Exchange between Politics and Industry to strengthen the defense industry in Bavaria

Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann visits Cuonics and Sonplas in Straubing.

State Minister and Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery Dr. Florian Herrmann visited the Straubing-based
companies Cuonics GmbH and Sonplas GmbH. His visit focused on the exchange between politics and industry
on the security and defense industry as well as on current requirements and development prospects for the defense
industry in Bavaria.

Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann was accompanied by Josef Zellmeier, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament,
Markus Pannermayr, Mayor of the City of Straubing, and representatives of Straubing Economic Development.
In addition to Cuonics and Sonplas, representatives from the companies STARK and MBDA also took part.

The program began with a tour of the production facilities at Cuonics.
The company provided insights into its manufacturing processes and
current projects. This was followed by a tour of the manufacturer for special-
purpose machinery Sonplas, focusing on machines for assembly and testing
as well as the requirements for modern production and innovation.

The event concluded with a discussion round at Sonplas, during which
the participating companiespresented their concerns and specific support
needs to policymakers. The topics discusses included predictable framework
conditions, faster processes, and prerequisites for rapidly implementing
innovations.

The topics discusses included predictable framework conditions, faster processes,
and prerequisites for rapidly implementing innovations. At the same time, the joint
commitment to further expanding the dialogue between business and politics to
advance the defense industry in Bavaria in a spirit of partnership was emphasized.

In this context, Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann explained the measures that
the Free State of Bavaria is taking or considering to support companies in innovation, growth, and the implementation of strategic projects.

Against the backdrop of the current security situation, Dr. Florian Herrmann also referred to initiatives taken by the Free State: For example, a law to support the
defense industry in Bavaria has been introduced. The aim is to remove regulatory hurdles in the development, testing, and manufacture of defense equipment and
to position Bavaria as a leading region for innovation in the defense sector.