Despite Trump's tariffs: USA remains the most important export market Trump's aggressive tariff policy puts Germany's export industry under pressure. Yet the most important sales market remains - despite declines - the USA. Stefan Weinzierl
Modernization of battery factories on the rise Worldwide, battery productions are undergoing a transformation: existing plants need to be modernized - a growing market where Europe's industry gains new perspectives through specialization, precision, and regulatory know-how. Dietmar Poll
This is what the success factors of digital business models look like Digital transformation is essential for machinery and plant engineering to compete globally. The VDMA study 'Success factors of digital business models' provides practical insights on how companies can strategically master this change.
How digital models help increase service revenue Getting closer to the customer's processes is the order of the day for the industry. In digital services, standardization, simplicity, and looking beyond one's own product lead to success. Daniela Hoffmann
9 tools for optimal machining of aluminum Light, stable, and versatile: Aluminum is indispensable in production. However, machining poses special requirements for tools and processes. These are the best solutions for precise and economical machining. Julia Dusold
How Kellenberger is strategically positioning itself to withstand crises How does Kellenberger plan to position itself as a global player in mechanical engineering? The CEO explains the future strategy and new technologies in the interview. Julia Dusold
The state of mechanical engineering in France France is currently experiencing politically and economically turbulent times. The mechanical engineering sector, once a growth driver, is not spared. The role AI, defense, and German partners play in the restart. Ernst Leiste
How Horn tools make Tesro sporting weapons more precise How is micrometer precision achieved in sporting weapon manufacturing? Manufacturer Tesro demonstrates what can be achieved with modern milling technology using Horn tools.
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.
Is Spain becoming a key market for the machinery industry? With a stable economy, high export rates, and targeted investments, Spain's machinery industry is increasingly becoming a significant hub within Europe. How the industry benefits from the economic environment
How AI connects mechanical drive technology and fluidics Digital technologies are conquering drive and fluid technology. Why artificial intelligence is becoming more important and what that means for industrial manufacturing.
This is what the success factors of digital business models look like Digital transformation is essential for machinery and plant engineering to compete globally. The VDMA study 'Success factors of digital business models' provides practical insights on how companies can strategically master this change.
Digital services for the mechanical engineering of tomorrow Only those who actively shape the digital transformation can successfully master the upcoming challenges of the data age. Aerzen Digital Systems develops IIoT solutions for Aerzen machines as well as customer-specific process structures and supports companies in leveraging the potential of digitalization.
Annual $1.5 trillion downtime costs in industry According to a report by Senseye, downtime costs for large industrial companies have skyrocketed since 2020. The automotive industry performs the worst, while the heavy industry records the highest cost increase.
The largest mechanical engineering companies in the world From wind turbine manufacturers to producers of giant combine harvesters: these are the largest mechanical engineering companies in the world by revenue.
Five trends in product lifecycle management Integrated product lifecycle management (PLM) strategies can help companies manage their product data and information efficiently - throughout the entire lifecycle from development to recycling.
Value stream analysis is the foundation of lean processes Global uncertainty, increasing customer demands, and high variety pose enormous challenges for industrial companies. Those who want to succeed need crystal-clear processes - value stream analysis shows how to achieve this.
Global crises: How the mechanical engineering industry should respond now Global uncertainties, erratic regulations, and fragile sourcing are pushing the mechanical engineering industry to its limits. But new paths are emerging. An interview with Oliver Bendig, head of industrial consulting at Deloitte.
Decisions as the key to a sustainable future Especially in times of change, when topics like sustainability and digital transformation are gaining importance, it becomes clear: without real decisions, there are no real solutions.
Dassault top manager on digital transformation The Central Europe head of Dassault Systèmes, Sabine Scheunert, talks about the automotive industry, digital transformation along the value chain, and women in the industry.
Generative AI in mechanical and plant engineering Leading figures in European mechanical engineering will once again present their projects and best practices at the Mechanical Engineering Summit in Berlin in September. One of the top topics this time is generative artificial intelligence.
EU compass sets new rules for competitiveness With the 'competitiveness compass', the EU is pursuing a political realignment based on the Draghi Report, which focuses primarily on competitiveness as a central priority and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Digital procurement simplifies purchasing processes Learn how a digital procurement model handles all administrative tasks from a single source, relieving and strengthening purchasing. From supplier search to technical consulting to production and post-processing.
Mechanical engineering worldwide: India is booming, China is slowing down Full speed in India, strong signal from Brazil - but in China and the USA, mechanical engineers are under pressure. A new VDMA report reveals some contradictions.
Technology-neutral: How Festo positions itself as a problem solver What matters is no longer the product - but the solution. Festo shows how customer needs set the pace.
Czech engineering: Innovation meets tradition How is Czech engineering developing? Insights into successes, challenges, and opportunities for German companies.
Why German manufacturing is losing in China Germany's industry is investing billions in China - and is heading straight into a dead end. Instead of growth, a gradual decline looms.
How workforce reduction with prudence succeeds in SMEs Corporations quickly resort to workforce reduction in economically tough times, while SMEs hesitate for good reason. The workforce is not only a resource but also a carrier of identity and a driver of innovation. Learn how SMEs can strategically reduce here.
Malaysia, Middle East, and Mexico - the new future markets? What opportunities does the globalization of mechanical engineering bring in Malaysia, the Middle East, and Mexico? An analysis of entry paths, risks, and best practices.
Start-ups: These opportunities and challenges exist Dr. Barbara Mehner from the UnternehmerTUM start-up center discusses the challenges and opportunities for start-ups in uncertain times. She also explains how the networking of start-ups with the industry can succeed.
How Austria's manufacturing industry is fighting for recovery In the alpine republic, there are many world market leaders and hidden champions. But big successes are currently missing. How can Austria's manufacturing industry grow again despite the crisis? German help and high-tech provide answers.
Direct current instead of alternating current: Benefits for industry Operating plants with direct current instead of alternating current not only reduces energy costs. What buyers need to know about production based on direct current.
Natural gas & LNG: Energy sources and raw materials for industry Natural gas is used in various ways in industry. Are there alternatives or other forms? What buyers need to know about the raw material natural gas.
Strategic partnerships in energy procurement Energy buyers often rely on a mix of strategies for secure supply. Why strategic energy partnerships are becoming more important.
“Western industrialised countries need a plan B for raw materials” Since February, China has stopped exporting tungsten. Almonty Industries provides a counterbalance to Chinese dominance. CEO Lewis Black offers insights.
Production location: Ambitious Mexico put on 'hold' Mexico was considered a winner of the nearshoring trend - until high tariffs and political uncertainties abruptly slowed the boom. Now a setback with global consequences threatens.
Interview with Prof. Dr. Alexander Kutter about gamification in (packaging) mechanical engineering At the latest when the Gamescom trade fair in Cologne starts, you regularly read and hear the term 'gamification' again. But what exactly is behind it? And what role could it play in mechanical engineering in the future? We spoke with someone who knows.
Function, design, circularity Manufacturers and processors of packaging are under pressure - but also face a multitude of opportunities. Those who intelligently combine technological, design, and sustainable requirements can position themselves in the market with future-proof solutions.
With data, dialogue and green energy The Uhlmann Group is pursuing concrete climate goals - and is on track to achieve them earlier than planned. We spoke with Carolyn Leung, Corporate Sustainability Lead of the group, about the steps towards decarbonization, structural challenges, and the strategic outlook beyond 2030.
Bureaucracy costs: High effort, unevenly distributed Companies suffer from bureaucracy. This was confirmed some time ago by a study from the Institute for SME Research (IfM). Now the updated version is available. All clear? IfM project manager Dr. Annette Icks brought sobering news to the Packaging Machinery Conference 2025.
These are the largest chemical companies in Germany What do chemical companies actually produce? And which are among the largest chemical companies in Germany? You will find the answers in this article.
Sustainability boosts business success Worldwide, 92 percent of companies are convinced that progress towards greater sustainability is crucial for business success. This is an increase of five percentage points compared to the previous year. Practical implementation is proving difficult.
Transforming waste into value in electronics Explore how electronics firms can enhance sustainability and profitability through waste reduction and reuse strategies.
Scarcity of rare earths: Impact on drive technology Rare earths like neodymium and dysprosium are important components in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM). Due to China's announced export ban, production outages and rising costs threaten these areas of drives.
Outsourcing supply chains boosts ESG compliance Discover how external procurement services reduce risks, cut costs, and enhance sustainability efforts in maintenance supply chains.
Supply chain strategies: These are trends you should follow How to create transparency in the supply chain, where robots are most helpful, and what priorities should be set in intralogistics, explained by Dr. Kerstin Höfle from Körber Supply Chain in the interview.
These are the largest factories in the world The largest factory in the world is as big as a small town! In the ranking of the largest factories worldwide, you will learn which production sites exceed all expectations.
Innovationsmanagement: So treibt Lapp neue Ideen voran Hubertus Breier, Vorstand für Innovation und Technik bei Lapp, gewährt Einblicke in seinen Ansatz, Innovationen voranzutreiben und die Zukunft zu gestalten.
Process optimization and productivity increase through AI According to an IDC study from February, 22 percent of medium-sized businesses see themselves as digital beginners. However, a comprehensive digital transformation is essential to use AI for process optimization and productivity increase.
Heller CEO: Modern training makes mechanical engineering more attractive What constitutes modern training? And what does it have to do with the image of the machine tool industry? We spoke with Thorsten Schmidt, CEO of the Heller Group, about it.
The world's largest battery storage systems Solar and wind energy needs to be stored. This is done by huge batteries. They balance the supply and demand for electricity. These are the largest.
Storm Reply and Audi rely on agentic AI Devbot optimizes cloud infrastructures, detects security risks, and delivers personalized recommendations in real-time - automated, efficient, and scalable enterprise-wide. The agentic AI sets new standards for cloud management.
Grob and Dürr develop the battery factory of the future More innovation on half the production area - this is what Grob and Dürr promise with their new concept for battery cell manufacturing. These are the technologies making it possible.
How to successfully enter new markets and industries Which strategies help when entering new markets? And where is it worthwhile right now? Vincenzo Monaco from Rockwell Automation explains in this interview.
Reducing global supply chain risks and seizing opportunities Those who master the changes in global supply chains benefit from opportunities and reduce risks. A conversation with Heiko Schwarz from Sphera about which risks companies should consider and how they can turn challenges into opportunities.
“It is time for a change” At the Packaging Machinery Conference, representatives of the mechanical engineering industry were mainly on stage. But with Bernd Büsing, Head of Corporate Packaging at Nestlé Germany, a real user also had a say. And he spoke plainly about what he expects from suppliers to be able to package sustainably.
Sustainability reporting: The path from reporting to value creation CSRD as an opportunity instead of an obligation? Tabea Hosak demonstrated at the Packaging Machinery Conference 2025 how companies can derive strategic value from sustainability reporting despite uncertainty - with focus, software & courage to implement. Acting now is worthwhile!