Turned parts industry looks cautiously to the future

Despite geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, the mood at the spring conference of the Association of the German Turned Parts Industry was noticeably positive. Around 150 participants took the opportunity to engage in intensive dialog in Leipzig. "I am delighted that we are growing and becoming more international," said Board Member Thomas Braun at the opening. This year, the association welcomed companies from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland, including four new members.

Dr. Matthias Schweizer from a1kommunikation had already provided important impetus with his presentation the day before. He emphasized the brand as a connecting element between companies, employees and the market. Using specific examples, he illustrated how a consistent focus as a condensed expression of corporate performance creates a credible promise of added value. The central goal: brand is the DNA of a company, and its visibility must be sustainably increased both internally and externally.

Between stabilization and pressure

At the beginning of the conference, several association members gave insights into their current situation. The picture is varied. Many are reporting a good start to 2026 with rising incoming orders and sales growth. While some companies are benefiting from new projects and higher capacity utilization, others are struggling with fluctuating call-offs and short-term slumps in orders.

Structural challenges remain a defining factor. The costs of energy, materials and tools in particular are putting pressure on margins. The shortage of skilled workers is easing in some areas, but it is still difficult to find qualified young talent. Automation is also making progress, with AI-supported solutions in administration and planning providing the first efficiency gains.

Werner Liebmann, Managing Director of the association, supplemented the picture with the results of a survey on the first quarter of 2026: "In terms of the investment ratio, we have reached a historic low, turnover and incoming orders are developing moderately, while value creation is stabilizing. On a positive note, the export ratio remains high at around 41%."

Focus on external factors

The specialist presentations made it clear how strongly external framework conditions influence the industry. The speaker from StahlmarktConsult analyzed the development of the primary material markets under the influence of regulation and geopolitics. CO₂ pricing as part of the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment_Mechanism) and new EU protective measures are likely to make imports more expensive and change the supply situation.

The topic of the presentation by ECG Energie Consulting was the situation on the energy markets and the importance of an active procurement strategy. Even with volatile energy prices, money can be saved, for example through targeted optimization of grid fees and levies. Those who also keep an eye on load management and storage solutions can further improve their position.

The pressure to act is also increasing when it comes to information security. The speaker from VIA Consult pointed out the new requirements of NIS2. This EU directive strengthens cyber security and obliges affected companies to take significantly more comprehensive protective measures, such as risk management, reporting obligations and securing supply chains.

The presentation by the QP-GROUP provided concrete ideas for discussions with buyers. It is crucial to actively manage sales - through cost optimization, critical portfolio analysis and a clear strategic focus. Companies should focus on potential in high-growth segments such as electromobility, thermal management and power electronics.

Outlook and association activities

Finally, the Management Board gave an overview of current and upcoming activities. Next on the agenda are the MTO Days on 9 and 10 June in Stuttgart - a buyers' fair for precision parts, contract manufacturing and machining. It offers direct access to decision-makers from the mechanical engineering, automotive, robotics and defense sectors, and the International Turned Parts Congress in Stratford upon Avon, UK, is also planned for 2027. The association also works together with the universities of Dortmund and Stuttgart. The working groups focus primarily on investigations into the machining behavior of materials with different alloy components.

However, members not only benefit from joint events and exchanges. The association also offers companies the opportunity to access the FRED CO₂ calculation tool and videos on trainee recruitment.