About Us
The German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh Chapter (GACC PIT) was founded in 2015 to promote and support bilateral...
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Pittsburgh – A City in Transformation
Pittsburgh is a city in transition – from the former “Steel City” to a thriving hub for technology, healthcare, robotics, energy and advanced manufacturing. What makes Pittsburgh particularly attractive for German companies is clearly demonstrated: More than 100 German firms currently operate around 200 locations in the region, employing nearly 11,000 people – including global players like BASF, Bayer, Bosch, Covestro, LANXESS, Siemens, and Veka Inc.
These companies benefit from a collaborative environment that closely links business, research, and government – much like the integrated ecosystems found in Europe.
Furthermore, Pittsburgh benefits from its top universities—Carnegie Mellon University, known for its leadership in AI and robotics, and the University of Pittsburgh, a national leader in life sciences research—by driving innovation, attracting global talent, and strengthening industry partnerships across the region.
Facts about the Pittsburgh Region
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Population & Positioning
The Pittsburgh region, with a 10-county metro area and a population of 2.6 million (including approximately 300,000 in the city of Pittsburgh), offers East Coast amenities at a Midwest price.
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Strategic Location
Located in the Eastern Time Zone, Pittsburgh lies within 500 miles (one day’s drive) of 42% of the U.S. and Canadian population and buying power.
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Global Access
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), offering 60+ non-stop destinations including London and Iceland, is undergoing a $1.5 billion Terminal Modernization Project to be completed by 2025 and is the first major U.S. airport powered entirely by its own microgrid.
Thriving Industries in Pittsburgh
Advanced Manufacturing
- 2,900+ manufacturing establishments
- $17.8B gross regional product
- 91,000+ industry employment
- 30 leading global manufacturers have world HQs in Pittsburgh
Robotics + AI
- 100+ robotics companies (PRN)
- 100+ company investments since 2017
- 7,000 robotics industry employment (PRN)
- 20+ academic & private research centers
- Ecosystem Cluster Organization: Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN)
- Recipient of $62.7M Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant
Life Sciences + Healthcare
- Home to two major, world-class hospital systems, Allegheny Health Network and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
- Polio vaccine was invented by Jonas Salk at Pitt in 1953
- 5,800+ life sciences & healthcare establishments
- $1.1B R&D expenditures
Energy
- 970+ energy firms
- 29,000+ workforce
- 2,900+ graduates (2021-22)
- $16.2B gross regional product
- Supply chain strength includes companies such as Curtiss Wright, Eaton, Holtec, MSA, MEPPI, Siemens & WESCO
Our Role in the Ecosystem
The GACC Pittsburgh Chapter sees itself as an active partner in this ecosystem. We are here to support both the region and German companies – especially through our apprenticeship programs and workforce development initiatives, which facilitate access to qualified talent and help ensure long-term success on the ground. In addition, our regular events and a variety of business and career programs create important platforms for exchange, networking, and collaboration.
These developments make one thing clear: Pittsburgh is not only a city with history – but also a forward-looking location for German companies seeking to grow and innovate in the U.S.