is primarily technical textiles that shape this traditional branch of the economy.
Areas of competence
In addition, other areas of competence have developed:
• Automotive, e.g. Aptiv
• Healthcare, e.g. Bayer AG
• Event & communication, e.g. Vok Dams
• Metal processing and tool production, e.g. Knipex
The strengths of the Wuppertal economy also lie in these industries. High-ranking and internationally active large companies like 3M are located here as well as medium-sized companies that operate as “hidden champions”. The little-known companies, for e.g. Herberts Industrieglas, have developed into market leaders in their industry!
Many well-known names
The pharmaceutical company Bayer Health Care, the manufacturer of high-quality household appliances Vorwerk, the paint manufacturer Axalta, the world's largest electronics supplier to the automotive industry Aptiv, Germany's largest health insurance company BarmerGEK, the private insurer Barmenia or the renowned fiber manufacturer Teijin. These are just a few names that stand for the versatility and the innovative and economic strength of the location.
Statistical Data
Area in km² | 168,4 | |
Resident population | 361.157 inhabitants | 06.2019 |
Inhabitants in km² | 2.140 | 06.2019 |
Employees at place of work | 125.910 | 06.2018 |
Unemployment rate | 7,9% | 04.2019 |
Gross domestic product in millions (€) | 13.061 | 12.2016 |
Gross domestic product per paid worker in € | 76.275 | 12.2016 |
Export quota in % | 57,5% | 2018 |
New businesses | 2.311 | 2018 |
Manufacturing industry | 25,64% | 06.2018 |
Service sector | 53,39% | 06.2018 |
Number of commuters | 3.477 | 2017 |
Local business tax | 490 | since 2013 |
Property tax | 620 | since 2014 |