US Consul General Crosby visits Leonhardt Group

On August 12, 2025, US Consul General John R. Crosby, who is responsible for Central Germany, visited the Leonhardt Group in Aue. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the current state of transatlantic economic relations and to intensify American-German exchange.

Uwe Leonhardt, CEO of the Leonhardt Group, emphasized the significance of the economic and personal relationships with the US that have been cultivated over many years. The company's mechanical engineering division – the internationally active Blema Group – has close ties with major US corporations such as Sonoco, PepsiCo, Kellogg's, Crown, and numerous smaller companies. Machines from the Blema Group's plants in Aue, Tübingen, Rixheim (France), and Littlestown (Pennsylvania) are purchased and used worldwide by these US corporations.

In addition to expanding its European production sites, the Blema Group now has two US operating companies, located in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. "These structures enable us to work even more closely with our local partners and strengthen transatlantic exchange," said Uwe and Sebastian Leonhardt, the de facto US CEOs.

Consul General Crosby recognized the Leonhardts' efforts as owners of a family-run business that is equally committed to both Germany and the United States. He emphasized the significance of these economic relations for both countries. He also outlined foreign and economic policy measures taken by the US State Department and the US government, including programs for the exchange of youth and trainees and the awarding of contracts to companies in Central Germany as part of US investments.

Another topic of discussion was the issuance of work visas. The company representatives emphasized that the increased deployment of skilled workers from the US to Germany and vice versa is crucial to promoting knowledge transfer and training as well as economic growth on both sides.

IHK President Max Jankowsky provided information on the state of the economy in Central Germany and also highlighted transatlantic relations.

The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere and was characterized by a shared desire to further expand bilateral realtions.