In the final quarter of 2021, there was a significant increase in orders for German machine tool manufacturers. Compared to the same period in the previous year, orders rose by 51%. Domestic orders increased by 62%, while orders from international markets rose by 46%. For the entire year of 2021, the total volume of orders for German machine tool companies grew by 58%. Domestic orders increased by 51%, while international orders rose by 62%.
Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, the President of the German Machine Tool Builders' Association, stated that these positive results demonstrate the resilience of German companies in overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The current order volume is also 11% higher than in 2019, prior to the pandemic's onset.
Foreign orders have shown a revival in various regions. Europe experienced the most substantial growth, with orders increasing by 90%. Orders in the Americas and Asia rose by 66% and 61%, respectively. Within Europe, Italy and Austria demonstrated particularly strong performance, driven by significant investment programs. The Czech Republic also contributed positively. While Austria's order volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels only in the second half of 2021, Italy maintained high order levels throughout the year. The two largest markets, China and the United States, also recorded strong results, with the United States catching up to China in terms of demand.
Dr. Schäfer commented, "There are encouraging signs that 2022 will be a favorable year for the industry. We anticipate a decline in COVID-19 cases and the lifting of many restrictions. Manufacturers also expect supply chain issues to improve in the second half of the year, with logistics challenges being addressed, which will enhance the efficiency of order processing and delivery."
The German machine tool industry is a prominent sector within the mechanical engineering industry in Germany. These companies produce machinery used for metalworking across various industries, contributing to increased productivity and innovation. The performance of this industry is indicative of the overall strength of the industrial sector. In 2021, approximately 64,500 individuals were employed in this sector (within companies with more than 50 employees), and the industry generated approximately 12.7 billion euros in revenue from machine sales and services.
