German Engineering Technology Powering India's Growth Story

Out of approximately Euro 18.6 billion of machinery imported by India in 2016, Germany had a largest share of around 16%, ahead of Japan (11.2%) and Italy (7%), says Rajesh Nath.

- Rajesh Nath

Germany is known globally for its engineering technology. The German manufacturers are internationally well positioned with their broad range of sectors: In 23 out of 31 comparable sectors, they are among the global top three; in 14 of which, they are in first place.

In 2016, German mechanical engineering was once again one of the largest industrial sectors in Germany despite a volatile economic and political environment. The production in real terms remained near constant at the previous year’s level. At around Euro 220 billion, the nominal turnover was a record result. With an average annual increase of 5,000 employees in more than 6,780 companies, mechanical engineering remains the largest industrial employer in Germany.

In 2016, the German production of mechanical engineering maintained the previous year’s level despite numerous pressures. The estimated production value reached Euro 203 billion in nominal terms. This is a new record. In 2016, mechanical engineering recorded another rise in the number of jobs, making it the sixth year in a row to display growth. Hence, mechanical engineering is once again the industry with the largest workforce in Germany. In December, approximately 1,019 thousand people were employed on a permanent basis. Compared to the previous year, the number of permanent employees increased by 0.6 percent and thus by nearly 6,000 employees. Employment reached its peak in November with 1,021 thousand people.