IMTS: German Machinery and Equipment Orders Up in 2010

Berlin/Chicago (ots) - Germany's machinery and equipment industry
continues its rebound from the global downturn, posting a 48 percent
increase in orders this July over last year's figures. Growth in 2010
has been driven by a combination of increased domestic demand and
exports. Germany Trade & Invest will have representatives at the
International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago from
September 13-18 to introduce opportunities for companies in Germany's
machinery and equipment industry.

Domestic orders increased by 38 percent and export orders were up
54 percent compared to the same period a year ago, according to the
latest figures by Germany's Sector Association Machine Tools and
Manufacturing Systems (VDMA). An average of the period from May to
July 2010 records even higher figures - a 57 percent total increase,
including 51 percent for domestic orders and 60 percent for export
orders, according to the association.

With an overall turnover of EUR 161 billion in 2009, Germany's
mechanical engineering industry remains the strongest in Europe with
the market expected to grow in 2010. Machinery and equipment is one
of Germany's largest industries, with over 6,100 companies along the
value chain and more than 930,000 highly-skilled workers. The
strength of the industry is driven by Germany's long engineering
tradition, its position as a leader in technological development, and
its diversified industrial base.

The combination of strong domestic demand and exports makes
Germany an attractive business location for companies in this
industry. Domestic demand for machinery and equipment is over EUR 100
billion annually. International enterprises located in Germany can
therefore reach the largest domestic market in Europe and benefit
from a long tradition of export strength. Germany remains the world's
leading exporter in this industry with 19.2 percent share of the
global trade in machinery and equipment, putting it ahead of Japan
and the USA in 2009. With the world's top ranked infrastructure
behind Hong Kong, according to a new World Economic Forum report,
reaching customers across Europe is rapid and efficient.

Innovation is also a major factor for the industry. Annual R&D
expenditures amount to over EUR 5 billion, making the M&E industry
one of the most innovative industries in Germany. Twenty eight
percent of the world's mechanical engineering patents are registered
by companies based in Germany.

Germany Trade & Invest will have industry experts on hand to
outline investment opportunities in Germany at this year's IMTS. The
organization also invites potential partners from the German and
American business communities to a German Night reception on
September 14.

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment
promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization
advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities
in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to
German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

Originaltext: Germany Trade and Invest
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Media Contact:
Germany Trade & Invest
Eva Henkel
Email: eva.henkel@gtai.com
T: +49(0)30 200099-173
F: +49(0)30 200099-111