Intelligent antenna technology, electronics and software for the car of the future will increasingly come from Weimar-Legefeld. The foundation stone for a new development center was laid there today, Friday, November 13, 2020, by Dr. Michael Weber, Managing Director of Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg GmbH, Andreas Krey, Managing Director of LEG Thüringen, Peter Kleine, Lord Mayor of Weimar, and Petra Seidel, District Mayor of Legefeld and Weimar City Councillor. LEG is building the new center and leasing it long-term to the company, which has been part of the Chinese group Huizhou Desay SV Automotive Co. Ltd. for more than a year. By expanding its R&D activities, Desay is turning the Weimar-Legefeld site into a bridgehead for its expansion in Europe. 

Groundbraeking Speech Dr. Michael Weber

Integrated solutions for the vehicle of the future

Up to now, Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg has mainly been a supplier for commercial and special vehicles. "The new development center creates the basis for our entry into the broad market of car manufacturers," explained Managing Director Dr. Michael Weber on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone. "With the development center, we will be able to equip and test vehicle prototypes with our intelligent antennas as well as with vehicle electronics and software from Desay. This will enable us to offer customers integrated solutions and pave the way for the autonomous and networked vehicle of the future". The construction of the development center in Weimar-Legefeld is the prelude to a state-of-the-art research and technology campus for pre-series vehicles or "Erlkönige". "Our next project is the construction of a reflection-free antenna measuring chamber," Dr. Weber is pleased to report. "We are on course for growth and will hire 20 to 30 qualified specialists in the short term. Further expansion is planned in the medium term".   

New Company Sign and Development Center

Positive signal in economically difficult times

"For Thuringia, innovative companies like Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg are a key driver of economic and technological development," said LEG Managing Director Andreas Krey. "The fact that the Chinese parent company Desay is setting such an important strategic course in the middle of the Corona crisis is an extremely positive signal that gives impetus and gives courage! LEG has been supporting the company for many years, and in 2016 helped to make it possible for the company to move to Legefeld. "I am very pleased with this corporate decision. Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg ensures that Weimar is not only known as a cultural lighthouse, but is also increasingly perceived as a location for internationally active companies," said Lord Mayor Peter Kleine. "It is above all optimistic and positive news in troubled and economically difficult times. I assure you of the full support of the city of Weimar in all further corporate goals". District Mayor Petra Seidel also expressed her delight: "I am very pleased that this future-oriented investment is starting here and now," she said, "Our district of Legefeld has long been a good location for innovation and entrepreneurial progress, and this is powerfully underlined by the current expansion of Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg!“