Mechanical & Plant Engineering

Mechanical and plant engineering is considered the heart of industrial value creation and stands for highly complex, often customized production solutions. Companies in this sector develop, manufacture, and integrate machines, manufacturing systems, automation technology, and industrial components – often as one-off or small-batch production with high demands on quality, precision, and reliability.

The industry is globally networked, export-oriented, and characterized by innovations in areas such as robotics, Industry 4.0, digital twins, and energy-efficient system solutions. At the same time, flexible supply chains and close collaboration with specialized suppliers are crucial for success.

Typical sub-areas:

Industrial machinery and plant engineering: From production lines to special-purpose machines for various industries
Robotics and automation: Automated manufacturing systems, control technology, AI-based process optimization
Components and manufacturing technology: Motors, transmissions, hydraulics, sensors, CNC components
Heating systems and industrial equipment: Process heat, pressure vessels, cooling, energy systems
Key challenges:

Delivery capability for complex components and electronic components
High coordination requirements for project-based manufacturing
Integration of new technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, predictive maintenance)
Competitive pressure from global suppliers and platform solutions
Quality assurance across cross-border partner networks
Potential for digital procurement:

Rapid matching of qualified suppliers for specialized components
Availability of CAD data, feasibility assessments, and delivery times directly in the portal
Pre-qualified manufacturing partners for pilot series or niche components
Transparency regarding manufacturing capacities and quality certificates
Integration into modular systems Platform projects (e.g. mechanical engineering + sensor technology + software)