NRW.Global BusinessAward

Investors stimulate the economy, create jobs, strenghten innovation impetus and bring new products, services and processes to NRW.

In doing so, they make a decisive contribution to the competitiveness of North Rhine-Westphalia. NRW.Global Business honors exemplary investments in NRW with the NRW.Global Business AWARD. At the same time, this acknowledgement is extended symbolically to all investors who have opted for NRW as their business location. Over the years since its inception, the NRW.Global Business Award has gone to either an individual company or several companies for their exemplary commitment to NRW and their contribution to the economic development of the state.

And the award goes to ...?

The AWARD 2026 went to companies from Japan, India, the U.S. and NRW.

The red carpet is rolled out for NRW's foreign trade: Four companies could look forward to the AWARD 2026 – and each one has its own unique success story: 

agathon

agathon is a global market leader in innovative plastic molds for industrial food production, primarily supplying the international chocolate industry. With customers in over 50 countries across Europe, Asia and North America, the Essen-based company is one of the region’s “hidden champions” and exemplifies successful expansion into international growth markets. The construction of a new, highly automated production facility – representing an investment of approximately 20 million euros – underscores agathon's commitment to North Rhine-Westphalia as a global export hub. Energy-efficient production processes and recycling initiatives complement the company’s focus on sustainable business practices.

Aptiv

Aptiv was originally founded as a General Motors subsidiary in the U.S. The company develops technologies for the future of mobility, including driver-assistance systems, software-based vehicle architectures and solutions for electromobility and automated driving. With its European technology and development center in Wuppertal, Aptiv is a key driver of innovation in North Rhine-Westphalia's automotive and mobility industry. Its ongoing investments in research and development, as well as the recent expansion of its connector manufacturing facilities, underscore the company’s long-term commitment to the region and strengthen the state’s innovative capacity.

TRICOR

As part of the Japanese Rengo Group, TRICOR Packaging & Logistics is investing 170 million euros in one of Europe's most modern plants for heavy-duty corrugated cardboard. The Goch/Weeze site will create approximately 200 new jobs. The production facility combines modern manufacturing technologies with resource efficiency and sustainability. Through this investment, TRICOR is strengthening North Rhine-Westphalia's position as an industrial hub and increasing the capacity for sustainable packaging solutions in international trade.

ZOHO

The Indian software company ZOHO is one of the world’s leading providers of cloud-based business applications. ZOHO's solutions support companies in their digital transformation, collaboration and growth. With the opening of its German headquarters in Essen, ZOHO is expanding its presence in the German and European markets. Approximately 55 employees are based there and support companies in their digital transformation. ZOHO is also bringing future-oriented digital skills to North Rhine-Westphalia, thereby strengthening the range of innovative software solutions available to regional small and medium-sized businesses as well as international companies based in the region.

Award winners of the last years

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