Akron (USA - State of Ohio)

Akron is situated in the north-east of the state of Ohio, approximately 50 kilometres south of Cleveland, on the Cuyahoga River. The university city is the seat of government for Summit County.

As the base of the world-famous tyre producers BF Goodrich Tires, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Firestone Tire and General Tire, Akron used to be known as the “Rubber capital of the world”. The two largest American airships, the Akron and the Macon, were also built by Goodyear in Akron. The city was the cradle of the American truck industry.

Today, the “city of inventions” is recognised worldwide as a centre for polymer research and polymer development and a key centre in Ohio’s “Polymer Valley”. The city has been awarded the title “All-America City” three times.

Sights include the Quaker Square ensemble (including the grain silos of the Quaker Oats Company, which have been converted into a hotel with 196 round rooms), the art museum and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the former villa and estate of the Seiberling family. The annual All-American Soap Box Derby, the LeBron James Bikeathon and the Hamburger Festival are popular large-scale events.

The city partnership provides the foundation for numerous economic links, such as the contacts between the Chemnitz Technology Centre (TCC) and the Akron Incubator & Accelerator, where a Chemnitz company opened its first base in Akron in 2008. Highlights of cultural exchange have included the Akron Christmas Market, run jointly between 2004 and 2009. Athletes have also made the trip across the pond to participate in the legendary Road Runner Akron Marathon or the Chemnitz City Run. The art museums, zoos and the municipal road building offices also have contact with each other and are involved in exchanges.