Eppendorf/Großrückerswalde (dpa/sn) – Economics Minister Martin Dulig (SPD) has praised the inventiveness of the artisans in the Ore Mountains and encouraged the male makers to expand their digital sales channels. “This can further increase the national and international perception of our Erzgebirge arts and crafts,” he explained on the occasion of a series of company visits on Wednesday. The craft does not rest on its laurels of tradition, but combines innovative ideas with contemporary design. In this way, it is possible to reinvent a cultural asset that is more than 300 years old and to spark enthusiasm for it worldwide.
According to the Ministry of Economics, there are currently 424 woodworkers in Saxony, the majority of them (331) in the greater Chemnitz area. Already in the middle of summer, production for this year’s Christmas season is running at full speed in many companies. According to the information, the industry in the Ore Mountains alone generates annual sales of more than 50 million euros with its pyramids, nutcrackers, incense figures, angels, cribs and candle arches. About 20 percent of this is for export.
