(L. to R.) Aryan Zandieh, CEO of NRW Global Business North America, Gary Camarano, Whiteside County Economic Development, and Dr. Andreas Eckstein, Managing Director of Invest in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), discuss Transatlantic opportunities between Germany and Whiteside County/Northwest Illinois.
As global dynamics shift and national priorities realign, a historic investment from Germany has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity for economic expansion and cross-border collaboration. With the German government committing over $500 billion in defense and infrastructure modernization, the ripple effects are poised to reach across the Atlantic, and Northwest Illinois is preparing to seize the moment.
In a recent exchange between Gary Camarano, Economic Development Director for Whiteside County, Illinois, and two leading figures in Germany’s investment landscape — Dr. Andreas Eckstein, Managing Director of Invest in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), and Aryan Zandieh, CEO of NRW Global Business North America — the conversation focused on how this unprecedented investment can lead to meaningful transatlantic economic partnerships, especially in regions like Whiteside County and the Northwest Illinois Region.
Germany’s $500 Billion Commitment: A Global Signal
Germany’s newly formed coalition government has launched the most extensive defense investment program in its history. This multi-year initiative aims to revitalize national security infrastructure, strengthen European capabilities, and reduce foreign dependency. According to Dr. Eckstein, “This opens the door not only to German companies, but also to U.S. businesses that offer expertise in aerospace, defense technology, and manufacturing. Germany is ready to partner.”
While many projects will unfold within Germany, the funding does not require all production to remain domestic, creating opportunity for American firms to export advanced systems or establish joint ventures in Europe.
Why Northwest Illinois?
Northwest Illinois, and particularly Whiteside County, stands out as an ideal U.S. partner in this evolving landscape. Strategically located in the Great Lakes Manufacturing Corridor, the region offers a blend of global connectivity, a strong workforce, and development-ready infrastructure.
Key Advantages of the Region:
- Multimodal Access: Interstate highways, Class I rail lines, and nearby international airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Quad Cities Airport.
- Aerospace-Ready Infrastructure: The Whiteside County Airport, with its 6,500-foot runway and award-winning general aviation facilities, is well equipped to support MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations), aircraft manufacturing, and logistics operations.
- Skilled Workforce: Regional assets, such as Morrison Tech and Sauk Valley Community College, along with active apprenticeship programs, are producing a skilled workforce in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and automation.
- Competitive Costs: Compared to major metropolitan areas, Northwest Illinois offers lower land, labor, and utility costs, making it an ideal location for expansion and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Sectors Poised for Collaboration
As Dr. Eckstein noted, aerospace and defense are among the first sectors primed for collaboration. “We’re seeing a shift from civil aviation to defense aviation, including UAVs, helicopters, and systems integration — all of which align with U.S. expertise,” he explained.
Aryan Zandieh emphasized a strategic, long-term approach to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
“Our goal isn’t just relocation — it’s partnership. We work closely with SelectUSA, local EDOs, and universities to align German industrial strengths with U.S. innovation hubs.”
Their target sectors include:
- Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing
- Chemicals and Life Sciences
- Renewable Energy and Green Technologies
- Advanced Materials and Robotics
What Do German Firms Want in U.S. Locations?
From both Eckstein and Zandieh’s perspectives, German companies are looking for five essential attributes when considering U.S. locations:
- Connectivity — Access to major airports (with transatlantic flights), rail, highways, ports, and broadband.
- Workforce — A reliable pipeline of skilled labor and technical training programs.
- Strategic Location — Proximity to customer bases and innovation clusters.
- Incentives — Local and state grants, tax credits, infrastructure support, and site development funds.
- Customizability — Flexibility from local government and development organizations in meeting project-specific needs.
Whiteside County and its regional partners are already addressing these priorities through Enterprise Zones, local incentives, and customized workforce solutions.
Building a Transatlantic Partnership: Next Steps
Camarano concluded the discussion with an exciting announcement: an upcoming Economic Development Tour of Northwest Illinois designed to highlight the region’s assets directly to German investment leaders. “We want our partners to meet the business owners, educators, engineers, and public officials who are driving innovation and productivity here,” he said. “Our people and our place tell the story best.”
The region’s economic development organizations, in collaboration with SelectUSA, state officials, and global industry leaders, are working to transform this global shift into local success.
Final Thought: A Win-Win for Both Sides
The convergence of German capital and U.S. industrial strength — especially in agile, strategically located regions like Northwest Illinois — presents an extraordinary chance to create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and foster innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.
With commitment, coordination, and creativity, Whiteside County and the Northwest Illinois Region can become a model for transatlantic economic success.
For more information about investment opportunities in Whiteside County and Northwest Illinois, or to participate in the upcoming economic development tour, contact Gary Camarano, Executive Director of Whiteside County Economic Development.
Whiteside County Economic Development
Gary Camarano
(m) 575.520.5279
(o) 815.772.5182
gcamarano@whiteside.org
