News › Topping-out ceremony for the new ZEISS high-tech site in Jena
An important milestone for the region and the ZEISS construction project
On May 13, 2025, the topping-out ceremony for the new ZEISS high-tech site in Jena took place with representatives from ZEISS, the city of Jena and the Free State of Thuringia coming together to celebrate this significant milestone.
Andreas Pecher, President and CEO of the ZEISS Group, welcomed the guests to the future site and spoke about the strategic importance of Jena and the construction project for the company and the region: »Jena and the high-tech site are a symbol of change at ZEISS and thus a role model for all other sites. It combines both innovation and transformation«. A new building complex with around 118,000 square meters of floor space is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. According to Pecher, ZEISS is thus underlining the importance of Jena for its own company and providing important impetus for the attractiveness of the location, especially for international science.
With around 3,500 employees, Jena is the second largest ZEISS location worldwide. The investment in the founding site is therefore an integral part of ZEISS‹ global investment strategy and follows on seamlessly from a series of international expansion and modernization projects in Germany, Europe and Asia.

Strategic importance for Thuringia
In his welcoming address, the Minister President said that the new ZEISS high-tech site in Jena marked a milestone for Thuringia. With this significant investment, ZEISS is not only sending a strong signal in the field of innovation, but is also creating future-proof jobs. »The location strengthens our competitiveness and confirms that Thuringia is an attractive and reliable partner for high-tech companies.«
Jena’s Head of Urban Development and Environment, Dirk Lange, also spoke about the significance for Jena in his welcoming address: »One of our tasks as a city in general is to create the best possible conditions for Jena as a business location and, in particular, to do everything we can to support companies like ZEISS in their growth. ZEISS is sending a clear signal with this exemplary investment in the city, for which we are extremely grateful!«
Virtual tour of the building shell and erection of the topping-out wreath
The guests were taken on a virtual journey around and through the shell of the high-tech site with a drone and were thus able to experience the dimensions of the building.
The traditional hoisting of the topping-out wreath with a crane symbolized the successful completion of the shell construction phase and was the highlight of the event.
The topping-out wreath was previously tied by the members of the project team and their children.
Press contact
Beatrice Weinberger
Corporate Brand, Communications and Public Affairs
ZEISS Group