Blog/Portal for Smart FACTORY | CITY | XR | METAVERSE | AI (AI) | DIGITIZATION | SOLAR | Industry Influencer (II)

Industry Hub & Blog for B2B Industry - Mechanical Engineering - Logistics/Intralogistics - Photovoltaics (PV/Solar)
For Smart FACTORY | CITY | XR | METAVERSE | AI (AI) | DIGITIZATION | SOLAR | Industry Influencer (II) | Startups | Support/Advice

Business Innovator - Xpert.digital - Konrad Wolfenstein
More about this here

Mechanical engineering: Slowed down by politics in Germany, energy costs are crippling and a shortage of skilled workers is inhibiting innovation

Xpert pre-release


Konrad Wolfenstein - Brand Ambassador - Industry InfluencerOnline contact (Konrad Wolfenstein)

Language selection 📢

Published on: January 2, 2025 / Update from: January 2, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Mechanical engineering: Slowed down by politics in Germany, energy costs are crippling and a shortage of skilled workers is inhibiting innovation

Mechanical engineering: Slowed down by politics in Germany, energy costs are paralyzing and a shortage of skilled workers is inhibiting innovation - Image: Xpert.Digital

Measures to improve the mood in mechanical engineering

The mood in German mechanical engineering is currently depressed. Uncertainty about the future development of world trade and a tense order situation are weighing on the industry. There are also geopolitical risks and location disadvantages. Many companies are expecting declining sales. The Association of German Mechanical and Plant Engineering (VDMA) is therefore calling on politicians and collective bargaining partners to take action.

Here we analyze the current situation in mechanical engineering, highlight the challenges and trends in the industry and finally identify measures that could contribute to improving the mood. The perspectives of companies, employees and politicians are taken into account.

Current mood in mechanical engineering

Various reports and analyzes paint a negative picture of the current mood in mechanical engineering:

  • PwC's mechanical engineering barometer shows that sentiment is at an all-time low and sales forecasts are slipping into the red.
  • According to a survey by the VDMA, 37 percent of companies rate their situation as bad and only 28 percent as good.
  • Almost 60 percent of the decision-makers surveyed expect an economic weakness in Germany.
  • The expansion investments of German mechanical engineering companies in Asia are losing traction.
  • Order intake and production in the industry have declined sharply compared to the previous year. What is particularly worrying is that the mood is currently worse than during the corona pandemic.
  • But there are also positive signals: the sales opportunities in the USA are rated as good or very good by around one in three companies.

Challenges in mechanical engineering

The German mechanical engineering industry is currently facing a variety of challenges:

Economic framework conditions

  • Energy costs: Rising energy costs are putting a strain on companies.
  • Laws: Stricter laws and regulations make doing business more difficult.
  • Location disadvantages: Rising energy and personnel costs as well as the regulatory environment in Germany are worsening competitiveness in an international comparison. The importance of China as a sales market is decreasing.

Global competition

  • Competitive pressure: German mechanical engineering companies have to reinvent their business models and products in order to survive in international competition, especially against Asian competitors.
  • Country-specific factors: The competitiveness of German mechanical engineering companies is also influenced by country-specific special factors among competitors. For example, Japan is suffering from the consequences of the Fukushima nuclear disaster and Swiss exports are being hampered by the strong franc.

digitalization

  • Digital transformation: Many companies have not yet fully implemented digital transformation and are stuck in old structures. There is a lack of consistent digitalization of processes and a data-driven orientation.
  • Opportunities and challenges: Digitalization poses challenges for the industry, but it also offers opportunities to increase efficiency and develop new business models.

More challenges

  • Shortage of skilled workers: The shortage of qualified specialists is a major problem.
  • Supply chains: Disrupted supply chains lead to production delays and higher costs.

These diverse challenges, in particular the combination of economic conditions, global competitive pressure and slow progress in digitalization, contribute significantly to the negative mood in the industry. To maintain competitiveness and improve morale, these challenges must be addressed.

Trends and innovations in mechanical engineering

Despite the challenges, there are also positive developments and trends in mechanical engineering:

  • Industry 4.0: Advancing digitalization and networking in production offers new opportunities.
  • Sustainability: Sustainability and environmentally friendly materials are becoming increasingly important.
  • New technologies: Hybrid lightweight construction, multi-material design and additive manufacturing are promising fields.
  • New business models: In addition to the classic sale of machines, new business models such as leasing or subscription models are becoming increasingly important.

Best practice examples

Some mechanical engineering companies show how to successfully deal with current challenges. Here are some examples:

  • Brückner Maschinenbau: The company was recognized at the Hannover Messe as a “best practice example” for energy efficiency in industrial processes.
  • Burkhardt+Weber: The mechanical engineering company relies on individual solutions and high flexibility in production in order to meet the requirements of its customers. Aichelin: In collaboration with ROI, the company has structured the throughput and processing times for assembly and commissioning on the construction site through a structured system Planning and optimized processes significantly reduced.
  • Krones AG: The mechanical engineering company is relying on shifting transport from road to rail in order to plan transport optimally, relieve road traffic and reduce CO2 emissions.
  • IMRO Maschinenbau: The company uses state-of-the-art technologies such as 3D planning and simulation to optimize plant processes and deliver quick results to its customers.

These examples show that companies can be successful through innovation, customer focus, digitalization and sustainability. They offer valuable suggestions for other companies in the industry.

Successful companies in mechanical engineering

There are a number of mechanical engineering companies that are successful despite the difficult conditions.

More about it here:

  • Successful mechanical engineering companies in Germany include Bosch, CLAAS, Dürr, Exyte, Festo, Krones, Voith, Zeiss and others

These companies are characterized by various factors, such as innovation, customer focus, digitalization and sustainability. They have recognized the challenges facing the industry and have successfully developed strategies to overcome them. For example, they invest in research and development to bring new technologies onto the market and use the opportunities of digitalization to optimize their processes and develop new business models.

In a global comparison, 33 percent of global mechanical engineering sales come from China, 32 percent from Europe, 18 percent from Asia (excluding China) and 14 percent from North America.

Measures to improve mood

In order to sustainably improve the mood in mechanical engineering, coordinated action by companies, employees and politicians is required. The most important measures are:

Pursue

  • Drive innovation: Companies should invest more in research and development and bring new technologies and products to market.
  • Use digitalization: Digitalization offers opportunities to increase efficiency and develop new business models.
  • Promote sustainability: Sustainable production processes and products strengthen competitiveness.
  • Securing skilled workers: Companies should invest in the training and further education of their employees and create attractive working conditions.
  • Promote internationalization: Opening up new markets, such as Turkey, can help reduce dependence on individual regions.

workers

  • Show flexibility: Employees should be prepared to adapt to new requirements and continue their training.
  • Involve collective bargaining partners: The collective bargaining partners should be moderate when it comes to wage and salary developments.

politics

  • Improve framework conditions: Politics must improve the economic and political framework conditions for investments and innovations. These include a competitive tax system, modern infrastructure and a more flexible labor market.
  • Reduce bureaucracy: Reducing bureaucracy relieves the burden on companies.
  • Modernize infrastructure: Investments in infrastructure strengthen Germany as a business location.
  • Reduce taxes: Lower corporate taxes and tax incentives for investments improve competitiveness.
  • Establish funding programs: Targeted funding programs can support innovation and digitalization.

Suitable for:

  • What is the reason for the current success of some companies in mechanical engineering despite the economic crisis in Germany?

The mood in German mechanical engineering is currently clouded

The industry is facing major challenges, such as the global economic downturn, rising energy costs, increasing competitive pressure and the shortage of skilled workers. At the same time, trends such as Industry 4.0 and sustainability offer opportunities for the future.

In order to improve the mood and ensure competitiveness, companies, employees and politicians must pull together. Companies must drive innovation, use digitalization and promote sustainability. Employees should react flexibly to new requirements and continue their training. Politics must improve the framework conditions for investments and innovations, reduce bureaucracy and invest in infrastructure.

Only through a joint approach can German mechanical engineering emerge from the crisis stronger and maintain its position as one of the leading industrial sectors worldwide.

 

Our recommendation: 🌍 Limitless reach 🔗 Networked 🌐 Multilingual 💪 Strong sales: 💡 Authentic with strategy 🚀 Innovation meets 🧠 Intuition

From local to global: SMEs conquer the global market with clever strategies

From local to global: SMEs conquer the global market with clever strategies - Image: Xpert.Digital

At a time when a company's digital presence determines its success, the challenge is how to make this presence authentic, individual and far-reaching. Xpert.Digital offers an innovative solution that positions itself as an intersection between an industry hub, a blog and a brand ambassador. It combines the advantages of communication and sales channels in a single platform and enables publication in 18 different languages. The cooperation with partner portals and the possibility of publishing articles on Google News and a press distribution list with around 8,000 journalists and readers maximize the reach and visibility of the content. This represents an essential factor in external sales & marketing (SMarketing).

More about it here:

  • Authentic. Individually. Global: The Xpert.Digital strategy for your company

 

We are there for you - advice - planning - implementation - project management

☑️ SME support in strategy, consulting, planning and implementation

☑️ Creation or realignment of the digital strategy and digitalization

☑️ Expansion and optimization of international sales processes

☑️ Global & Digital B2B trading platforms

☑️ Pioneer Business Development

 

Digital Pioneer - Konrad Wolfenstein

Konrad Wolfenstein

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

You can contact me by filling out the contact form below or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) .

I'm looking forward to our joint project.

 

 

Write to me

Write to me - Konrad Wolfenstein / Xpert.Digital

Konrad Wolfenstein / Xpert.Digital - Brand Ambassador & Industry Influencer (II) - Video call with Microsoft Teams➡️ Video call request 👩👱
 
Xpert.Digital - Konrad Wolfenstein

Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry with a focus on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.

With our 360° business development solution, we support well-known companies from new business to after sales.

Market intelligence, smarketing, marketing automation, content development, PR, mail campaigns, personalized social media and lead nurturing are part of our digital tools.

You can find out more at: www.xpert.digital - www.xpert.solar - www.xpert.plus

Keep in touch

Infomail/Newsletter: Stay in touch with Konrad Wolfenstein / Xpert.Digital

other topics

  • Crafts are the essential element of our entire economy: bureaucracy and a lack of skilled workers hinder development
    Crafts are the essential element of our entire economy: bureaucracy and a lack of skilled workers hinder development...
  • Mechanical engineering in Germany - Image: Ase|Shutterstock.com
    Mechanical engineering in Germany - statistics and facts...
  • Mechanical engineering: Global trade conflicts as challenges for measures and new strategies
    Mechanical engineering: Global trade conflicts as challenges for measures and new strategies...
  • Successful mechanical engineering companies in Germany include Bosch, CLAAS, Dürr, Exyte, Festo, Krones, Voith, Zeiss and others
    Successful mechanical engineering companies in Germany include Bosch, CLAAS, Dürr, Exyte, Festo, Krones, Voith, Zeiss and others...
  • What is the reason for the current success of some companies in mechanical engineering despite the economic crisis in Germany?
    What is the reason for the current success of some companies in mechanical engineering despite the economic crisis in Germany?...
  • Between the USA and China - the future of exports in German mechanical engineering
    Between the USA and China - the future of exports in German mechanical engineering...
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Innovations You Need to Know: Trends and Technologies for 2025
    Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Innovations You Need to Know: Trends and Technologies for 2025...
  • IoT, AI, industry and mechanical engineering: the vision of Industry 4.0, which was developed in Germany, is well received worldwide
    IoT, AI, industry and mechanical engineering: The vision of Industry 4.0, which was developed in Germany, is well received worldwide...
  • Economic security is a crucial factor for investments in mechanical engineering
    Uncertainty when investing in mechanical engineering? What role does digital transformation play in investment security?...
Blog/Portal/Hub: Smart & Intelligent B2B - Industry 4.0 -️ Mechanical engineering, construction industry, logistics, intralogistics - Manufacturing industry - Smart Factory -️ Smart Industry - Smart Grid - Smart PlantContact - Questions - Help - Konrad Wolfenstein / Xpert.DigitalIndustrial Metaverse online configuratorOnline solar port planner - solar carport configuratorOnline solar system roof & area plannerUrbanization, logistics, photovoltaics and 3D visualizations Infotainment / PR / Marketing / Media 
  • Material Handling - Storage Optimization - Consulting - With Konrad Wolfenstein / Xpert.DigitalSolar/photovoltaics - planning advice - installation - with Konrad Wolfenstein / Xpert.Digital
  • Connect with me:

    LinkedIn Contact - Konrad Wolfenstein / Xpert.DigitalXing Contact - Konrad Wolfenstein / Xpert.Digital
  • CATEGORIES

    • Logistics/intralogistics
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI blog, hotspot and content hub
    • Renewable energy
    • Heating systems of the future - Carbon Heat System (carbon fiber heaters) - Infrared heaters - Heat pumps
    • Smart & Intelligent B2B / Industry 4.0 (including mechanical engineering, construction industry, logistics, intralogistics) – manufacturing industry
    • Smart City & Intelligent Cities, Hubs & Columbarium – Urbanization Solutions – City Logistics Consulting and Planning
    • Sensors and measurement technology – industrial sensors – smart & intelligent – ​​autonomous & automation systems
    • Augmented & Extended Reality – Metaverse planning office / agency
    • Digital hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups – information, tips, support & advice
    • Agri-photovoltaics (agricultural PV) consulting, planning and implementation (construction, installation & assembly)
    • Covered solar parking spaces: solar carport – solar carports – solar carports
    • Energy-efficient renovation and new construction – energy efficiency
    • Power storage, battery storage and energy storage
    • Blockchain technology
    • Sales/Marketing Blog
    • AIS Artificial Intelligence Search / KIS – AI search / NEO SEO = NSEO (Next-gen Search Engine Optimization)
    • Digital intelligence
    • Digital transformation
    • E-commerce
    • Finance / Blog / Topics
    • Internet of Things
    • Robotics/Robotics
    • China
    • Military
    • Trends
    • In practice
    • vision
    • Cyber ​​Crime/Data Protection
    • Social media
    • eSports
    • Wind power / wind energy
    • Innovation & strategy planning, consulting, implementation for artificial intelligence / photovoltaics / logistics / digitalization / finance
    • Cold Chain Logistics (fresh logistics/refrigerated logistics)
    • Solar in Ulm, around Neu-Ulm and around Biberach Photovoltaic solar systems – advice – planning – installation
    • Franconia / Franconian Switzerland – solar/photovoltaic solar systems – advice – planning – installation
    • Berlin and the surrounding area of ​​Berlin – solar/photovoltaic solar systems – consulting – planning – installation
    • Augsburg and the surrounding area of ​​Augsburg – solar/photovoltaic solar systems – advice – planning – installation
    • Expert advice & insider knowledge
    • Press – Xpert press work | Advice and offer
  • Further articles of successful companies in mechanical engineering in Germany are Bosch, Claas, Dürr, Exyte, Festo, Krones, Voith, Zeiss and others
  • New article sensors and measurement technology: How will the GS1 Datamatrix code change the industry for sensor technology?
  • Xpert.Digital overview
  • Xpert.Digital SEO
Contact/Info
  • Contact – Pioneer Business Development Expert & Expertise
  • contact form
  • imprint
  • Data protection
  • Conditions
  • e.Xpert Infotainment
  • Infomail
  • Solar system configurator (all variants)
  • Industrial (B2B/Business) Metaverse configurator
Menu/Categories
  • Logistics/intralogistics
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI blog, hotspot and content hub
  • Renewable energy
  • Heating systems of the future - Carbon Heat System (carbon fiber heaters) - Infrared heaters - Heat pumps
  • Smart & Intelligent B2B / Industry 4.0 (including mechanical engineering, construction industry, logistics, intralogistics) – manufacturing industry
  • Smart City & Intelligent Cities, Hubs & Columbarium – Urbanization Solutions – City Logistics Consulting and Planning
  • Sensors and measurement technology – industrial sensors – smart & intelligent – ​​autonomous & automation systems
  • Augmented & Extended Reality – Metaverse planning office / agency
  • Digital hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups – information, tips, support & advice
  • Agri-photovoltaics (agricultural PV) consulting, planning and implementation (construction, installation & assembly)
  • Covered solar parking spaces: solar carport – solar carports – solar carports
  • Energy-efficient renovation and new construction – energy efficiency
  • Power storage, battery storage and energy storage
  • Blockchain technology
  • Sales/Marketing Blog
  • AIS Artificial Intelligence Search / KIS – AI search / NEO SEO = NSEO (Next-gen Search Engine Optimization)
  • Digital intelligence
  • Digital transformation
  • E-commerce
  • Finance / Blog / Topics
  • Internet of Things
  • Robotics/Robotics
  • China
  • Military
  • Trends
  • In practice
  • vision
  • Cyber ​​Crime/Data Protection
  • Social media
  • eSports
  • glossary
  • Healthy eating
  • Wind power / wind energy
  • Innovation & strategy planning, consulting, implementation for artificial intelligence / photovoltaics / logistics / digitalization / finance
  • Cold Chain Logistics (fresh logistics/refrigerated logistics)
  • Solar in Ulm, around Neu-Ulm and around Biberach Photovoltaic solar systems – advice – planning – installation
  • Franconia / Franconian Switzerland – solar/photovoltaic solar systems – advice – planning – installation
  • Berlin and the surrounding area of ​​Berlin – solar/photovoltaic solar systems – consulting – planning – installation
  • Augsburg and the surrounding area of ​​Augsburg – solar/photovoltaic solar systems – advice – planning – installation
  • Expert advice & insider knowledge
  • Press – Xpert press work | Advice and offer
  • XPaper
  • XSec
  • Protected area
  • Pre-release
  • English version for LinkedIn

© May 2025 Xpert.digital / Xpert.Plus - Konrad Wolfenstein - Business Development