Articles and background information on the topic
Effective July 1, 2026, Baerlocher will transfer its operational business to a newly established subsidiary: Baerlocher Germany, headquartered in Lingen. This wholly owned subsidiary of the former Baerlocher will take over the European business going forward, while the parent company will focus on its holding company role.
read more...International Federation of Robotics
In the U.S., sales of industrial robots rose by 11% compared to the previous year: 38,000 units were newly installed in 2025. This significant recovery is driven by robust growth in the food industry and other non-manufacturing sectors. However, the automotive industry remains the largest customer sector.
read more...How deep is Germany's chemical industry really in crisis in 2026? After a weak start to the year, burdened by the conflict in the Middle East, high energy costs and global competitive pressure, the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) paints a picture of an industry under constant stress.
read more...Stratasys is acquiring MarkForged from Nano Dimension for USD 42.5 million, thereby expanding its portfolio in the field of fiber-reinforced composites. The acquisition also strengthens the company's software and materials expertise in industrial 3D printing.
read more...Wittmann reorganizes the management team: From May 2026, owners Michael Wittmann and Dr. Werner Wittmann will combine the management of the entire group of companies in a dual leadership team. Rainer Weingraber is leaving the company.
read more...Electricity price subsidies decided
The EU Commission has approved the German industrial electricity price: Until the end of 2028, electricity costs for energy-intensive companies can be subsidized with 3.8 billion euros and capped at five cents per kilowatt hour. The VCI criticizes the relief effect as being too low.
read more...At the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, companies and associations called for concrete, measurable steps towards greater competitiveness in Europe. VDMA, VCI, Plastics Europe, ZVEI, BDI and VDA also called for speed in reducing bureaucracy, lower energy costs and warned against industrial policy foreclosure through "Buy European" requirements.
read more...For the 50th time, the "Plagiarius" award ceremony is bringing brazen product copies into the public eye. The negative award highlights the extent of the economic, security-related and social damage caused by product and brand piracy and why the protection of intellectual property is more relevant than ever.
read more...ifo Institute lowers growth forecast
The ifo Institute is revising its economic forecast downwards: It expects growth of just 0.1% in 2025 and 0.8% in 2026. The reasons for this are structural change, bureaucracy and US tariffs.
read more...Supply Chain Act: No German special path
German companies fear competitive disadvantages due to the national Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG). 17 business associations are calling for the law to be suspended and for the national scope of application to be adapted to the EU CSDDD Directive in order to significantly reduce the burden on companies.
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