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Key industries

Aerospace

An industry with more than 100 years’ experience in manufacturing and assembling aircraft. The aerospace industry accounts for 16% of Andalusia’s GDP, 20% of the GDP of the region’s manufacturing industry and almost 30% of the national income in the aerospace industry. Over 130 companies in the industry generate more than 15,900 direct and 64,000 indirect jobs, with €2.53bn in turnover. Employment in the industry has doubled and turnover has tripled since 2007. A strong presence of Airbus and major Tier 1 aerospace companies (Aernnova and Aciturri-Alestis) collaborating on strategic international projects. The region has the capacity and infrastructure to develop, assemble and launch small satellites and there are other opportunities available in aircraft maintenance and repair, MRO, and pilot training academies. Andalusia also has a flight-testing laboratory for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/RPAS), unique in Europe. 

Food and nutrition

A longstanding industry in the region with over 7,000 companies generating more than 52,000 jobs and over €13bn in turnover. It is the main exporting region in Spain, internationally recognized for its quality.  World leader in olive oil production, Europe's main producer of fruits and vegetables, and at the forefront of organic production in Europe. The region also stands out in intensive farming, genetic engineering, integral water cycle technology, hydroponic crops and plastic packaging for farming. Andalusia offers a competitive edge for the food industry due to its access to quality raw materials, skilled, low-cost labor and a technological environment at the forefront of nutrition research. CIDAF is the main Functional Food Research and Development Center. The aquaculture industry offers opportunities to produce species with high commercial value. Major companies: Aceites del Sur, Abbott, Bimbo, Ebro Foods, Lactalis, Migasa, Heineken. 

Chemicals

Andalusia's chemical industry is the second largest in Spain and is highly competitive. It leads in the production of electrical energy and primary transformation of nonferrous metals. It also ranks second in Spain in oil refining. The industry is concentrated around the chemical hubs of Huelva and Cadiz, where the two most important organizations are headquartered: the Huelva Association of Chemical and Energy Industries (AIQBE) and the Cadiz Association of Large Industries (AGI). Other activities that stand out are the transformation and processing of plastics and the manufacture of detergents, fertilizers and paints. The industry comprises more than 200 companies with over 28,000 workers, and a turnover in excess of €26.4bn. Major companies include Abelló Linde, Air Liquide, Algry, Atlantic Copper, Brenntag, Cepsa, Deretil, Ence, Gat Fertiliquidos, Laboratorios Durbán, Persán and Sensient Fragances.

Metal

Auxiliary sector for other industries like the automotive. CETEMEC is the leading center of excellence for transport and metal-related activities. Renault and Valeo are the major companies. Andalusia has capabilities for innovation and manufacturing in naval production and repair and defense and is home to leading companies like Navantia and General Dynamics-Santa Bárbara. In the rail industry, the Center for Railway Technology (CTF) is a benchmark of European technology and the driving force of the Spain Railway Innovation Hub. Leader in cold generation, 80% of national cold production is manufactured in Andalusia. AFAR is the association that represents the interests of Spain’s cold industry. There are more than 9,000 companies in the metal industry with over 75,000 jobs and a turnover of more than €9. Other notable companies include Acerinox and Gestamp. 

ICT

Andalusia is third in the national ranking of the ICT industry, with talent and resources to develop new software and applications, test new technologies and outsource ICT activities. The region is favorable environment in which to function as an urban laboratory, where innovative companies can test applications and services pertaining to smart mobility and smart cities. In fact, Andalusia is a pioneer in Europe with FIWARE technology centers to promote smart cities. The industry has over 3,200 companies that generate more than 25,000 skilled jobs with turnover exceeding €2.8bn. Some of the major companies include Accenture, Atos, CGI, Cisco, Everis, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Fujitsu, Sopra Steria, Telefónica and Huawei.