TECHNOLOGY PARK SOON TO COME WITH 1,000 JOBS
New jobs, new training facilities, new research units: The tpv Technology Park Villach is growing steadily, solidifying Villach's position on the global high-tech map.
The tpv Technology Park Villach in the St. Magdalen district symbolizes the shift towards a dynamic high-tech city. Where once stood an emissions-intensive pulp mill, today, teaching, research, and work are conducted at a global level.
In addition to over 1,000 students at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and 70 apprentices in a specialized training center, tpv is now approaching the 1,000-job mark. Currently, there are just over 800 jobs, and the "1,000" mark can be surpassed in the coming year. The company T.I.P.S., a world leader in measurement technology, is expanding its location and plans to open the new building in the summer of 2024. The renowned WILD Group, which operates a location in Wernberg, has also secured a plot in tpv and aims to create around 200 jobs. Additionally, high-tech companies Semicore, CNC Tech, and GP Motion will establish themselves together in the Technology Park.
Economy, education, and research - all three pillars of the Technology Park are growing and securing Villach's place in the high-tech world.
- Mayor Günther Albel
A special success story is in the field of education: the workshop where young people have been optimally prepared for the working world for years is expanding. The Non-Profit Personnel Service GmbH Carinthia (GPS) is investing around nine million euros with partners towards the expansion of the location. Workshops, laboratories, and lecture halls will be created on 2,800 square meters next year.
Austria's largest research cleanroom has already been completed. It is the centerpiece of the Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) research center and provides optimal conditions for semiconductor research. SAL was founded in 2018 to significantly advance globally relevant key technologies at the Villach, Graz, and Linz locations.
GROWTH STRATEGY ON THREE STRONG PILLARS
"We have always focused on three pillars in Villach: education, research, and business," says Mayor Günther Albel. "This allows tpv to grow in a balance that brings optimal results." He particularly emphasizes the education sector. In addition to the GPS training center, the city of Villach is for the first time constructing a kindergarten with a focus on technology. It is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024 and will familiarize the youngest researchers with basic concepts of the tech world. "The tpv is a success story that solidifies Villach's position in the international high-tech world," Mayor Albel summarizes the lively activity.
BACKGROUND - HIGH-TECH INSTEAD OF EMISSIONS
- The tpv Technology Park is developing on the site in Villach-St. Magdalen where the well-known and emission-intensive pulp factory once stood.
- In 2001, the foundation was laid with the University of Applied Sciences and the CTR Carinthian Tech Research (now Silicon Austria Labs).
- Meanwhile, more than 800 people are employed in 40 companies in the high-tech segment, in addition to around 1,000 university students and 70 apprentices in the GPS workshop. The 1,000-job mark could be reached as early as next year.
- The total size of the park covers around 27 hectares. For new buildings, a 25% green space quota must be maintained.
The original article appeared in issue 11 of the Villacher Stadtzeitung on November 23, 2023.