For German machine tool builders, India is important market: Dr Markus Heering

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For German machine tool builders, India is important market: Dr Markus Heering

For German machine tool builders, India is important market: Dr Markus Heering

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Sep 03,25

In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Dr Markus Heering, Executive Director of German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW), emphasizes on emerging industry trends and India’s growing role in the international machine tools ecosystem.

For German machine tool builders, India is important market: Dr Markus Heering

The global machine tool industry is currently facing turbulence due to geopolitical tensions, disrupted supply chains, and structural changes in key customer sectors. Yet, opportunities are emerging in markets like India, ASEAN, and Mercosur, with automation, AI, and sustainability reshaping future competitiveness. In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Dr Markus Heering, Executive Director of German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW) - the organiser of EMO Hannover 2025, emphasizes on emerging industry trends and India’s growing role in the international machine tools ecosystem.

How would you describe the current state of the global machine tool industry in the context of geopolitical tensions and economic shifts across major markets like Europe, the US, and China?

The best way to describe the situation is probably turbulent. After years of steady growth, the global machine tool industry has been facing a difficult economic environment since 2023. In 2024, global machine tool production declined by more than 5 percent.

Geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and protectionist tendencies have exposed the vulnerabilities of international trade and created volatile markets. At the same time, structural changes in key customer industries—particularly automotive—are adding pressure. The transition to low-emission drives, AI-supported assistance systems, and enhanced in-car connectivity is forcing these industries to reinvent themselves, slowing down investments and directly impacting the machine tool sector.

Germany continues to be a key player in the global machine tool market. What challenges and opportunities do German manufacturers face in the near future?

Innovation is the most crucial factor for staying competitive in such uncertain times. Companies must constantly develop new solutions while also diversifying their customer base and geographic markets. The USA and China will remain essential markets for German machine tool builders. At the same time, we are strengthening ties within Europe and looking toward new opportunities in regions such as India, Mercosur, and ASEAN. India, in particular, has emerged as a key focus due to its rapid industrialisation and resilience.

India has emerged as a resilient and growing manufacturing market. How do German machine tool builders view India as both a market and a manufacturing base?

India is an enormously important growth market for us. Industrialisation there has gained significant momentum, and advanced machine tools are essential for building efficient, globally competitive industries.

A free trade agreement between India and Europe would provide a strong boost, offering companies a more attractive business environment while reducing bureaucratic hurdles and modernising infrastructure. Given today’s global uncertainties, India stands to benefit from companies diversifying their supply chains, and we believe this will only accelerate India’s rise as a manufacturing powerhouse.

India-Germany trade in machine tools has grown post-pandemic. What are the most promising areas of bilateral collaboration, and how is VDW facilitating partnerships?

German exports of machine tools to India grew by 23 per cent in 2024, reaching €305 million. Indian customers have a strong preference for machine tools “Made in Germany,” and demand for parts and accessories is also increasing.

At VDW, we act as a service provider for our member companies. We prepare market analyses, organise international symposia, and help companies establish contacts in new regions. Most importantly, we organise EMO Hannover, the world’s leading trade fair for production technology. EMO 2025 (22–26 September) will once again be a platform for innovation, collaboration, and networking. Indian exhibitors are participating enthusiastically, and their strong presence reflects India’s growing role in the global machine tool community.

Automation, AI, and sustainability are redefining the future of manufacturing. How are machine tool companies adapting globally?

Automation is now the primary driver of investment. It replaces manual processes, increases transparency, and ensures efficiency and quality. Companies are seeking flexible solutions—ranging from pallet changers and handling systems to fully autonomous factories—that can handle both mass production and customised products cost-effectively.

Artificial intelligence is further enhancing efficiency, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smarter assistance systems for operators. At the same time, sustainability is central: new machine investments already deliver energy savings of around 25 percent, while trends such as recycling, reduced material consumption, and the circular economy are becoming integral to industrial strategy.

With EMO Hannover 2025 approaching, what can stakeholders expect in terms of themes, innovations, and international participation, especially from India and ASEAN?

The future of metalworking will be the core theme of EMO Hannover 2025. Under the motto Innovate Manufacturing, the event will not only showcase the latest technologies but also challenge suppliers and users to embrace new opportunities. Exhibitors from India and ASEAN will play an important role, reflecting the global nature of today’s production technologies. Visitors can expect inspiration, fresh ideas, and practical innovations that will shape the next phase of industrial growth.

Sustainability is becoming a key factor in capital investment decisions. How is the machine tool industry balancing energy efficiency, CO? reduction, and manufacturing precision?

This is an opportunity for the machine tool sector to position itself as a strategic partner to industries navigating decarbonisation and digitalisation. Key areas such as hydrogen technologies, battery production, microelectronics, sustainable materials, and climate-neutral manufacturing are expanding rapidly.

To succeed, machine tool companies must provide specialised solutions for new materials, high-precision components, and efficient production processes. Speeding up the transfer of technology into industrial applications and setting global standards in emerging markets will be essential. If achieved, the machine tool industry can look forward to a bright future defined by resilience and sustainability.