Politics & Associations

The order intake in mechanical engineering has once again declined in February, and the mood of the companies is deteriorating. However, hope for a timid economic recovery remains.

The start of the year was disappointing, with mechanical engineering recording a 6 percent decrease in orders in January. The war in the Gulf region brings new uncertainty and burdens.

During the New Year's reception of the Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences on January 21, 2026, the VDWF Promotion Prize for outstanding theses was awarded. Dominik Leuwer and Frank Eberhardt were honored for their master's theses.

On January 27 and 28, 2026, around 30 members of the FDWF gathered at AHP Merkle in Gottenheim to reflect on current research activities and to set impulses for future projects.

The mechanical engineering industry in Germany ended the year 2025 with zero growth in the order books. Overall, the mood in the sector has recently brightened slightly.

Orders in US Manufacturing Technology reach record high in December 2025

Statement by Riccardo Rosa, President of UCIMU–SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, on the situation of the machine tool industry in Italy in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Statement from the Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers (VDW) on the situation of the German machine tool industry. Franz-Xaver Bernhard, the chairman of the VDW, speaks of technological leadership, economic policy reforms with speed and clear priorities.

Statement by VDMA President Bertram Kawlath on the tariff threat from US President Trump

After an exceptionally good November 2025, orders in 11 months exceeded the figures from 2024