The VDMA (Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association) represents about 3,500 German and European companies of the mechanical engineering industry. The industry stands for innovation, export orientation and medium-sized businesses. The companies employ around four million people in Europe, more than one million of them in Germany. Mechanical and plant engineering represents a European turnover volume of around 748 billion euros (2021). With a net value added of around 270 billion euros, it contributes the highest share of the entire manufacturing sector to the European gross domestic product. Turnover of mechanical engineering in Germany is EUR 221,3 billion (2021), German machinery production is valued at EUR 216,0 billion (2021) and the export rate of Germany's mechanical and plant engineering sector is 82 percent; 2021). The association was founded in 1892. From Wikipedia
