Mechanical Engineering

An Industry with Tradition

Mechanical engineering traditionally plays a very prominent role in the economic profile of the state of Hessen. With total sales of €11 billion and 45,000 employees, mechanical engineering is one of the most important industrial sectors in the state. 61 % of sales are exported with the most important customers being in China and the USA.

The total volume of overseas direct investment of Hessen’s mechanical engineering companies reached €485 million by the end of 2015 – about one third each in Europe, America and Asia. At the same time, international companies invested €640 million in Hessen's mechanical engineering segment.

Core Competency in Product Innovation

Hessen's mechanical engineering segment is particularly strong in the manufacture of machinery for the production and use of mechanical energy, material handling and refrigeration technology. According to the European Center for Business Research, nearly one-third of total sales are derived from new or significantly improved products, and more than three-quarters of companies achieve a product innovation every year.

It is not surprising that research and development is a top priority for Hessen's mechanical engineering companies, accounting for more than €230 million in investments annually. This high level of innovation is supported by more than 120 scientists at Hessen’s universities, institutes and technical universities which are focused on advanced research in the area of mechanical engineering.

Pool of Young Talent

Hessen’s universities and technical universities supply a talent pool of qualified personnel; more than 16,000 students per semester are matriculated in mechanical engineering, process technology or engineering. An additional 2,800 young people per year receive training directly at companies as part of work-study training programs.