VDMA

1. Can you please shed some light on VDMA organization structure?

With more than 3,200 members, VDMA is the largest network organization for mechanical engineering in Europe. The association represents the common economic, technological and scientific interests of this diverse industry.

VDMA is divided into cross-sector departments, which generally deal with relevant issues concerning the mechanical and plant engineering sector. It has representative offices in Berlin and Brussels as well as liaison offices in important foreign markets. 38 trade associations and various working groups, as well as the international committees and forums of VDMA, deal with the branches of the mechanical engineering sector. In total, approximately 500 VDMA employees work for the members worldwide.

International VDMA offices are located in: Brussels, Vienna, Moscow, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Tehran, Sao Paulo

2. How does VDMA represent various issues (viz: profession and training, markets and economy etc) of the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Germany and Europe?

VDMA sees itself as a part of mechanical engineering and as a partner in overcoming new and existing challenges. Our members benefit from a comprehensive service portfolio that creates added value for each company despite economic fluctuations. VDMA is active as a direct partner in local markets and support expanding member companies both in terms of management and political issues.

3. In your opinion, how significant is VDMA to companies to achieve their business roles and responsibilities?

We help our member companies adjust to international markets, for example using the VDMA databases for product requirements and foreign standards. Additionally, we are committed to pushing forward EU free trade agreements with important export partners such as the USA, Brazil, and India, among others. We also support our members through political work for improving economic policy conditions and, most importantly, we support our members by means of an ever increasing network of companies who not only see themselves as competitors but who also work together towards making Germany and Europe a strong location for the mechanical and plant engineering sector.

That`s why our work is invaluable to our members.

4. Can you please share the complete information on how to become a member of VDMA?

Based on our bylaws a company can become a member of VDMA if it is engaged in the field of machinery and plant engineering, including tools and components, processing, production, manufacturing, power transmission and automation engineering as well as office and information technology, software, product-related services and other related fields.  Membership is open to companies that are not primarily trading businesses and are domiciled in: Germany, any other EU country, or the EFTA member countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).

5. What are VDMA’s core objectives and how do these objectives influence the existing 3200 companies?

The aim of VDMA is to make the working life of our contacts in the member companies easier and more successful with our services, events and our network. Our task is to increase the competitiveness of our members and thus ensure the future viability of mechanical and plant engineering.

6. How would you summarize your marketing strategy for VDMA?

“Connect for success. Envision the future”, this motto describes the standards we set for ourselves in providing services to our members.