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Start-ups & Businesses

Vogtland for visionaries

Vogtland
[Translate to Englisch:] Michael Scheibner, CEO der GK Software SE

From Schöneck out into the world

Just two computers, a vision and an incredible amount of energy - this is how the success story of GK Software began. Founded in 1990 in Schöneck/Vogtland, Germany, GK is now one of the leading providers of software and cloud-based solutions for the retail industry in Europe and around the world. The name stands for the initials of the two founders, Rainer Gläß and Stephan Kronmüller. The company's overall goal is to provide retailers with the most innovative and flexible solutions to improve the in-store shopping experience.

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Today, the Vogtland-based company employs more than 1,200 people from over 55 nations in ten countries. In addition to Schöneck, there are also locations in Paris, Berlin, Johannesburg and Singapore on four continents. This global presence is also reflected in the company's customers: Global retail giants such as Edeka, Lidl, adidas, Hy-Vee and Douglas rely on the technologies of the Saxon IT company and also benefit from GK's expertise and industry knowledge when expanding.

Today, the Vogtland-based company employs more than 1,200 people from over 55 nations in ten countries. In addition to Schöneck, there are also locations in Paris, Berlin, Johannesburg and Singapore on four continents. This global presence is also reflected in the company's customers: Global retail giants such as Edeka, Lidl, adidas, Hy-Vee and Douglas rely on the technologies of the Saxon IT company and also benefit from GK's expertise and industry knowledge when expanding.

Think globally, act locally

In Saxony, the company employs around 450 people in Schöneck and Chemnitz. In over 30 years of company history, GK has built up its own campus at its headquarters. Whether cafés, conference rooms, a daycare center, or sports facilities - the campus has a lot to offer and noticeably enhances the local infrastructure.

There is a hotel opened by GK next to the campus - the Tannenhaus. In a modern style and with great attention to detail, it accommodates business travelers from all over the world as well as holidaymakers and families looking for relaxation in a natural, modern design and ambience. The hotel also has its own award-winning restaurant. So your well-being is taken care of in Schöneck.

Tannenhaus

For CEO Michael Scheibner, this is an important locational advantage: "We are delighted that the Hotel Tannenhaus, which is owned and successfully operated by GK, gives us the opportunity to offer guests from all over the world a high standard of hospitality directly in Schöneck."

The Vogtland region is also close to GK's heart

The company therefore regularly supports cultural, health and educational initiatives in the region. Local sports culture is also promoted in the form of sponsorship of various soccer clubs, the Schöneck Ski Association and the AV Germania Markneukirchen heavy athletics club. True to the motto: Think global, Act local.

Sport is a top priority at GK. Employees can work out on a climbing wall, in sports groups or in the in-house gym, or take advantage of other health promotion offers. Employees also regularly take part in company runs, cycle marathons, triathlons, and in-house sporting events.

However, creativity is also deliberately encouraged. For example, GK has invested significant amounts in an innovation center and initiated the Südwestsachsen Digital e.V. network. The non-profit association, which operates beyond the Vogtland region, supports companies and institutions with digitalization and aims to keep creative visionaries in the region and attract them to Southwest Saxony.

Growth and location loyalty

Every year, GK trains dual students in numerous courses of study to attract new skilled workers from the region to the company in the long term. In addition to university partnerships and extensive support for students during practical semesters and final theses, the company also offers internships, vocational training, and vacation jobs. And the commitment is paying off: in 2023, GK was awarded the title of "Outstanding Training Company" by the Chemnitz Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

In addition to training new specialists, GK is also committed to the sustainable development of the site. On the one hand, the expansion of electric car charging stations is being promoted, which are publicly accessible on the site so that everyone can benefit from them. On the other hand, the photovoltaic systems at the Schöneck site are being expanded to produce more sustainable electricity and reduce CO2  emissions. Focusing on the future, not only in terms of our own technology, but also as an employer and shaper in the Vogtland.

GK proves that a growth story of an IT company made in Saxony is possible in a lively exchange between people of many nations, an eye on trade trends in the world's metropolises, an ongoing spirit of development and flexibility for a contemporary and hybrid working world.