New industrial policy model for a strong North Rhine-Westphalia
With the revision of the industrial policy model, the state government is providing impetus for the further development of North Rhine-Westphalia as an industrial centre.
Decline in orders comes as no surprise
In March 2025, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 22% down on the previous year.
Employment law and labor market policy 2025: What companies can expect
Current labor law and political decisions present companies with new challenges – an overview of the most important changes and practical recommendations for implementation.
Mastering challenges in NRW – securing the future
Strengthen the resilience of your company. Our series of events shows ways to restructure in the mechanical and plant engineering industry in North Rhine-Westphalia – compact, practical and future-oriented.
QM Corner: Focus on AI and data protection
AI in quality management: exploiting opportunities, recognizing risks – at the QM Corner, experts discussed data protection, security and the responsible use of AI.
ClusterAllianz.NRW hands over future paper to Minister Neubaur
Strategic impetus for North Rhine-Westphalia’s innovation and competitiveness
NRW.BANK.Invest Future
New NRW.BANK development program for SMEs with up to 20 percent repayment discount
NRW showcased its innovative strength at the Hannover Messe trade fair
With around 225 exhibitors, North Rhine-Westphalia is once again the strongest federal state at Hannover Messe 2025. ProduktionNRW represents mechanical engineering and production technology from NRW.
Dealing with challenging trainees
Young people in transition are an often overlooked but potentially valuable target group – also for the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
Positive result thanks to domestic business
In February 2025, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 16% higher in real terms than in February 2024.
Hannover Messe: ProduktionNRW as an exhibitor at the NRW state association
With around 225 exhibitors, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is once again the strongest federal state at Hannover Messe 2025. ProduktionNRW will be representing mechanical engineering and production technology from NRW.
EU omnibus proposal on the Green Deal
With the omnibus proposal, the EU Commission plans to simplify ESG regulations, reduce bureaucracy and optimize sustainability reporting – we analyze the latest developments.
Positive start to 2025
Incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector in January 2025 were 1% higher in real terms than in January 2024.
Targeted job advertisements through AI
Job advertisements remain a key element of successful recruitment. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to make job advertisements more target group-oriented and effective.
Innovation in service: From reactive to proactive service
The digitalization of the service business as the basis for future viability in mechanical and plant engineering. “Service Digitalization 4.0 – From reactive to proactive service” – this was the headline of the Web-Erfa “Innovation in Service”, which focused on the digitalization of the service business. In the age of Industry 4.0, service digitalization is… Read More »Innovation in service: From reactive to proactive service
Frugal innovation in mechanical and plant engineering
Not “cheap”, but precisely high-quality and therefore “inexpensive”. This offers the mechanical and plant engineering industry opportunities not only for new markets, but also for established ones.
Generative AI in everyday QM work
The QM Corner stands for one topic, one hour and virtual. The session presented the possible applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in quality management.
Difficult year comes to a positive end
In December 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia exceeded the previous year’s level by 10%.
NRW stand at the Hannover Messe!
Around 25 exhibitors will be showcasing their innovations, application examples and technologies for shaping the future at the NRW joint stand at the Hannover Messe in Hall 7 Stand A28 from March 31 to April 4, 2025.
Order situation remains difficult
In November 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 6% down on the previous year.
Tax incentives for research
Tax incentives for research offer small and medium-sized companies in particular incentives to invest in research and development.
Five key factors for a culture of innovation in the company
Sustainably developing innovative strength in the company. The Web-Erfa explored the question of which decisive factors contribute to promoting employees’ ability to innovate.
Increasing efficiency through process management in the company
Efficient process management in mechanical and plant engineering is the basis for successful operation, competitiveness and innovative strength.
CIRCO workshop series for mechanical and plant engineering
The workshop series of the Effizienz-Agentur NRW (efa) provides practical support for the NRW mechanical and plant engineering industry when entering into circular business models – this offers enormous potential even in times of crisis.
Data economy in mechanical and plant engineering
At the 23rd Financing Day of the mechanical and plant engineering industry in NRW, VDMA NRW focused on the data economy and corporate financing in challenging times.
Outlier upwards
In October 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were up 7 per cent year-on-year in real terms.
Carbon management through mechanical and plant engineering
Carbon management is a central key to achieving climate targets and highlights the important role of mechanical and plant engineering in implementing appropriate solutions.
News from labor market policy and employment law
Current developments in labor law and new laws pose challenges for the mechanical and plant engineering industry – an overview of decisions and legal adjustments that are relevant in practice.
NIS2 contact point NRW
Free initial consultation for small and medium-sized companies in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Innovation Award 2025 – prize for practice-oriented problem solutions
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia is awarding the NRW Innovation Prize for the year 2025.
Call for funding “Circular Production NRW”
The “Circular Production NRW” funding call supports SMEs with 21 million euros for innovative projects for sustainable, resource-efficient and circular value creation.
Current developments in EU substance policy
EU substance policy is bringing about far-reaching regulatory changes that will have a lasting impact on mechanical and plant engineering – we have shed light on the challenges and prospects.
Still no turnaround
Incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector in September 2024 were 14% down on the previous year in real terms.
Competitor China
China’s mechanical engineering industry continues to catch up, products from the Far East are getting better and are almost always cheaper. China is not only striving for technological supremacy locally, but also internationally.
WindEnergy Hamburg: Innovative and efficient industry
13 companies and initiatives from NRW presented themselves at the NRW state joint stand at WindEnergy in Hamburg, the world’s largest leading trade fair for the onshore and offshore wind industry.
State of NRW awards innovation prizes
Every year, the Innovation Award honours practice-oriented solutions to problems. The winners show that technological progress and sustainability go hand in hand.
New Work: Counteracting the shortage of skilled workers with good leadership
Dissatisfaction with managers often leads to an increased intention to change. Especially in times of skills shortages, companies cannot afford to tolerate poor leadership.
Difficult order situation in August
In August 2024, incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector were 10% down on the previous year’s result.
Federal funding for industry and climate protection promotes decarbonisation
Companies have until 30 November 2024 to submit projects under the new “Federal Funding for Industry and Climate Protection (BIK)” funding guideline. Two funding modules are available: Funding for decarbonisation projects and funding for CCU and CCS.
Become a co-exhibitor on the NRW stand at the Hannover Messe!
The state of NRW is organizing a joint stand at Hannover Messe 2025, which will take place in Hanover from March 31 to April 4, 2025. Interested parties are welcome to register for participation.
Reporting obligations for work assignments in the EU
The different reporting obligations in the EU member states present companies with considerable bureaucratic challenges when it comes to work assignments. How can companies deal with this?
Launch of the “CCU model regions NRW” funding competition
Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technology offers a promising opportunity to reduce unavoidable CO₂ quantities. This involves not only capturing carbon dioxide, but also reusing it as a valuable raw material in industry.
Effects of the Battery Ordinance on mechanical and plant engineering
The EU Battery Regulation aims to minimize the negative environmental impact of batteries. This has far-reaching consequences for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
Innovation – Developing disruptive ideas
Questioning the status quo, deliberately “producing accidents”, deliberately turning existing conventions on their head – finding innovative solutions with new methods.
AI in production
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in production processes. For example, work instructions for assembly can be created on the basis of 3D CAD models.
Orders disappoint in July
In July 2024, incoming orders in the North Rhine-Westphalian mechanical and plant engineering sector were 10 per cent down on the previous year.
Call for funding: Produktives.NRW – Critical technologies for NRW
The “Produktives.NRW” competition call supports investments in critical technologies in the areas of digital innovations, environmentally friendly and resource-efficient technologies and biotechnology in NRW. Industry in Europe and North Rhine-Westphalia is facing major challenges, particularly due to necessary economic adjustments in value chains and energy supply. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging to… Read More »Call for funding: Produktives.NRW – Critical technologies for NRW
NRW exhibitors at WindEnergy Hamburg
From September 24 to 27, 2024, companies and initiatives from NRW will be exhibiting at the joint state stand at WindEnergy Hamburg.
Disappointing first half of 2024
Incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector in June 2024 were 15% down on the previous year.
QM-Corner: Update on the ISO 9001 revision
The QM Corner stands for one topic, one hour and one virtual event. The third session of the established format dealt with the current status of the revision of ISO 9001.
Digihubs promote exchange between start-ups and companies in NRW
The DWNRW hubs are five regional centers for the digital economy in North Rhine-Westphalia. They are contact points for start-ups and established companies looking to collaborate with them. The current five DWNRW hubs (DWNRW = Digital Economy North Rhine-Westphalia) are regional platforms for startup growth and company digitization. Digital start-ups receive support in scaling their… Read More »Digihubs promote exchange between start-ups and companies in NRW
Technology and knowledge transfer with innovation2business.nrw
The innvotion2business.nrw project, funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, helps companies to identify suitable technologies and cooperation partners.
Securing skilled workers through continuing vocational training
The shortage of skilled workers is becoming increasingly urgent. In-company further training and qualification of the company’s own workforce can be decisive building blocks in keeping a company competitive.
Domestic demand disappointed
In May 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 45% down on the previous year.
Salaries in mechanical and plant engineering
Salaries continue to play a central role in personnel development – the new VDMA Salary Study 2023/2024 presents salaries in 160 positions tailored to the mechanical engineering sector.
Innovation culture
Which leadership behavior promotes the culture of innovation in a company the most? Which cultural elements play which role in the company?
New approaches to recruiting young talent
The shortage of skilled workers, increasing innovative strength and passing on know-how and tradition are just some of the reasons why new approaches to recruiting young trainees are necessary.
ESPR: Impact on mechanical and plant engineering
The new Ecodesign Regulation aims to regulate products sustainably throughout their entire life cycle – the mechanical and plant engineering sector will be directly affected by this.
Opportunities of the circular economy for mechanical and plant engineering
The circular economy is one of the key areas of transformation with opportunities as an enabler for mechanical and plant engineering. The kick-off event presented selected business models.
Current challenges in sales in 2024
Promoting and challenging players in sales, new AI tools, resource efficiency in volatile markets, online marketing, etc. – many aspects currently need to be considered in sales strategy and organization.
Significant increase in demand despite challenging environment
In April 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia exceeded the previous year’s figure by 22% in real terms.
EU Packaging Regulation: Consequences for mechanical and plant engineering
The aim of the European regulation is to minimize the negative impact of packaging on the environment – with a high impact on the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
Co-exhibiting at the NRW joint stand at WindEnergy Hamburg
Be a co-exhibitor at the NRW joint stand at WindEnergy Hamburg 2024 from September 24 to 27, 2024! The state of NRW offers an attractive opportunity to co-exhibit!
EIP-Agrar.NRW funding competition
Call for proposals for the European Innovation Partnership “Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability” in North Rhine-Westphalia.
NRW – Economy in Transition” competition launched: Apply now!
NRW is looking for committed companies that meet challenges such as digitalization or globalization with new solutions and actively shape the economic transformation process in NRW.
Current developments in labor law and labor market policy
The effects of recent labor market policy decisions and current case law in labor law on operational practice in NRW mechanical and plant engineering.
Mechanical engineering NRW: Customers outside the eurozone provide a ray of hope
In March 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 12% higher than in the previous year.
Hannover Messe: NRW presents comprehensive service portfolio
More than 130,000 visitors from 150 countries were impressed by the innovative strength of North Rhine-Westphalia – the strongest federal state with around 250 exhibitors at the Hannover Messe.
CSRD reporting: challenges and implementation strategies
The strategic integration of sustainability reporting obligations in companies is becoming increasingly important, as the increasing transparency requirements will affect a large proportion of SMEs in the future.
Hannover Messe: ProduktionNRW again at NRW joint state stand
With around 250 exhibitors, North Rhine-Westphalia is once again the strongest federal state at Hannover Messe 2024, with ProduktionNRW representing mechanical engineering and production technology from NRW.
QM-Corner: Dealing with confidential documents
QM Corner stands for one topic, one hour and virtual. In the second session, the established format dealt with the topic of handling confidential documents and the role of quality management.
Enabler and pioneer: mechanical engineering is shaping the transformation
ProduktionNRW looks at different areas of the transformation megatrend. Practical examples from the mechanical and plant engineering sector are used to show how implementation can succeed and which success factors are important.
Mechanical engineering NRW: Slight decline in February
In February 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 3% down on the previous year.
EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation
Horizon Europe is the EU framework program for research and innovation for 2021 to 2027 with the aim of building a knowledge- and innovation-based society and a competitive economy.
Recruitment in service and sales
Qualified, ready to work and willing to travel – these are the qualities that desired personnel for service and sales need to have. On the other hand, there are absences lasting several days, low predictability and short-term assignments.
Recruiting female engineers in mechanical and plant engineering
STEM professions are still predominantly male-dominated. In this virtual workshop, companies discussed specific measures to attract more women to engineering positions.
Cooperation for green hydrogen
Dortmund-based plant manufacturer thyssenkrupp nucera AG & Co. KGaA and Fraunhofer IKTS agree on a strategic partnership for high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC).
Mechanical engineering NRW: Year closes with a clear loss
In December 2023, incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector fell short of the previous year’s level by 25% on a price-adjusted basis.
INNOspace Masters enters the next round
INNOspace Masters promotes ideas for the transfer of technology and know-how from other industries to the space sector or from the space sector to non-space sectors.
Environmental Business Award.NRW 2024
Do you combine environmental protection with economic success? Show it in the Environmental Business Award.NRW 2024 and submit your application by April 30, 2024!
NRW innovations at Hannover Messe
Around 25 exhibitors will be showcasing their innovations, application examples and technologies for shaping the future at the NRW joint stand at the Hannover Messe in Hall 7 Stand A28 from April 22 to 26, 2024.
Federal funding: Energy and resource efficiency
The federal government’s promotional loan provides a high level of funding for particularly climate-friendly components, systems and solutions and a repayment subsidy of up to 60 percent.
QM-Corner: Sustainability and management systems
QM Corner stands for one topic, one hour and virtual. The established format will be continued in 2024. The first session dealt with the topic of sustainability and management systems.
Mechanical engineering NRW: Year closes with a clear loss
In December 2023, incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector fell short of the previous year’s level by 25% on a price-adjusted basis.
Starter package for climate-neutral SMEs
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia supports small and medium-sized enterprises on their way to climate neutrality.
Complex but profitable: business opportunities with conversions
Conversions of machines and systems – complex and profitable projects for mechanical engineering and an opportunity or necessity for the operator?
Mechanical engineering NRW: Orders also down in November
In November 2023, demand for machinery and equipment from North Rhine-Westphalia was down 19% year-on-year in real terms.
Approaches to climate-neutral production in mechanical and plant engineering
Manufacturing companies are also striving to find sustainable solutions and reduce their environmental impact. One central approach is climate-neutral production.
Trainee retention with well thought-out pre-boarding, onboarding and offboarding
Pre-, on- and offboarding approaches in training strengthen company loyalty and can help to reduce the number of trainees dropping out.
Development of circular business models and product design strategies
The CIRCO method supports companies in developing circular approaches. The Effizienz-Agentur NRW is the first CIRCO hub in Germany and conducts a series of workshops with NRW companies.
PFAS regulatory activities worldwide
The EU’s planned blanket ban on around 10,000 PFAS substances has received a lot of attention – but what PFAS regulatory activities are currently being discussed worldwide?
Mechanical engineering in NRW: subdued mood despite large-scale plant business
Demand for machinery and equipment from North Rhine-Westphalia was down 21% year-on-year in real terms in October 2023.
Artificial intelligence in mechanical and plant engineering
At the 22nd Financing Day of the mechanical and plant engineering industry in NRW, the focus was on the opportunities and challenges of the so-called twin transition.
Digitalization and leadership in purchasing
Against the backdrop of the shortage of skilled workers in purchasing, strategies were discussed on how management and motivation can create a framework to keep talented employees in the company.
News from the tax world
The event provided information on current tax issues and provided valuable information on key corporate tax topics as well as current tax projects of the German government.
Core competencies of successful leadership communication
For leadership communication to be successful, the core competencies of listening, questioning and feedback should be taken into account – these were central components of the virtual workshop.
Clusters meet Regions: 1st European cluster meeting in Germany
The 1st European Cluster Meeting in Germany dealt with the role of networks in transformation processes – ProduktionNRW contributed the approaches of mechanical engineering and production technology.
Mechanical engineering NRW: Challenging environment takes its toll
Order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia in September 2023 fell short of its prior-year result by 45 percent in real terms.
Co-exhibiting at NRW joint stand at Hannover Messe
The state joint stand at Hannover Messe (April 22-26, 2024) offers an exhibition opportunity at an attractive price-performance ratio.
Trade fair program 2024 of the state of NRW
The trade fair program of the state of NRW also offers numerous joint stands at selected leading trade fairs in Germany in 2024. Those interested in participating are welcome to get in touch!
Funding for Cluster ProduktionNRW
Silke Krebs, State Secretary in the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs, presented cluster spokesperson Wolf D. Meier-Scheuven with the funding notification for ProduktionNRW for the funding phase 2023 to 2025.
Latest developments on labor market policy and labor law
The event focused on the impact of the new law on the immigration of skilled workers and current labor law on business practice in the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
Involving parents in the recruitment of new recruits
Parents continue to have an influence on the career orientation of their own children. In order to recruit young people for the mechanical engineering sector, parents must therefore be involved at an early stage.
Mechanical Engineering NRW: Positive Signals Missing
Order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia in August 2023 fell short of its prior-year result by 18 percent in real terms. There were 4 percent fewer orders from Germany and 24 percent fewer from abroad.
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.