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.

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 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

NRW State Secretary Paul Höller visited the headquarters in Bocholt and spoke with Flender CEO Andreas Evertz after a factory tour of parts manufacturing and hardening about the prospects for the machinery and plant engineering sector in the defense industry.

The order intake in mechanical engineering has increased by a real 4 percent in October compared to the previous year. The increase is encouraging but only signifies a consolidation at a low level.

The mechanical engineering companies in Germany recorded a significant decline in their order books in September. This also results in a slight order decrease for the first nine months of 2025.