INTERES Invest in Spain

Aerospace

Over the last few years Castilla y León has fostered the development of this sector, which has resulted in the presence of several companies that manufacture industrial equipment, structures, and compound materials, etc. including Aries Estructuras Aeroespaciales, a company specializing in the manufacture of carbon fiber parts for planes such as the new Airbus A-380. ITD- Mazel, Inmapa, Nicolás Correa and the Aciturri group are other examples of companies set up in Castilla y León. These companies, combined with those already well established, and the automotive sector comprise a very solid base for the development of the Aeronautical sector.

Agri-food

The food and agriculture sector holds one of best positions nationally and is highly specialized. It has registered rapid growth over the last few years and is a major and specific player in the national economy. It is one of the key sectors of the region, not only in terms of employment and added value, but also due to the enormous potential for development in the future.

Castilla y León destines more of its production to domestic consumption than nearly every other Spanish region. This is especially true for the meat, dairy product and sugar industries.

Automotive

Castilla y León is one of the most important regions in Europe in the automotive sector. There are four factories manufacturing automobiles: RENAULT (Valladolid and Palencia), GRUPO FIAT-IVECO (Valladolid) and NISSAN (Ávila). The region has some of the most productive automobile factories nationally and across Europe; 20% of the vehicles manufactured in Spain. There are nearly 150 auxiliary companies and around 30,000 direct jobs in the sector. This is therefore a key sector for the region’s industry.

The sector features a high level of technological development and innovation in production processes. The companies in the sectors are highly automated, and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated quality control systems. They are also renowned for their internal R&D activities. The sector has its own Automotive Research and Development Center (CIDAUT), which is patronized by the main companies, several regional organizations and universities.

Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical - Chemical

One of the most dynamic activities in Castilla y León; a region at the forefront of advances in this field.

Investment in research and development, education and training are the key to meeting the challenges presented by biotechnology and life sciences. There are several Technology Centers in the region such as: IOBA Applied Ophthalmology Institute, INBIOTEC León Biotechnology Institute, CIC Cancer Research Center, IBGM Molecular and Genetic Biology Institute, INCYL Neuroscience Institute.

Science and technology are a priority for the Castilla y León region. The regional government fosters the creation of public research laboratories and higher education centers to create a solid scientific base, and supports research within companies and numerous private institutions.