German Machine Tool Builders’ AssociationTranslation site

The German Machine Tool Builders’ Association, officially called Verband Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken (VDW), is the primary trade association representing the German machine tool industry both nationally and internationally. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, VDW acts as the voice of manufacturers of machine tools and their components, promoting the sector’s technological leadership, economic interests, and sustainable development.

Germany’s machine tool industry is one of the world’s largest and most advanced, renowned for precision engineering, innovation, and high-quality manufacturing solutions across automotive, aerospace, medical, and general engineering sectors.

History

• Founded: 1901 (originally as the Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabrikanten)
• Evolution: Over more than a century, VDW has grown into a powerful industrial association, adapting to technological revolutions (electronics, CNC, automation, digitalization, Industrie 4.0) and shifting global market dynamics.
• Affiliations: Member of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) and cooperates closely with EU and international industry bodies.

Key Objectives

1. Market Promotion & Export Support – Help members expand in global markets through trade fairs (e.g., EMO Hannover), trade missions, and bilateral business platforms.
2. Research & Innovation – Fund and coordinate R&D projects, particularly in digitalization, energy efficiency, additive manufacturing integration, and AI-driven production.
3. Standards & Quality – Contribute to national and international technical standards ensuring product reliability and interoperability.
4. Economic Analysis & Forecasting – Publish regular market reports, production statistics, and economic outlooks for the global machine tool sector.
5. Sustainability – Promote resource-efficient manufacturing processes, lifecycle analysis, and CO₂ reduction strategies.
6. Vocational Training & Skills – Support education and training initiatives to address the skilled labor shortage and prepare the workforce for digital manufacturing.

Major Activities & Services

1. Trade Fairs & Events

• EMO Hannover – The world’s premier trade fair for metalworking, organized jointly by VDW and its Italian counterpart UCIMU. EMO attracts exhibitors and visitors from all continents, showcasing the latest machine tools and manufacturing technologies.
• Joint Booth Participation – Organizes German collective booths at major international machine tool exhibitions (e.g., IMTS Chicago, JIMTOF Tokyo).
• Conferences & Forums – Hosts industry summits on topics such as Industrie 4.0, additive manufacturing, and global market trends.

2. Market Intelligence

• Publishes market reports and production statistics (monthly & annual) covering Germany and key global regions (EU, USA, China, etc.).
• Provides economic forecasts and scenario analyses for members and the public.

3. Research & Technology Transfer

• Manages collaborative R&D initiatives through the Machine Tool Laboratory (WZL) at RWTH Aachen University and other institutes.
• Supports innovation clusters focusing on smart factories, predictive maintenance, and cyber-physical production systems.

4. Policy Advocacy

• Represents the industry in discussions with the German federal government, EU institutions, and international trade bodies on tariffs, regulations, and industrial strategy.
• Engages in dialogues on trade policy, intellectual property rights, and environmental regulations affecting manufacturing.

5. Sustainability Initiatives

• Promotes energy-efficient machine designs and resource-conserving manufacturing processes.
• Leads projects measuring and reducing the carbon footprint of machine tool production and use.

Membership

VDW represents:

• Machine tool manufacturers (metal-cutting and metal-forming)
• Manufacturers of accessories, components, and software related to machine tools
• Companies ranging from large global players to innovative SMEs

Members benefit from access to market data, networking events, export support, and representation in trade policy discussions.

Mission & Vision

• Mission: To strengthen the competitiveness and global presence of the German machine tool industry by providing market intelligence, shaping industry standards, supporting innovation, and representing member interests in political and economic arenas.
• Vision: To maintain Germany’s position as the global leader in machine tool technology and to drive the industry toward a sustainable, digital, and interconnected future.

Telephone: +49-69-756081-0

Address: Corneliusstrasse 4, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany