
Steel production slumps again in 2025
"2026 must be the year of securing the location!"
Steel production at crisis level in 2025: demand weak, import pressure high. Association head Rippel calls for 2026 to be the year to secure the location.
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Steel production slumps again in 2025
Steel production at crisis level in 2025: demand weak, import pressure high. Association head Rippel calls for 2026 to be the year to secure the location.

Mark Lich takes over the management of the newly established Global Key Account Management department at Mapal. He strategically and operationally manages the sales activities of global key customers.
After two weak years, the German machine tool industry expects slight production growth in 2026, driven by a recovery in domestic demand. At the same time, structural changes and international competitive pressure, particularly from China, are intensifying the demands on the industry.

According to the latest ifo survey, the supply of primary products to industry has eased. The automotive industry in particular is reporting significantly fewer material shortages.

Andritz acquires 51% of Baoding Sanzheng Electrical Equipment, strengthening its portfolio for industrial induction heating and steel processing.

Mocom is planning to close the Gardelegen recycling site in 2026. The company cites the current market environment, a lack of regulatory planning certainty and low demand for recyclates as the reasons for this.

SPS - Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou has recorded a high level of exhibitor participation just a few months before the start of the trade fair. The trade fair showcases new solutions for automation, robotics and industrial digitalization.

On course for growth with a complete range...
Ringspann acquired the two manufacturers StS Coupling and Steigerwald CNC-Technik shortly before the turn of the year. This completes the company's range of shaft couplings and expands its capacities in the field of metalworking. Further plans are also in place to expand the Niedernberg site into the Ringspann Group's competence center for precision couplings.

Schaeffler appoints Maximilian Fiedler as Regional CEO Asia/Pacific. From January 1, 2026, he will represent the region on the Schaeffler Group's Executive Board.

After four decades, Ulrich Reifenhäuser retires from the operational management of the Reifenhäuser Group and moves to the Advisory Board.