Voices from the German industry

Why executives stand by Germany as a location

Why do industry giants rely on Germany as a location despite global pressure, skills shortages, and high costs? We asked some of them.

Julia Dusold Editor and podcast host for 'Produktion'
Published
Das Bekenntnis zum Standort Deutschland ist keine nostalgische Geste – es ist ein bewusster Entschluss, der auf handfesten wirtschaftlichen, technologischen und gesellschaftlichen Überzeugungen basiert.
The commitment to Germany as a location is not a nostalgic gesture - it is a conscious decision based on solid economic, technological, and social convictions.

The German industry is under pressure. High energy prices, complex bureaucracy, geopolitical uncertainties, and the shortage of skilled workers pose enormous challenges for companies. At the same time, international competition is growing - production sites in Asia and America are enticing with more favorable conditions and faster approval processes. In this situation, the question arises: does Germany remain an attractive location for the industry?

The answer from many executives is clear: yes. Despite all adversities, numerous top managers are clearly committed to Made in Germany. Their arguments are diverse - and they show that the location is more than just a geographical point. It's about values, know-how, and a unique interplay of industry, research, and customers.

What makes Germany particularly attractive as a location for you is revealed by twelve CEOs and executives in our exclusive photo gallery:

Dr. Steffen Haack, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Bosch Rexroth AG
Dr. Steffen Haack, chairman of the board of Bosch Rexroth AG: "I stand by Germany as a location because our roots are here and the interplay of industry, research, and customers offers strong opportunities."
German Wankmiller, Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung der Grob-Gruppe
German Wankmiller, chairman of the management board of the Grob Group: "I stand by Germany as a location because, due to our highly qualified professionals, our innovation, quality, and reliability, we realize outstanding technology for the world of tomorrow."
Markus Horn, Geschäftsführer der Paul Horn GmbH
Markus Horn, managing director of Paul Horn GmbH: "I stand by Germany as a location because, despite challenging conditions, I believe in our innovation, education, and enthusiasm for technology."
Dr. Jochen Kress, Geschäftsführender Direktor von Mapal
Dr. Jochen Kress, managing director of Mapal: "I stand by Germany as a location because industrial value creation, sustainability, and social responsibility are considered together here."
Stefan Knauf, division manager industrial automation at Mitsubishi Electric Europe: "I stand by Germany as a location because we have excellent educational and research structures, technological competence, a strong middle class, and a powerful industry here. For us in automation, this means short paths to innovations and reliable partners in the value chain."
Vincenzo Monaco, Sales Director der DACH-Region und Managing Director bei Rockwell Automation
Vincenzo Monaco, sales director of the DACH region and managing director at Rockwell Automation: "I stand by Germany as a location because mechanical engineering and manufacturing industry still have a strong base here, which we want to further strengthen with comprehensive automation solutions."
Mike Hughes, CEO DACH bei Schneider Electric
Mike Hughes, CEO DACH at Schneider Electric: "I stand by Germany as a location because we have the know-how here to combine sustainable technologies with energy-efficient production processes - with innovation, responsibility, and a clear focus on quality and the environment."
Kristina I. Schunk, Vorsitzende der Geschäftsführung von Schunk
Kristina I. Schunk, chairwoman of the management board of Schunk: "I stand by Germany as a location because we gladly take responsibility for a sustainable industry with reliability, engineering, and the courage to explore new partnership paths."
Dina Reit, Geschäftsführerin von SK Laser
Dina Reit, managing director of SK Laser: "I stand by Germany as a location because Germany is a place where we can truly advance high-tech, mechanical engineering, and sustainable solutions."
Till Küppers, Geschäftsführer Produktion bei Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen
Till Küppers, managing director of production at Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen: "I stand by Germany as a location because we have highly qualified workers, focus on innovation and precision, and with our engineering, we continuously develop new manufacturing solutions for our customers worldwide."
Thilo Brodtmann, VDMA-Hauptgeschäftsführer
Thilo Brodtmann, VDMA chief executive: "I stand by Germany as a location because Europe and the world need advocates of a liberal market economy now more than ever."
Gunther Koschnick, Bereichsleiter Industrie beim ZVEI
Gunther Koschnick, head of industry at ZVEI: "I stand by Germany as a location because the German industry, thanks to its practical experience, is predestined to write a real success story for our location with artificial intelligence in production."

FAQ: Germany as an industrial location

Why is Germany an important industrial location?

Germany offers a unique combination of innovation, engineering, stable infrastructure, and a strong middle class. Excellent educational and research structures as well as high quality standards make the location attractive to companies worldwide.

What are the advantages of production in Germany?

Companies benefit from skilled professionals, short distances to research institutions, a powerful industry, and reliable partners in the value chain. Additionally, Made in Germany stands internationally for quality and precision.

What challenges does Germany face as a location?

High energy prices, bureaucracy, a shortage of skilled workers, and international competition are central challenges. Nevertheless, many companies rely on the location because the advantages outweigh in the long term.

How important is innovation for the location?

Innovation is key to competitiveness. Germany invests heavily in research and development to advance new technologies, automation, and sustainable production processes.

What role does sustainability play?

Sustainability is a central factor. German companies combine industrial value creation with environmental responsibility and energy-efficient processes - a decisive advantage in global competition.

Will Germany remain attractive in the future?

Yes. Despite challenges, experts see great opportunities: digitalization, automation, and AI offer new potentials. With its strong base of know-how and technology, Germany remains a leading industrial location.

ceos bureaucracy markets industry germany energy prices

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