Award of the NRW Innovation Prize 2023
The NRW 2023 Innovation Award is presented to courageous, creative individuals whose wealth of ideas, personal commitment and willingness to take risks make a significant contribution to NRW’s innovative strength.
PFAS regulation endangers industrial processes
The EU’s planned blanket ban on around 10,000 PFAS substances would have a negative impact throughout the mechanical and plant engineering sector. The substances must be viewed in a differentiated manner.
Trade fair meets medium-sized business
The cost of having your own trade fair stand is high – especially when it comes to foreign trade fairs. The state of NRW supports small and medium-sized companies to exhibit at a trade fair of their choice.
Call for funding for ecological innovations
Driving transformation across the board: Innovation Program for Business Models and Pioneering Solutions (IGP) launches new funding call for ecological innovations.
Selected topics in corporate environmental protection
Corporate environmental protection encompasses a variety of different aspects – participants helped determine the focus of the event.
University cooperations and other approaches to student retention
To meet the demand for highly qualified specialists at an early stage, some companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector are cooperating with universities – the possibilities are diverse.
NRW initiative “Europe – Experience and Learn
The “Europe – Experience and Learn” initiative of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Youth Parliament in Germany e.V. is designed to help trainees gain EU experience abroad.
Mechanical engineering NRW: order intake remains weak
Order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia in July 2023 fell short of the prior-year figure by 13 percent in real terms.
Change in the board of owl maschinenbau
Stephan Remmert from Löhne becomes new spokesman of the board of the mechanical engineering network owl maschinenbau e.V.
Sickness-related absences also on the rise in the mechanical and plant engineering sector
Sick leave is also on the rise in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. The event took a closer look at the current development and discussed the possibilities of preventive measures.
Study Climate risks – request for support
Mechanical engineering acts as an enabler for climate-friendly technologies and solutions. A survey-based study is to determine statements on the technologies and location risks.
Mechanical engineering NRW: first half-year closes negatively
Order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia in June 2023 fell short of its prior-year result by 1 percent in real terms. Demand from the domestic market was down 7 percent. Incoming orders from abroad rose by 2 percent. The euro area contributed to this result with a drop of… Read More »Mechanical engineering NRW: first half-year closes negatively
QM-Corner NRW – a new format with a successful start
QM-Corner NRW, that means one topic, one hour, online – the compact exchange among experts from the industry, this time on the topic “Sustainability meets Quality Management”. On July 12, 2023, the topic “Sustainability meets quality management” struck a chord with the participants. In many companies, the requirements from the topic area of sustainability are… Read More »QM-Corner NRW – a new format with a successful start
Close the door on the web: tips for companies
The first steps toward greater digital security can be implemented quickly and easily. The “Close the door on the net” campaign provides concrete tips. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia and 15 partner organizations – including VDMA NRW – have launched an information campaign for more digital security in companies. On the website www.tuer-zu-im-netz.nrw, tips and… Read More »Close the door on the web: tips for companies
Successful personnel marketing and use of databases
The shortage of skilled workers is back and is causing production bottlenecks in mechanical and plant engineering. Many companies are asking themselves how to recruit qualified employees and retain them in the long term. Successful and proactive personnel marketing can help attract the best skilled workers and keep them in the company in the long… Read More »Successful personnel marketing and use of databases
Resource efficiency consulting” funding program
The funded resource efficiency consulting program offers companies from industry and the skilled trades support for increasing resource efficiency and the transformation to a circular economy.
Mechanical Engineering NRW: Major domestic orders distort the picture
In May 2023, new orders in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector exceeded its prior-year result by 28 percent in real terms.
CSR reporting in mechanical and plant engineering
The strategic anchoring of sustainability in the company is gaining in importance: Increasing transparency obligations with regard to sustainability will in future also affect medium-sized companies to some extent.
Support program for climate protection contracts launched
Climate protection contracts are intended to initiate climate-friendly production processes in energy-intensive industries and, if necessary, compensate for additional costs.
Four time travels to mechanical engineering service in 2035
Future Services 2035 is the topic and title of the latest future picture of the VDMA Competence Center Future Business. In workshops with companies and the Fraunhofer ISI, four futures were developed and recommendations for action were derived.
Start-up Transfer.NRW
The Start-up Transfer.NRW funding competition supports people from science and research who are interested in setting up a company.
Transport challenge – Logistics and transport news
The time and financial expenditure for the transport of goods is increasing for companies in the mechanical and plant engineering industry. There is a need for optimization.
Current developments of tax-related topics
The event offered participants the opportunity to learn about and exchange information on current developments in tax law.
Hardship assistance SME energy – Non-conducted energy sources
From now on, small and medium-sized enterprises, among others, can also apply for a subsidy in the state program “Hardship Assistance SME Energy” for non-conducted energy sources.
Door Closed on the Net” campaign for more digital security in NRW companies
The event offered participants the opportunity to learn about and exchange information on current developments in tax law.
Coach2Change – Transformation coaching for employees
“Coach2Change” offers individual, workplace-based transformation coaching for employees in small and medium-sized enterprises. It is funded by the state of NRW and the EU.
Support Program Mittelstand Innovativ & Digital (MID)
In order to provide companies in NRW with even more targeted support for digitization and resource efficiency, the Ministry of Economics has adapted and expanded the Mittelstand Innovativ & Digital funding program.
Research building ZESS of the Ruhr-Uni Bochum opens laboratories
ZESS is an inter- and transdisciplinary research facility of the Ruhr-University Bochum that transforms smart product-service systems into suitable methods, technologies and systems for industrial applications.
Mechanical engineering NRW: Orders remain weak in March
In March 2023, order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia fell 10 percent short of its prior-year result.
Disruptions challenge controlling and accounting
Corporate planning is particularly challenging in times of various disruptions. Sustainability reporting and the Ukraine war are having an impact on controlling and accounting.
TTP LB: Promotion of innovative lightweight construction projects
Lightweight construction is one of the central pillars for making a significant contribution to achieving the necessary climate and sustainability goals – while maintaining competitiveness. Lightweight construction is considered a cross-sectional technology due to its versatile fields of application. In order for lightweight solutions from different perspectives to be brought together and further developed, a… Read More »TTP LB: Promotion of innovative lightweight construction projects
NRW mechanical engineering is the driver of the industry of the future
Intelligent solutions for a networked and climate-neutral industry were the focus of Hannover Messe 2023. North Rhine-Westphalia was once again strongly represented at the world’s most important industrial trade fair with 275 exhibitors.
Practical implementation of the calculation of the product carbon footprint
The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is crucial in the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions. The event outlined how VDMA supports companies in PCF calculation.
Mechanical Engineering NRW: February weakens
New orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia in February 2023 fell 10 percent short of the previous year’s figure.
Women for technical professions in mechanical and plant engineering
Technical professions are still strongly male-dominated. In view of the shortage of skilled workers, many companies are asking themselves how more women can be recruited and retained for technical professions. The mechanical and plant engineering sector is increasingly facing the challenge of finding and retaining suitable skilled workers. There is no quick fix for the… Read More »Women for technical professions in mechanical and plant engineering
Mechanical engineering NRW: Weak start to the year
Order intake in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector fell 22 percent short of the previous year’s result in January 2023.
Digital product passport for more sustainability
Europe is to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050: One initiative to achieve this is the digital product passport (DPP) and this is intended to map more transparency on sustainability information. The EU member states have set themselves the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 – the so-called “European Green Deal”. One component… Read More »Digital product passport for more sustainability
Labor law: News from labor market policy and case law
Current labor market policy decisions and rulings on labor law have an impact on operational practice – also in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. Many Corona protection measures have largely been abolished since February 2023. The German government is thus pursuing the goal of restoring more normality to everyday life. This development is also… Read More »Labor law: News from labor market policy and case law
Funding competition “Industry.IN.NRW – Innovative Materials and Intelligent Production
The innovation competition supports the NRW economy and science in closing and more comprehensively mapping the value chain from materials production to processing and utilization.
Hannover Messe 2023: Future solutions from NRW
NRW companies and initiatives showcase innovative solutions for mechanical and plant engineering at the NRW state joint stand.
Research infrastructures.NRW
The funding call is intended to support the transformation process towards a “Green Economy”. It is about increasing the implementation-oriented research and innovation potential in six innovation fields.
Industrial transformation: Dialog for the future launched
NRW is to be transformed into Europe’s first climate-neutral and competitive industrial region. A declaration of intent to this effect was signed on January 20, 2023.
Mechanical engineering NRW: End of year with minus
Order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia in December 2022 fell 17 percent short of the previous year’s result.
The search for New Work approaches to production
The production sector is usually neglected in New Work. New Work is more than home office and free processes and therefore there are also different starting points in production.
Innovation Award NRW
The NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy is offering the North Rhine-Westphalia Innovation Award for 2023, which will be awarded in various categories.
GreenEconomy.IN.NRW
The innovation competitions of the ERDF/JTF Program NRW 2021-2027 are primarily aimed at collaborative projects of SMEs that implement innovations together with partners. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can often only develop new, innovative, sustainable and marketable products, services and processes in cooperation with other companies, universities and research institutions. The innovation competitions of the… Read More »GreenEconomy.IN.NRW
Mechanical engineering NRW: Slump in orders in November
In November 2022, order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia was 25 percent lower than in the same month of the previous year.
NRW patent validation
A support initiative has been launched in order to lead industrial property rights from research and educational institutions into exploitation through licensing, sale or a spin-off.
Future vouchers for structural change in the Rhenish mining area
The “Rhineland Vouchers for the Future” funding program provides small and medium-sized enterprises with funds to help them master the structural change in the Rhineland mining region.
Approaches for more stable supply chains in purchasing
One crisis has not yet been overcome, and the next one is already following: Corona, supply bottlenecks, energy crisis – reason enough to discuss the situation of the procurement markets and the design of more stable supply chains.
Hanover Fair: Places still available at NRW stand!
The Hannover Messe will take place as a presence trade fair from April 17 to 21, 2023. The state of NRW is planning a joint stand in Hall 7 in the “Factory Automation” area.
Adaptation of the training offer to digital challenges
The additional qualification “Digital Manufacturing Processes” aligns training with future needs in mechanical and plant engineering and thus strengthens training in the company itself.
Situation of the procurement markets
On the other hand, the question of how to make purchasing more stable in the long term in order to make security of supply and costs more predictable again was discussed.
Mechanical engineering NRW: Dampers in October
In October 2022, order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia was 13 percent lower than in the same month a year earlier.
Basics and in-depth knowledge of the AGB law
General Terms and Conditions (GTC) – more than just the fine print and highly relevant for mechanical and plant engineering. Basics and advanced knowledge were the focus of the event.
Software solutions for intralogistics
The digitalization and automation of processes is also rapidly gaining importance in intralogistics. Suitable software solutions help to increase the efficiency of in-house processes. The event on October 13, 2022 showed that intralogistics occupies an important position as a cross-sectional function within a company. In this context, it encompasses the organization, control, execution and optimization… Read More »Software solutions for intralogistics
ASEAN – Opportunities and Challenges
The ASEAN countries are a heterogeneous and dynamic economic area, which offers potential for the NRW mechanical engineering industry.
Technology Transfer Program Lightweight Construction
Lightweight construction is one of the central pillars for making a significant contribution to achieving necessary climate and sustainability goals – while maintaining competitiveness.
Foreign trade program of NRW.Global Business 2023
International trade fair participations, company trips and “Messe meets Mittelstand”: the state of NRW supports companies – here with the NRW.Global Business foreign trade program.
NRW mechanical engineering shaper of the transformation process
As an equipment supplier to industry, mechanical engineering is an important enabler of industrial transformation. The general meeting of the VDMA NRW in November 2022 was dedicated to this topic.
State community stands offer participation at attractive conditions
In the coming year 2023, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia will once again organize numerous joint state stands at selected leading trade fairs in Germany at an attractive package of services.
NRW starter package for climate-neutral SMEs
The Start-up Transfer.NRW program gives start-ups from educational and research institutions the opportunity to bring their innovative ideas, which have a high application potential and a convincing business concept, to market maturity.
Legal requirements for the introduction of a whistleblower system
The Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG) is expected to come into force next year – with far-reaching consequences also for small and medium-sized mechanical and plant engineering companies in NRW.
IoT- platforms for the Internet of Production
Successfully implementing an IoT platform in your own company is an important building block for the future and plays a critical role in the implementation of Industrie 4.0.
Mechanical engineering NRW: positive surprise
In September 2022, order intake in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector was 30 percent higher than in the same month a year earlier. In September 2022, new orders in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector were 30 percent higher than in the same month a year earlier. Domestic demand rose by 13… Read More »Mechanical engineering NRW: positive surprise
Technology and knowledge transfer with innovation2business.nrw
In their search for innovations, companies in NRW are not left to their own devices – they can benefit from the range of services offered by the subsidized innovation2business project.
Start-up Transfer.NRW” funding program
The Start-up Transfer.NRW program gives start-ups from educational and research institutions the opportunity to bring their innovative ideas with high application potential and a convincing business concept to market maturity.
Innovation made in NRW – Circular economy
“Innovations made in NRW” presents best practices from various branches of mechanical and plant engineering and shows how a Circular Economy can be implemented.
The future of digital recruiting measures for training
Recruiting young apprentices has adapted to the digital world. But which measures will have a future when Corona restrictions are largely eliminated?
Market Update Italy
Italy is traditionally an important partner for German mechanical engineering. Activities resulting from money from the EU reconstruction fund bring opportunities for mechanical and plant engineering.
Mechanical engineering NRW: defying the odds
In August 2022, order intake in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector was 3 percent higher than in the same month a year earlier.
Field of tension “Free data traffic – Industrial Security
For foreign companies, secure cross-border data exchange with China involves enormous effort and there are numerous aspects to consider.
Operational implementation of the wholeturnover policy in mechanical and plant engineering
The wholeturnover policy (APG) is a cost-effective and easy-to-use cover for receivables due at short notice for German exporters who repeatedly supply buyers in different countries.
Digital spare parts management in practice
Efficient spare parts management is an important building block in the after-sales business. After sales applications ensure the availability of spare parts at agricultural machinery manufacturer Claas.
Support for information search in the company
Making information accessible: Artificial intelligence can improve information management in the company.
AR and VR approaches in professional development.
An application-based labtour focusing on augmented and virtual reality in vocational training was the focus of the event with the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Rheinland.
Mechanical Engineering NRW: Order intake weak again in July
In July 2022, order intake in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector was 16 percent below the level of the same month a year earlier.
Suitable structures for innovation through ambidextry
The development of innovations is often opposed by the goal of efficiency. The concept of ambidextry, which originated in medicine, can be used to resolve this conflict.
Due Diligence Act: Challenges in implementation
The effort involved in training and sensitizing suppliers to the Due Diligence Act poses numerous challenges for the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Country Day Central Asia
The Central Asian growth markets have ambitious plans. Companies wishing to expand into Central Asia should inform themselves in detail about the local market conditions.
Mechanical Engineering NRW: Orders down significantly in June
In June 2022, order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia was 18 percent lower than in the same month a year earlier.
Accelerator program for technology startups
The program, endowed with 1.6 million euros by the state of NRW, connects innovative founders with universities, industry, companies and investors and, as a venture platform, builds bridges for a climate-friendly and competitive economy.
Creating innovation with the Adobe Kickbox tool
Innovation methods can help generate new products, processes, or even business models. Adobe Kickbox helps drive disruptive innovation.
Remote commissioning requirements for production
Remote commissioning was often born out of necessity in the pandemic, but can be another pillar of the business model in the long term.
How does the New Work transformation succeed?
The forms of collaboration and leadership have changed as a result of the Corona pandemic. The event showed how the change to New Work can succeed.
Remote Service
Especially in times of corona and staff shortages, remote service is increasingly used.
Platform economy in the practice of mechanical engineering
The virtual exchange of experience “Platform economy in practice in mechanical engineering” took place on November 30, 2021 and was organized by Produktion NRW in cooperation with the VDMA Department of Information Technology and the Software and Digitalization Association.
New room concepts – also for mechanical and plant engineering?
The nature of collaboration and work routines have changed in the mechanical and plant engineering industry due to the pandemic – many are wondering how office space will be used and designed in the future.
Market development with trade fairs
Trade fairs can also be a door-opener for opening up new markets abroad. The foreign trade associations of the federal government and NRW can provide valuable support here.
Challenges in recruiting and recruiting new talent
Many companies continue to face challenges in recruiting young talent. Short-term solutions are difficult to find, so tried-and-tested approaches were shared at an event.
Administrative burden for companies
The Infection Protection Act with the 3G verification requirement at the workplace presents the mechanical and plant engineering industry with an additional administrative burden that will not decrease in the near future.
Administrative burden for companies
The Infection Protection Act with the 3G verification requirement at the workplace presents the mechanical and plant engineering industry with an additional administrative burden that will not decrease in the near future.
Digital product passport for single-variety plastics recycling
As part of the NRW industrial initiative on decarbonization, interested companies met to work on the topic of plastics recycling in a workshop.
Mechanical engineering NRW: Very good end to the year
Order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia was up 20 percent in December 2021, very significantly higher than in the same month of the previous year.
Legal issues concerning supply disruptions and cost developments
When problems in the supply chain affect your own production in mechanical and plant engineering: What legal solutions are possible?
Exploiting digitization potential
The start of a successful digital transformation is favored by a high level of lean maturity.
Environmental Business Award supports innovative strength
For the second time, the Ministry of the Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection and NRW.BANK are jointly awarding the Environmental Business Award.NRW.
Mechanical Engineering NRW: Excellent start to the year
Order intake in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector was up 37 percent in January 2022, very significantly higher than in the same month of the previous year.
Mechanical Engineering NRW: Excellent start to the year
Order intake in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector was up 37 percent in January 2022, very significantly higher than in the same month of the previous year.
Introduction to SCIP and REACH
For a good year now, many companies have been required to fill out the SCIP database. The obligation stemming from the Chemicals Act refers to the obligations of the REACH Regulation.
Protect against cyber attacks
The road to cybersecurity is a marathon that you don’t have to walk alone. There are many opportunities to share experiences, tap into knowledge and get ideas.
What are the future skills in mechanical and plant engineering?
The digital transformation demands new skills from employees in mechanical and plant engineering – and the focus of this event was on what these skills are.
The new geopolitics: impact on mechanical engineering
The virtual exchange of experiences “The new geopolitics: impact on mechanical engineering” took place on 06 July 2022.
Situation on the procurement markets and dealing with price increases
Ongoing supply problems are challenging purchasing in the mechanical and plant engineering sector, yet there are approaches to dealing with supplier demands.
Mechanical engineering NRW: Positive May despite continuing crises
In May 2022, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 12 percent higher than in the same month of the previous year.
Staff turnover: How can employee retention be strengthened?
If the self-termination rate of employees in mechanical and plant engineering has increased – what approaches remain for the industry to improve employee retention?
Technology Tour LFF Bochum
The event provided an overview of innovations and methods in production systems in the context of Industry 4.0 and highlighted areas of application during a virtual tour.
Leveraging potential with lean administration
Lean management is often used successfully in manufacturing and can also bring good results in the administrative area.
Pole position for NRW at WindEnergy Hamburg
The wind energy industry will come together at Wind Energy Hamburg from 27 to 30 September 2022. At the NRW booth, 11 exhibitors from NRW will present their innovations.
Service management software in mechanical engineering
Service management software is now standard in many companies. From the phone center to knowledge management, various processes can be digitized step by step.
Innovations in tax law
The event discussed the energy transformation and digitalization, which are increasingly pushing into the industry, with their consequences for German and international tax law.
AI- Insights into the production of tomorrow
Science and industry work hand in hand at the Buschhütten Campus. The Lab Tour provided a look at current research projects as well as solutions for digitalization and automation.
NRW mechanical engineering at Hannover Messe
25 companies and initiatives will use this year’s NRW joint stand at Hannover Messe (May 30 to June 2, 2022) to showcase innovations and new technologies.
Co-exhibit at WindEnergy Hamburg!
Turnkey organization and favorable conditions – this is what the joint stand “ProduktionNRW” of the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs offers exhibitors at WindEnergy Hamburg!
Mechanical Engineering NRW: February slightly in the red
Order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia was down 3 percent in February 2022 compared with the same month a year earlier.
Overview AGP: An open account export credit guarantee
Cover regular export transactions to high-risk countries with the wholeturnover policy (wholeturnover policy): Euler Hermes AG protects German exports against non-payment risks.
Mechanical Engineering NRW: Orders under pressure
Order intake in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector in April 2022 was 20 percent below the level of the same month a year earlier.
Launch of the “NRW – Economy in Transition” competition
For the fifth time, the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs is the patron of the “NRW Economy in Transition” competition. Applications are open until June 30, 2022.
Taiwan Trade Center as guest of VDMA NRW
Taiwan plays a central role in supply chains. Interested NRW companies can get in touch with the Taiwan Trade Center in Düsseldorf.
Cutting-edge technology from NRW
The State Secretary of the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs, Christoph Dammermann, found out about the innovations made in NRW during his tour of the Hannover Messe.
NRW performance show at bauma
bauma is the world’s most important meeting place for the construction, building materials and mining machinery industry. 21 exhibitors from NRW will be using the joint state stand to present their innovations in Hall C2, Stand 225/115 from October 24 to 30, 2022.
A common language for all machines
Interoperability in production is an important condition for many Industrie 4.0 use cases. With the help of OPC UA, access to production data can be made much easier.
The German Supply Chain Act
The specified obligations mainly affect large companies, but the requirements can also be passed on to smaller companies in the supply chain – a legal classification.
Increasing requirements in controlling and accounting
Sustainability requirements and the Ukraine war are having an impact on mechanical and plant engineering in NRW as well – the event addressed the role of controlling and accounting.
AI in the production context on site
Artificial intelligence can not only provide support in the production context, but also offers assistance in administrative areas.
Innovations in labor law and current case law
The new SARS-CoV-2 occupational health and safety regulation rolls back many pandemic-related workplace protections. High court rulings have also been handed down.
CSR reporting requirements & ERP systems as data sources
ortant source of data for corporate carbon footprints and play an important role in the preparation of a CSR report.
Market update on France
For Germany, France is the most important European export country for machinery. The government is counting on a new industrial age – also by means of money from the EU Recovery Fund.
Use funding for research
tensive. In order to support research and development, innovative projects receive financial support.
Energy policy action plan and new efficiency promotion
Against the backdrop of geopolitical dependencies in energy supply, the North Rhine-Westphalian state government presents an energy policy action plan and launches a new efficiency promotion scheme.
Technology Transfer Industry 4.0 – Human-Robot Collaboration
humans and robots. But before this can happen, it must be determined which processes are suitable.
Mechanical engineering NRW: War depresses orders
In March 2022, new orders in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector were 6 percent below the level of the same month a year earlier.
Information on assignments
Corona-related travel restrictions are gradually being lifted and travel activities are also increasing again among companies in North Rhine-Westphalia.