Standortentscheidung der Ernahrungsindustrie in OstdeutschlandLocation decisions of the food industry in eastern-germany

摘要

The collapse of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in fall 1989 ushered in a period of political and economical restructuring for the states in the former GDR. While the political change had its highlight with the re-unification at October 3, 1990, restructuring to a market economy was more protracted. This restructuring led to a series of investments by firms from former West Germany entering the eastern market through acquisition of firms and establishment of new facilities. The food industry was one of the first to under go a transformation. Most food industry investments in the five new states were made within a formal location decision process, regardless of the ownership/management structure and product line of the firms. Consequently, questions arise about the motives of the expansion/investment, the determinants of the location decision, and the strategic implications of the investment decision. This paper reports on research undertaken to identify what motivated investment decision as well as location choices for firms entering the eastern German market. The paper highlights differences in strategies within the food industry sector and evaluates what influenced operative and strategic decisions related to market entrance through takeovers or new construction. Even though it is had to envision new establishments being made at such a high rate in a short time period again, understanding the decision process provides valuable information for government officials, and efficient public policy.