The majority of German firms operating in the U.S. continued to increase their sales performance. Together, the Top 50 generated over $348 billion in sales, 6% more than last year. Overall, the Top 50 firms employ more than 538,767 workers, almost 2% more than in 2011. German carmakers Daimler, VW, and BMW showed healthy double-digit growth rates in the U.S.- Volkswagen recorded its highest growth in North America with a plus of +32.2%. For the third year in a row, Daimler remains No. 1 with Mercedes-Benz cars and Daimler trucks as their main power engines. In order to keep up with demand, Daimler increased its staff by over 1,000 in the U.S. and Volkswagen by over 5,000 in North America. Other industries also reported positive employment trends. Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc., the world’s largest dialysis provider, now employs 52,577, up from 45,577 in 2011. Many firms are extending their vocational training programs. At the beginning of 2013, Wacker Chemicals and Chattanooga State Community College inaugurated the Wacker Institute, a $5 million pilot plant and training facility in Tennessee. The steady gains on the revenue side of the Top 50 firms reflect the ongoing recovery of the U.S. economy during 2012.