Mechanical engineering and production technology are dynamic branches of industry with a high degree of innovation. As a cross-sector industry and technology leader in many areas, they integrate the latest findings into systems and products. They supply almost all sectors of the economy with the necessary production technologies and act as drivers of innovation.
The mechanical and plant engineering sector makes a major contribution to maintaining and expanding the competitiveness and efficiency of its customers and of North Rhine-Westphalia as an industrial location as a whole. It is a driving force and at the same time an enabler for many other branches of industry. It is a key driver of the digitalisation of user industries. The companies in the sector are thus a decisive pioneer for constant progress – especially when it comes to social issues. The focus is particularly on the conservation and efficient use of resources and energy, climate protection, nutrition and environmentally friendly mobility.
With more than 190,000 employees (companies with more than 50 employees) in around 1,600 companies, mechanical engineering in North Rhine-Westphalia is the largest industrial employer in the state and generated a turnover of 47.8 billion euros in 2024. The industry’s typical SME structure stands for a culture of independence and is a symbol of independent, free and creative entrepreneurship in Germany. Around 70 per cent of companies in North Rhine-Westphalia employ fewer than 100 people, 90 per cent fewer than 250. North Rhine-Westphalia is home to large, world-class industrial companies as well as dozens of smaller ‘hidden champions’ that are leaders in their fields of business.
NRW mechanical engineering sets standards worldwide
Every fifth German machine is produced in North Rhine-Westphalia, with drive technology and fittings being among the sectors with the highest production values. North Rhine-Westphalia’s share in the German production of metallurgical and rolling mill equipment, foundry machinery, woodworking machinery and fittings is particularly high.
Its global leadership position, for example in drive technology, coupled with its many years of experience and inventive spirit, make North Rhine-Westphalia an attractive location for new companies and investments in mechanical engineering. It is not only German companies that choose North Rhine-Westphalia as their No. 1 location for global operations. Numerous international companies, particularly from Japan and China, are also investing in North Rhine-Westphalia in order to utilise the strengths and qualities of the location.
Mechanical engineering export sector
The mechanical engineering sector continues to be successful on the world markets. Mechanical engineering is the most export-intensive sector in North Rhine-Westphalia. Around 70 per cent of the machines and systems produced here are exported. In 2024, companies exported machinery and equipment worth 34.0 billion euros, which was lower than in 2023 (35.7 billion euros).
Traditionally, deliveries to the European market are the most important export market, accounting for 54 per cent of total machinery exports from North Rhine-Westphalia, followed by Asia with just under 23 per cent and America with 19 per cent.The most important sales market for mechanical engineering in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2024 was the US market.Exports there amounted to 4.3 billion euros (+1 per cent).
Exports to the People’s Republic of China decreased by 6 per cent last year and amounted to 2.9 billion euros. France followed in third to sixth place with 1.8 billion euros (-5 per cent), the Netherlands with 1.6 billion euros (-4 per cent), Poland with 1.5 billion euros (-13 per cent) and the United Kingdom with 1.3 billion euros (+2 per cent).