At VDMA member companies in OWL, Minister Mona Neubaur gained insights into the innovative strength of the machinery manufacturing sector and discussed key industrial policy issues.
At the invitation of the VDMA NRW Executive Board, Mona Neubaur, Minister of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, visited several VDMA member companies in East Westphalia-Lippe (OWL). Stops on the summer tour included MIT Moderne Industrietechnik GmbH & Co. KG, GSR Ventiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG, and BOGE Compressors Germany.
The company visits impressively demonstrated the diversity, innovative strength, and performance capabilities of North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector. As a key industry for numerous high-tech applications, it makes a significant contribution to the competitiveness of Germany and Europe.
During the on-site discussions, it became clear that the machinery and plant engineering sector can rely on strong regional networks, a high level of technological expertise, and a strong entrepreneurial drive. At the same time, the minister, elected officials from OWL, and company representatives used the opportunity to speak openly about challenges and necessary improvements to the economic policy framework. The focus was on issues of competitiveness as well as securing investment and innovation.
OWL exemplifies the industrial potential of North Rhine-Westphalia. To translate this potential into even greater growth and value creation in the future, the right industrial policy decisions must now be made at the state, federal, and EU levels.
The VDMA NRW would like to thank the teams led by Hans-Dieter Tenhaef (MIT), Jens Fuhrmann (GSR), and Björn Six and Sebastian Göbel (BOGE) for their hospitality, the fascinating insights into production, and their commitment to North Rhine-Westphalia as an industrial hub and to the VDMA. Special thanks also go to the representatives from the city, district, and state, as well as to Minister Mona Neubaur, for their keen interest and constructive dialogue.