The sectoral mix

As the second-largest town in the Heilbronn- Franconia region, Schwäbisch Hall has always wielded a degree of autonomy as an industrial and cultural centre where living standards are high. Nonetheless, the town‘s mayor, Hermann-Josef Pelgrim, is not dwelling on past glories: “Hall‘s future is stretching out ahead of it.“ And the signs are indeed good. Employment rates and population numbers are both at an all time high and are set to keep on climbing.

Another plus point: crisis or no crisis, many important projects are currently in full swing. In Pelgrim‘s words: “As a dynamic place to live, work and play, especially for families and the elderly, we have proved ourselves again and again.“ The high standard of living and an enviable supply of skilled job vacancies, for women as well as men, were Schwäbisch Hall‘s trump cards that put it “even further ahead“ of other communities in the region. Where business and commerce were concerned, the town attracted investors with its ample supply of offi ce and factory space and innovative financing schemes, including building lease agreements, available to start-up firms as well as large companies.

The élan produced by this robust economic infrastructure was nourished by the competence of Schwäbisch Hall‘s own energy utility company, said Pelgrim. The aim was to develop the town‘s own supply of sustainable energy as soon as possible, to cover local electricity and heating needs. These objectives are being furthered by the current trend in favour of re-establishing urban roots and livelihoods, a trend that Schwäbisch Hall is fully aware of. To enhance its ability to respond to all forms of demand the municipal authorities are pursuing a deliberate policy of designating and developing housing estates close to the town and instigating and presiding over construction projects in vacant plots of land in the town centre. In the Mayor‘s view, if the town can attract people and acquire a centripetal impetus, costly amenities ranging from the swimming complex to the municipal library could become more efficient to operate.

Pelgrim is monitoring the demographics of the town and is keen to position Schwäbisch Hall to its best advantage. His priorities are the support given to young families, a stable working and living environment for people in the prime of life and first-class services for senior citizens. The health system was taking on an ever more important role, said Pelgrim. Retaining the ability and strength to work would become the dominant preoccupation of an ageing society, and the town could be thankful for the top-notch medical services of a Diakonie hospital on the doorstep and a range of prophylactic facilities of spa-town quality. Schwäbisch Hall was taking steps to enhance its status as a health and wellness centre, not least through the construction of the western and eastern bypasses and the Weiler Tunnel, all projects that will reduce traffic congestion.

Education is a key part of the town‘s image, which is currently being buffed up by the creation of the new state-run University College for Management and Sales. The unique courses on offer may well attract students from all corners of the country and lead to the establishment of a ‘Made in Schwäbisch Hall‘ brand of international sales techniques. Graduates from these courses could conceivably bolster the competitiveness of local, internationally active firms still further. After all, professionalism in international sales is one of the skills that make up the core competences of a company.

The retail sector is another core competence currently being improved beyond the level it has already reached. The Mayor sees the expansion of the town centre into the new Kocherquartier as representing “a milestone in the evolution of Schwäbisch Hall as a central focus for the region“. The town has already passed an important milestone in its development as a centre of culture: “Our museum landscape is unique and makes us a cultural force to be reckoned with in Baden-Württemberg”, says Pelgrim proudly.