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Business Location Germany

Strengthen competitiveness!

Mechanical and plant engineering is the backbone of German industry. To ensure that this remains the case, better conditions are needed - from taxes and infrastructure to securing skilled workers.

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The United States

Key market behind barriers

The US is the most important foreign market for mechanical and plant engineering. Significant market opportunities are hampered by tariffs and other trade barriers. It is essential to navigate this volatile environment. 

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Regulatory Cockpit

Navigating through the regulatory jungle

Exclusively for VDMA members: A practical overview and relevant information about current and upcoming regulations. 

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VDMA European Summit

Engineering the Future

On 12 and 13 March 2026, the European mechanical and plant engineering industry will meet in Rome. Experience innovative ideas, exciting inspiration and first-class networking.

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Viewpoints and Press Releases

Machinery exports from Germany in 2025

Tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties tear holes in export balance
Mechanical engineering exports from Germany have once again fallen noticeably to just under 200 billion euros in 2025. Tariffs and other trade barriers worldwide are slowing down exports - and there is still no real improvement in sight for 2026.
Read more

On the vote in Argentina and Uruguay

"Apply the Mercosur agreement provisionally now"

Agreement on the Collective Bargaining Act

"No higher collective bargaining commitment, but more bureaucracy"

Chancellor Merz's trip to China

"Fair competition or consequences"

 US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

"Ruling is important, but uncertainty remains for companies"

Study on Technology Education in Schools

Technology must become a compulsory subject in all types of schools

Labor market

"Downsizing is no longer a cyclical up and down"

EU Pay Transparency Directive

"Pull the emergency brake and abolish the directive to protect SMEs"

Meeting of EU heads of state & government

"Local content debate distracts from Europe’s real problems"

On the report by the Commission of Experts

"Success of the High-Tech Agenda depends on medium-sized industrial companies"

Incoming orders in mechanical and plant engineering

Slight recovery and a little optimism

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The United States

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Europe and China

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VDMA Magazin Article Teaser Startseite

  • Top Story: Artificial intelligence
It all comes down to the data
When used correctly, AI systems in mechanical and plant engineering increase efficiency and quality and open up prospects for new business models. Achenbach shows what is important here.
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Engineering Future: Young talents shape the future!

Engineering Future: Young talents shape the future!
Katrin Swimm and the printing machines
In mid-2023, physicist Katrin Swimm decided to take a job in mechanical and plant engineering. Here, she can pursue her love of experimentation as a development engineer and exchange ideas with colleagues in a diverse team.
Learn more!
Olena Barkova and software development
Olena Barkova came to Nuremberg from Ukraine 23 years ago to start her career at Baumüller. She still works here today and, as a software developer, has not only found her profession, but her vocation.
Learn more!
Daniel Lange and the filter systems
Making the world a little safer and protecting people's health - that's what Daniel Lange's work at HET Filter GmbH is all about, as featured in episode 8 of the video series "Mechanical Engineering Meets Young Professionals". The manufacturer of filter systems for the pharmaceutical industry ensures that highly effective dusts do not enter the air and thus the environment during the production and packaging of medicines. 
Verena Grifone Fuchs and electronics
Verena Grifone Fuchs, who holds a doctorate in electrical engineering, works as a technical project manager at Thomas Magnete. To do this, she needs an eye for the big picture, good communication skills and technical expertise.
Learn more!
Elena Bürk and the filling systems
Elena Bürk, mechanical engineer at Optima, is responsible for the design of dosing systems for pharmaceutical filling lines. She not only works with a wide range of technical requirements, but also with customers from all over the world.
Learn more!
Katharina Helmstaedt and the power tools
Katharina Helmstaedt, an enthusiastic mechatronics engineer, is a planning engineer at Festool. She designs, procures and commissions production systems for high-quality electric motors. Lots of technology and practical experience make her day-to-day work varied.
Learn more!
Miriam Härter und Florian Frühbeis
In Folge 7 der Videoreihe "Maschinenbau meets Young Professionals" erläutern Miriam Härter und Florian Frühbeis von HAWE Hydraulik SE ihre Verantwortlichkeiten im Werk in Freising.
Learn more!
Carla Albrecht und die Systemsimulation
Electrical engineer Carla Albrecht has found an exciting job at Danfoss that is compatible with her family.
Learn more!
Nico Lienhard, viastore Software GmbH
In part 6 of our “Mechanical Engineering meets Young Professionals” series, Nico Lienhard explains how he designs intralogistics solutions as a software consultant at viastore and what inspires him about the work and culture at viastore.
LEarn more!
Carina Witzel and technical sales
Carina Witzel has been a sales engineer at SEW-EURODRIVE Hamburg since 2022. She loves the combination of technology and communication in her job.
Learn more!

VdmaSambaEvents

Events

Thu. 12.03.26 Fri. 13.03.26

  • Management
VDMA European Summit 2026 - Engineering the Future

The third VDMA European Summit 2026 goes to Bella Italia. Look forward to interesting topics and excellent networking opportunities and don't miss THE meeting of the European machinery and equipment manufacturing industry.

Places available

Wed. 25.03.26 Wed. 25.03.26

  • Digital Products
Digital product passport

Further details will follow. Make a note of the date today or register directly so that you can receive the information and agenda straight away.

Places available

Wed. 01.04.26 Wed. 01.04.26

exclusive

  • European Standardization
Cyber Resilience Act: New developments 2026 and how the VDMA can assist you

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) has been in force since December 2024 and introduces far-reaching cybersecurity requirements for all products with digital elements. For manufacturers, responsibilities now extend throughout the entire product life cycle, not just until market launch. Many products and components in the mechanical engineering sector fall under the CRA. Companies should quickly assess how they are affected and take the first steps to ensure compliance and product security.

Places available

Mon. 20.04.26 Fri. 24.04.26

  • Industrie 4.0
  • Digitalization & Industrie 4.0
  • Software and Digitalization
  • Manufacturing-X
  • Electric Power Transmission Engineering
  • Trade Fairs
  • Power Transmission Engineering
  • Fluid Power
Hannover Messe 2026

HANNOVER MESSE 2026 opens its doors from April 20 to 24. Under the motto "Think Tech Forward", it will set new standards for industrial transformation. The focus will be on automation, digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence to revolutionize production processes. Sustainable energy solutions such as hydrogen technologies and resilient infrastructures characterize the Energy & Industrial Infrastructure area. With the new Defense Production Area and Brazil as a partner country, the trade fair underlines its role as a global platform for innovation and cooperation.

HANNOVER MESSE 2026 opens its doors from April 20 to 24. Under the motto "Think Tech Forward", it will set new standards for industrial transformation. The focus will be on automation, digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence to revolutionize production processes. Sustainable energy solutions such as hydrogen technologies and resilient infrastructures characterize the Energy & Industrial Infrastructure area. With the new Defense Production Area and Brazil as a partner country, the trade fair underlines its role as a global platform for innovation and cooperation.

Der VDMA

Der VDMA

The voice of machinery and equipment manufacturing - the engine of the industry

The mechanical and plant engineering companies employ around 3 million people in the EU-27, more than 1.2 million of them in Germany alone. This makes mechanical and plant engineering the largest employer among the capital goods industries, both in the EU-27 and in Germany.

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Benefits for you as a member

Largest industry network in Europe

3,500 primarily medium-sized member companies in the capital goods industry make the VDMA the largest industrial association in Europe and the most important network organization in the industry.

Strong representation of interests

The VDMA is the most important voice of the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. It represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the industry in Germany and around the world.

A wide range of services

More than 500 VDMA employees worldwide support you with practical services to make the right decisions in your company - along the entire value chain.

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