One of the topics in MADE IN GERMANY:
The old-established German company Loewe almost went bankrupt in 2004 after missing the flatscreen boat. But the last three years have seen a real turnaround, with Loewe's turnover and profits are increasing.
Loewe - Multimedia for the World - the latest technology from Loewe

Loewe has something special in store for the IFA or International Consumer Electronics show in Berlin. It's a multi-media remote control that brings new meaning to the nickname "zapper" - and can do far more than just change the channel.

A company located in picturesque Upper Franconia, Loewe, nearly went broke in 2004 because it failed get on the flat screen bandwagon. But the firm has bounced back in the last three years. Now, increases in turnover and profits are yearly features of its annual reports. Leading sellers are top-of-the-line flat screen televisions that sell for between 1000 and 10,000 euros each. These provide customers with not only exclusive designs, but premier technology that is "Made in Germany." And Loewe is also one of the few remaining television manufacturers whose production facilities are still nearly all in Germany. Only the LCD screens are made by market leader Sharp, in which Loewe has a 30% share. A report from Robert Donauer tells you more.


The merger between Schaeffler and Continental was one of the biggest in German economic history. The fanfare surrounding the union has thrown a spotlight on the extremely valuable and highly-efficient automotive supply industry. Who has not heard of engines from Bosch, steering systems from ZF, and headlights from Hella lighting technologies?

About 78 percent of value creation for name-brand cars comes from parts suppliers, while only 22 percent is down to the manufacturers themselves. Lippstadt-based Hella has just released its latest high-tech product onto the market featuring new LED headlight technology. Style, as well as improving visibility is at issue. The new parts are good-looking and is increasing turnover at Hella. In 2007, the company earned 75 billion euros. Linda Vierecke reports."Welcome to Germany" - American Investors

Dow Chemical is one of the world's oldest and largest chemical companies. The corporation from the US has also been active in Germany for 50 years. During this time, the Americans have continually expanded their sites. Dow now employs some 6,000 people in Germany.

"Made in Germany" goes to Bomlitz, where the chemicals giant took over one of its competitors a year-and-a-half ago. The facility produces a special type of cellulose used in the food industry to keep yogurt creamy. The Americans are happy with the new site, where they say they've found the know-how and highly qualified workers they need for their high-tech chemicals operation. New types of products are also being researched that will also later be produced in Bomlitz, and the plant is also being expanded at the moment. A report by Miltiades Arsenopoulos on the attractions of the site.Boomtown - Aberdeen's got Oil Fever

North Sea oil has made the Scottish city of Aberdeen into a boomtown. Its fortunes rise and fall with the price of crude.

Drilling platforms spike up just of the coast. They are owned by major oil companies like BP, Shell and Total. In the city itself are some 900 companies that supply the oil industry. Every seventh Aberdeen works in an oil-related job. The companies here have learned how to cope with fluctuations in the industry. But with oil prices breaking one record after another at the moment, they can barely keep up. Supply ships are jammed up in the port and extraction is running at full-tilt, leaving the town hungry for workers. We went to Aberdeen to see what it's like. A report from Claudia Laszczak.Studio Guest - Christine Schweikert, BHF-Bank Resources Expert