Cautious optimism in German machinery: 57% of companies expect higher revenue in 2026
In VDMA's third-quarter survey, the share rating the situation as good rose to 34%; however, more than 30% of companies plan to cut staff in the coming months.
The German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) published the results of its third-quarter member survey on 14 October. The survey covers the whole machinery industry; it has no separate breakdown for plastics and rubber machinery.
- Current situation: 34% of companies rate it "good" or "very good" (28% in July); 22% say "poor" or "very poor".
- Six-month outlook: 33% expect conditions to improve (25% in July) and 10% expect deterioration.
- Revenue: For 2026, 57% expect nominal revenue growth, 22% no change and 21% a decline. For 2027, 62% expect growth.
- Employment: More than 30% plan to cut staff in the coming months; 52% expect to keep staffing, 18% plan to hire.
VDMA chief economist Johannes Gernandt said the results "give grounds for cautious optimism", adding that costs in Germany are too high and the reform backlog must be resolved.
What does this mean for a molder?
Germany is one of Türkiye's main sources of injection molding machines, mould steel and auxiliaries, and also an important customer for Turkish mould makers and part producers. The cautious recovery in German machinery may affect both machine delivery times and mould and part orders from German customers. For Engel's similar assessment, see our related story.
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