Economy Of St. Pölten
St. Pölten has a dynamic and diverse labor market, with a variety of sectors and occupations. According to the 2001 census, there were 2,711 workplaces in the city, employing 40,041 people. The largest workplaces were in the service sector, such as health, education, public administration, and media. The manufacturing sector also had a significant presence, especially in the fields of paper, wood, metal, and machinery. The 23 largest workplaces in the city each employed more than 199 people, and the three largest each employed over 999 people. The number of workplaces and employees increased significantly from 1991 to 2001, indicating a positive economic growth.
Commuter situation in St. Pölten
St. Pölten is a major destination for commuters from the surrounding areas, as well as a source of commuters to other cities. In 2001, 24,866 people (around 60% of all employees in St. Pölten) commuted from outside to St. Pölten to their work. Most of these commuters came from the neighboring districts of St. Pölten-Land, Lilienfeld, and Melk. On the other hand, 6,035 St. Pölten residents commuted to their work outside of St. Pölten, mainly to Vienna, Krems, and Amstetten. This means that St. Pölten had a positive commuter balance of 18,831 people in 2001. The commuter situation reflects the high demand for labor and the attractiveness of the city as a workplace.
Media sector in St. Pölten
St. Pölten is a hub for media production and distribution in Lower Austria. The city hosts several media companies, such as newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television channels. Some of the most prominent media outlets in the city are the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) studio for Lower Austria, the regional television station “N1”, the private station “P3tv”, and the Lower Austrian Press House, which publishes various newspapers and magazines. The city also has a vibrant media education scene, with the university’s radio station “Campus Radio 94.4” and the ÖBB educational campus, which offers training and apprenticeships for media professionals. The media sector in St. Pölten contributes to the cultural diversity and the public discourse in the city and the region.
Resident companies in St. Pölten
St. Pölten is home to several resident companies that operate in various sectors of the economy. Some of the most notable ones are:
- Voith St. Pölten: A subsidiary of the German Voith Group, which produces paper machines, turbines, and turbo gear units. The company has been in St. Pölten since 1904 and has a long history of innovation and engineering. However, in recent years, the company has faced some difficulties and has reduced its workforce and production.
- Sunpor Kunststoff GmbH: A manufacturer of polystyrene granules, which are used for thermal insulation panels in the construction industry. The company is owned by the Norwegian ON Sunde AS and has two production sites in St. Pölten. The company is one of the market leaders in Europe and has a strong environmental commitment.
- Egger Group: A wood-based materials manufacturer, which produces chipboard, laminate flooring, and furniture components. The company has been in St. Pölten since 1970 and is part of the international Egger Group, which has 19 plants in nine countries. The company is one of the largest employers in the city and has a high quality standard.
- Salzer Papier GmbH: A paper manufacturer, which specializes in fine and specialty papers for various applications. The company has been in St. Pölten since 1798 and is one of the oldest paper mills in Austria. The company is family-owned and has a tradition of craftsmanship and innovation.
- Geberit AG: A sanitary products manufacturer, which produces shower and toilet systems, pipes, and fittings. The company is based in Switzerland and has a factory in St. Pölten since 1997. The company is a leader in the European market and has a reputation for quality and design.
