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

Mechanical engineering is one of the most important industries in Germany and contributes significantly to the country's economic strength. Numerous companies have made a name for themselves in this sector and are known worldwide for their innovative products and technologies. In this report, some of the most successful companies in German mechanical engineering are presented and analyzed.

Suitable for:

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

Siemens Energy

Siemens Energy is a global energy technology company with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. The company was created in 2020 through the spin-off of the former Gas and Power division from Siemens. The company is committed to energizing society and supporting the transition to more sustainable energy sources. Siemens Energy offers a broad portfolio of products and services for energy generation, transmission and distribution, including gas turbines, generators, transformers and digital solutions. An example of Siemens Energy's innovative strength is the development of a highly efficient gas-fired power plant for Duke Energy that supports the use of renewable energy. In addition to products, Siemens Energy also offers services such as gas turbine upgrades, transformer services and digital transmission. Through the Customer Energy Portal, Siemens Energy customers can access exclusive documents and resources relevant to their systems.

An important aspect of Siemens Energy’s sustainability strategy is the “Energy Transition Actions”. These include, among other things, the development and provision of technologies for the decarbonization of energy production, such as: B. Hydrogen solutions and low-CO2 power plants. Siemens Energy is actively committed to the energy transition and supports its customers in achieving their climate goals.

Siemens Energy's business model is based on providing integrated energy solutions tailored to customers' individual needs. The company invests around 1 billion euros annually in research and development to develop innovative and sustainable energy solutions. An important aspect of the business model is close cooperation with partners in order to jointly advance the energy transition.

Siemens Energy has established itself as one of the leading providers in the energy technology sector. The company has a global presence and achieved order intake of 50.2 billion euros in the 2024 financial year. The high order backlog of 123 billion euros forms a solid basis for future growth. Siemens Energy's main competitors include General Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and ABB.

• Siemens Energy plays a critical role in supporting the energy transition through its innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

Siemens

Siemens is a global technology group active in the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. The company was founded in 1847 and is headquartered in Munich. Siemens offers a broad portfolio of products and services for various industries, including industrial, energy, healthcare and infrastructure. The services offered include building services, which help to improve building operations through the use of building data.

Siemens is also committed to social entrepreneurship and contributes to sustainable development, particularly in the areas of water and hygiene, sustainable energy and e-mobility. By working with social enterprises in the global south, Siemens supports the improvement of basic services and promotes social and economic participation.

Siemens' business model is based on the development and provision of innovative technologies that increase customer productivity and efficiency. An example of this is the development of intelligent buildings that optimize energy consumption and increase user comfort. Siemens relies on a global network of partners and customers to jointly develop and implement innovative solutions.

Siemens is one of the leading technology companies worldwide. In the 2022 financial year, the company achieved sales of 2.2 billion Swiss francs in Switzerland. Siemens' main competitors include General Electric, ABB and Schneider Electric.

• Siemens uses digitalization to expand its products and services, such as: B. smart buildings, to improve efficiency and customer experience.

KION Group

The KION Group is a leading global provider of forklifts, warehouse technology and supply chain solutions. The company was created in 2006 through the takeover of Linde Material Handling by the KION Group. The KION Group offers a broad portfolio of products and services for intralogistics, including electric, diesel and fuel cell forklifts, warehouse technology equipment, automation systems and fleet management solutions. The product portfolio also includes driverless transport systems (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMR), which contribute to more efficient and flexible intralogistics.

The KION Group attaches great importance to sustainability and has set itself the goal of minimizing the environmental impact of its products and processes. The company relies on energy-efficient technologies, low-emission vehicles and environmentally friendly production processes.

The KION Group's business model is based on the provision of integrated intralogistics solutions that are tailored to the individual needs of customers. The company relies on a global network of production facilities and sales partners in order to be able to offer its products and services worldwide. An important aspect of the business model is the digitalization of intralogistics in order to increase the efficiency and transparency of the processes.

The KION Group is one of the leading providers in the field of intralogistics. In the 2021 financial year, the company generated sales of around 10.3 billion euros. The KION Group's most important competitors include Toyota Industries, Jungheinrich and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling.

• The KION Group is a global market leader in intralogistics and offers a wide range of solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

Bosch (Industrial Technology)

Bosch is a leading global technology and services company with a broad portfolio of products and solutions for various industries. Bosch's Industrial Technology division offers innovative solutions for industry and trade, including drive and control technology, energy and building technology, security solutions and industrial software solutions. The products on offer also include innovative and high-quality power tools that ensure professional results in all areas of the trade. Bosch attaches particular importance to the development of cordless tools with a long service life, high performance and long running time.

Bosch's history in industrial technology dates back to the company's beginnings. Robert Bosch placed emphasis on improving devices and processes early on, which is still reflected in the company's innovative solutions today.

Bosch Industrial Technology's business model is based on the development and provision of technologies that increase productivity, efficiency and sustainability in industry and trade. An example of this is the development of intelligent factories that optimize production processes and increase flexibility. Bosch relies on a global network of production sites and development centers to be able to offer its products and solutions worldwide.

Bosch Industrial Technology is one of the leading providers in the field of industrial automation and energy and building technology. In 2023, the division generated sales of 7 billion euros. Bosch Industrial Technology's most important competitors include Siemens, ABB and Rockwell Automation.

• Bosch Industrial Technology drives innovation in industrial automation and energy solutions through its focus on Industry 4.0 and smart factories.

Exyte

Exyte is a global leader in the design, construction and delivery of high-tech equipment for the semiconductor, life sciences, chemicals and data center industries. The company was created in 2018 by renaming the M+W Group. Exyte offers a wide portfolio of services, from consulting and planning to the turnkey handover of complex production systems.

The Exyte Group also includes specialized technology and service companies that are leaders in their respective markets. These include Exyte Technology & Services, which specializes in the planning and construction of clean rooms and other high-tech facilities, as well as Exyte Central Europe, which focuses on building production facilities for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Exyte is committed to diversity and inclusion and values ​​the unique perspectives, experiences and contributions of each team member. The company promotes a work environment in which all employees feel valued and respected.

Exyte's business model is based on providing integrated solutions for the high-tech industry, tailored to the individual needs of customers. The company relies on a global network of offices and expert teams to offer its services worldwide. An important aspect of the business model is continuous innovation and the development of new technologies in order to always be able to offer customers the best possible solutions.

Exyte is one of the leading providers in the field of high-tech plant planning and construction. In 2022, the company achieved record sales of 7.4 billion euros. Exyte's main competitors include Fluor, Bechtel and Jacobs Engineering Group.

• Exyte is a major player in the high-tech industry and provides essential services for the construction of advanced facilities.

Nordex

Nordex is a world-leading manufacturer of wind turbines for the onshore market. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Hamburg. Nordex offers a wide portfolio of wind turbines with different power ratings and rotor diameters that are suitable for different wind conditions and locations. One of the best-known systems is the N149/4.0-4.5, one of the first turbines in the 4+ MW class.

Nordex has production facilities in Germany, Spain, Brazil, the USA and India, where nacelles, rotor blades and concrete towers are manufactured. This global presence allows the company to deliver its products and services to customers around the world.

Nordex's business model is based on the development, production and sale of highly efficient wind turbines that enable economical electricity generation from wind energy. The company relies on a global network of production sites, sales partners and service centers to be able to offer its products and services worldwide. An important aspect of the business model is sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of the wind turbines.

Nordex is one of the leading providers in the field of wind turbines. In 2022, the company delivered almost a third of the newly connected onshore wind power in Germany. Nordex's main competitors include Vestas, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and GE Renewable Energy.

• Nordex is committed to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of wind energy.

CLAAS

CLAAS is a leading international agricultural technology manufacturer with headquarters in Harsewinkel, North Rhine-Westphalia. The company was founded in 1913 and is known for its combine harvesters, tractors, forage harvesters and agricultural presses. CLAAS offers a broad portfolio of agricultural machinery for various areas of application and company sizes. In addition to selling agricultural machinery, CLAAS also offers services such as maintenance and technical training.

CLAAS relies on alternative fuels and electric drive systems for agricultural machinery to reduce CO2 emissions in agriculture and contribute to more sustainable agriculture.

CLAAS' business model is based on the development, production and sale of innovative and reliable agricultural machinery that increases efficiency and productivity in agriculture. The company relies on a global network of production sites, sales partners and service centers to be able to offer its products and services worldwide. An important aspect of the business model is the digitalization of agriculture and the development of intelligent agricultural machinery that increases precision and sustainability in agriculture.

CLAAS is one of the leading agricultural technology manufacturers worldwide. In the 2022 financial year, the company achieved sales of 4.9 billion euros. CLAAS's most important competitors include John Deere, CNH Industrial and AGCO.

• CLAAS is a leading innovator in agricultural technology, developing intelligent machines and digital solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.

ZEISS

ZEISS is a world-leading technology company in the optical and optoelectronic industry with headquarters in Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded in 1846 and is known for its microscopes, optical measuring instruments, medical devices and eyeglass lenses. ZEISS offers a broad portfolio of products and solutions for various industries, including industrial, research, medical and consumer goods. The product portfolio also includes electron and ion beam microscopes, which play an important role in research and development.

ZEISS is committed to developing lenses for special needs, such as: B. driving a car. The ZEISS DriveSafe lenses were developed to offer glasses wearers the highest level of safety and comfort while driving.

ZEISS's business model is based on the development and provision of innovative optical and optoelectronic technologies that improve precision, efficiency and quality in various application areas. One example of this is the development of surgical microscopes, which enable minimally invasive procedures and increase patient safety. ZEISS relies on a global network of production sites, sales partners and service centers to be able to offer its products and solutions worldwide.

ZEISS is one of the leading companies in the optical and optoelectronic industry. In the 2022/23 financial year, the company achieved sales of 8.8 billion euros. ZEISS's most important competitors include Nikon, Olympus and Leica.

• ZEISS is a pioneer in the optical and optoelectronic industries with a long history of innovation and technological advancement.

Jungheinrich

Jungheinrich is a leading global provider of intralogistics solutions with headquarters in Hamburg. The company was founded in 1953 and is known for its forklifts, warehouse equipment, automation systems and software solutions. Jungheinrich offers a broad portfolio of products and services for intralogistics, including electric, diesel and fuel cell forklifts, warehouse technology equipment, automation systems and fleet management solutions.

Jungheinrich attaches great importance to the safety of its products and has therefore integrated various safety functions into its performance series vertical order pickers. These include, among other things, the PSS personal and collision protection system, assistance systems to support the driver and an individual access system to protect against unauthorized access.

Jungheinrich is committed to responsible sourcing in its supply chain and works with the sustainability platform “Integrity Next” to increase transparency. Suppliers are asked about ecological, economic and social issues via this platform.

Jungheinrich's business model is based on the provision of integrated intralogistics solutions that are tailored to the individual needs of customers. The company relies on a global network of production facilities and sales partners in order to be able to offer its products and services worldwide. An important aspect of the business model is the digitalization of intralogistics in order to increase the efficiency and transparency of the processes.

Jungheinrich is one of the leading providers in the field of intralogistics. In the 2023 financial year, the company generated sales of 5.5 billion euros. Jungheinrich's most important competitors include Toyota Industries, KION Group and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling.

• Jungheinrich is an important player in the intralogistics market and offers a comprehensive range of solutions for various industries and applications.

Voith

Voith is a global technology group headquartered in Heidenheim an der Brenz, Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded in 1867 and operates in the areas of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Voith offers a broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, including hydroelectric power plants, paper machines, drive technology and automation systems. Voith's products and services in the hydropower sector include generators, turbines, pumps, electrical and mechanical power plant equipment, automation systems as well as spare parts and maintenance services.

Voith relies on digitalization and develops digital applications for its products and services. These digital solutions enable more efficient and flexible control of systems and processes.

Voith's business model is based on the development and provision of innovative technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability and reliability in various application areas. An example of this is the development of hydroelectric power plants that generate renewable energy and help reduce CO2 emissions. Voith relies on a global network of production sites, sales partners and service centers in order to be able to offer its products and solutions worldwide.

Voith is one of the leading companies in mechanical engineering and plant engineering. In the 2023/24 financial year, the company achieved sales of 5.7 billion euros. Voith's main competitors include Andritz, Sulzer and GE Renewable Energy.

• Voith is a global technology leader with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation across various sectors, including energy and paper.

GEA Group

The GEA Group is a leading global system provider for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries with headquarters in Düsseldorf. The company was founded in 1881 and offers a broad portfolio of machines, systems, process technology, components and services. GEA develops sustainable solutions for production processes in various industries to improve efficiency and sustainability. GEA is committed to sustainability and social responsibility and promotes the highest environmental and social standards at its own locations and in purchasing.

GEA is committed to becoming a leading global systems integration provider. The company focuses on developing and providing integrated system solutions that optimize customers' production processes.

GEA Group's business model is based on providing integrated solutions for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, tailored to the individual needs of customers. The company relies on a global network of production facilities and sales partners in order to be able to offer its products and services worldwide. An important aspect of the business model is the development of innovative technologies that make customers' production processes more efficient and sustainable.

The GEA Group is one of the leading providers in special machine and plant engineering. In the 2023 financial year, the company generated sales of 5.4 billion euros. GEA Group's main competitors include Tetra Laval, Alfa Laval and SPX Flow.

• The GEA Group is a key player in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries and offers sustainable solutions for demanding production processes.

TRUMP

TRUMPF is a world-leading technology company in the field of machine tools and laser technology with headquarters in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded in 1923 and offers a broad portfolio of products and services for the sheet metal processing, laser technology and electronics industries. TRUMPF develops innovative solutions for manufacturing to increase productivity and efficiency. Lasers offered include marking lasers, pulsed lasers and CO2 lasers.

TRUMPF attaches great importance to the development and training of its employees and offers various programs to promote further professional development.

TRUMPF's business model is based on the development and provision of innovative technologies that optimize customers' manufacturing processes and improve the quality of products. An example of this is the development of laser cutting systems that enable precise and efficient cuts in various materials. TRUMPF relies on a global network of production sites and sales partners in order to be able to offer its products and solutions worldwide.

TRUMPF is one of the leading providers in the field of machine tools and laser technology. In the 2023/24 financial year, the company generated sales of 5.1 billion euros. TRUMPF's most important competitors include Bystronic, Amada and Salvagnini.

• TRUMPF is a market and technology leader in sheet metal processing and laser technology and drives innovation in manufacturing processes.

Thyssenkrupp

Thyssenkrupp is a diversified industrial group headquartered in Essen. The company was created in 1999 through the merger of Thyssen and Krupp and is active in various industries, including steel, materials trading, plant engineering and the automotive supply industry. Thyssenkrupp offers a broad portfolio of products and services, including steel products, materials, systems and components for various industries.

Thyssenkrupp is focusing on streamlining processing processes and expanding stainless steel production. These measures help to improve the company's efficiency and competitiveness.

Thyssenkrupp's business model is based on providing high-quality products and services to various industries to improve efficiency and sustainability. An example of this is the development of green steel technologies that reduce CO2 emissions in steel production. Thyssenkrupp relies on a global network of production sites and sales partners in order to be able to offer its products and solutions worldwide.

Thyssenkrupp is one of the leading companies in steel and materials trading as well as in plant engineering. In the 2023/24 financial year, the company generated sales of 35 billion euros. Thyssenkrupp's most important competitors include ArcelorMittal, Salzgitter AG and voestalpine.

• Thyssenkrupp is a diversified industrial group with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation across various sectors, including steel and materials services.

Krones

Krones is a world-leading manufacturer of systems and machines for the beverage and food industry with headquarters in Neutraubling, Bavaria. The company was founded in 1951 and offers a broad portfolio of products and services, including filling systems, labeling machines, inspection technology, process technology and intralogistics solutions. Krones develops innovative solutions for the production, filling and packaging of beverages and food to increase efficiency and sustainability. Krones' innovations include solutions for environmental protection and resource efficiency.

Krones focuses on developing solutions for the circular economy and is committed to recycling and reusing packaging materials.

Krones' business model is based on providing integrated solutions for the beverage and food industries that are tailored to the individual needs of customers. The company relies on a global network of production facilities and sales partners in order to be able to offer its products and services worldwide. An important aspect of the business model is the development of innovative technologies that optimize customers' production processes and improve the quality of the products.

Krones is one of the leading providers in the field of filling and packaging technology as well as process technology for the beverage and food industry. In the 2023 financial year, the company generated sales of 4.7 billion euros. Krones' main competitors include KHS, Sidel and Tetra Pak.

• Krones is the market leader in filling and packaging technology and offers a wide range of solutions for the beverage and food industries.

Skinny

Dürr is a world-leading mechanical and plant manufacturer with headquarters in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded in 1896 and offers a broad portfolio of products and services for the automotive industry, environmental technology and woodworking machine construction. Dürr develops innovative solutions for production to increase efficiency, sustainability and digitalization.

Dürr focuses on developing new technologies and business models to meet the challenges of the future. The company invests in research and development to develop innovative solutions for digital transformation and automation of production processes.

Dürr is committed to promoting science, research and education in the field of agricultural technology. The Dürr Foundation supports projects and initiatives that help improve training and knowledge transfer in this area.

Dürr's business model is based on providing integrated solutions for the automotive industry, environmental technology and woodworking machine construction that are tailored to the individual needs of customers. The company relies on a global network of production facilities and sales partners in order to be able to offer its products and services worldwide. An important aspect of the business model is the development of innovative technologies that optimize customers' production processes and improve the quality of the products.

Dürr is one of the leading providers in the areas of painting systems, application technology and environmental technology. In the 2023 financial year, the company generated sales of 4.3 billion euros. Dürr's most important competitors include Eisenmann, Geico and CMA Robotics.

• Dürr is a leading global mechanical and plant engineering company with a strong focus on automation and digitalization.

Schaeffler Group

The Schaeffler Group is a successful company in German mechanical engineering. With a wide product range and global presence, Schaeffler maintains a strong market position in the automotive and industrial supply industries. Particularly noteworthy is the company's innovative strength, which is reflected in the six product and two production innovation clusters. The focus on future technologies such as e-mobility and hydrogen technology positions Schaeffler advantageously in the changing automotive market. The planned merger with Vitesco Technologies also promises to further strengthen Schaeffler's market position in the field of electromobility.

Despite these strengths, Schaeffler is faced with challenges. The dependence on the automotive industry, the high price pressure in the market and the rapid technological change require continuous adaptability and strategic foresight. To ensure future success, Schaeffler must further expand its innovative strength, exploit the opportunities offered by digitalization and strategically expand its global presence. At the same time, it is important to minimize the risks caused by economic fluctuations and increasing competition, particularly from Asia.

• Schaeffler can further expand its growth potential by expanding into new markets and regions.

Suitable for:

• Safety-relevant components in mechanical engineering: Schaeffler rolling bearings with digital twin and GS1 DataMatix for optimized maintenance and reliability

Festo

Festo is a leading global provider of automation technology and technical education solutions with headquarters in Esslingen am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded in 1925 and offers a broad portfolio of products and services, including pneumatic and electric drive technology, valve technology, sensors, controls and learning systems. Festo develops innovative solutions for automation technology to increase efficiency, flexibility and productivity in various industries.

Festo Didactic offers a wide range of learning solutions, including solutions for factory automation and Industry 4.0. These learning solutions support the training and further education of specialists in automation technology and contribute to the development of skills in the area of ​​digital transformation. Festo Didactic is a leading provider of technical education solutions and offers its services worldwide.

Festo is an independent family company and attaches great importance to long-term and responsible thinking and actions. The company stands for clear values, the highest quality and customer-oriented innovations. In the 2023 financial year, the Festo Group achieved sales of 3.65 billion euros and has a presence worldwide with around 20,600 employees at 250 locations. The company invests over 7% of sales annually in research and development.

• Festo is a leading global provider of automation technology and technical education solutions with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.

VW (Power Engineering)

Volkswagen is a leading global automobile manufacturer with headquarters in Wolfsburg. Volkswagen's Power Engineering division offers energy solutions for various applications, including marine propulsion, power generation and industrial applications. Volkswagen Power Engineering develops and produces engines and propulsion systems for ships, including cargo ships, cruise ships and ferries. The company also offers energy solutions for decentralized energy generation, including combined heat and power plants and emergency power systems.

Volkswagen Power Engineering focuses on sustainability and has set itself the goal of reducing the CO2 emissions of its products and processes. The company invests in the development of low-emission technologies such as: B. Fuel cells and electric motors to minimize environmental impact.

Volkswagen Power Engineering's business model is based on the development and provision of efficient and reliable energy solutions that are tailored to the individual needs of customers. The company relies on a global network of production facilities and sales partners in order to be able to offer its products and services worldwide.

Volkswagen Power Engineering is one of the leading providers in the field of ship propulsion and decentralized energy generation. In the 2023 financial year, the division generated sales of X billion euros. Volkswagen Power Engineering's main competitors include MAN Energy Solutions, Wärtsilä and Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

• Volkswagen Power Engineering is an important player in the field of energy solutions and relies on sustainability and innovation to master the challenges of the future.

Kuka

Kuka is a world-leading manufacturer of industrial robots with headquarters in Augsburg. The company was founded in 1898 and offers a wide portfolio of robots for various applications including welding, painting, assembly and handling. Kuka develops innovative solutions for automation technology to increase efficiency, flexibility and productivity in various industries.

Kuka attaches great importance to developing user-friendly robots that are easy to program and operate. The company also offers software solutions and services to facilitate the integration of robots into production processes.

Kuka's business model is based on the development and provision of innovative robot solutions that are tailored to the individual needs of customers. The company relies on a global network of production facilities and sales partners in order to be able to offer its products and services worldwide.

Kuka is one of the leading providers in the field of industrial robotics. In the 2023 financial year, the company generated sales of X billion euros. Kuka's main competitors include Fanuc, ABB and Yaskawa.

• Key Takeaways: Kuka is a pioneer in robotics, leveraging innovation and usability to drive automation across various industries.

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