Key industry
the industry
Over decades, a globally unique mechanical engineering industry has emerged in the Stuttgart region, which develops particularly high-quality and high-performance solutions for customers in almost every country in the world. To this day, mechanical engineering in the Stuttgart region is largely characterized by special machines and one-off production.
In close cooperation between companies and research institutions, high-quality manufacturing solutions are developed in the region as a key factor for the competitiveness of the entire industry. In addition to the mobility industry, industries such as aerospace, medical technology and the consumer goods industry also benefit from intelligent solutions for fast, precise and reliable production. The close cooperation with local customers constantly promotes the innovative strength of mechanical engineering.
World market leaders, niche providers and hidden champions
The mechanical engineers in the Stuttgart region generate almost a third of this industry's turnover in Baden-Württemberg. The high competitiveness of domestic companies is also reflected in the export quota of over 65 percent. Some companies even sell up to 90 percent of their products abroad. With 77.000 employees, mechanical engineering is the second most important employer in the Stuttgart region's manufacturing industry after vehicle construction.
World market leaders, niche providers and hidden champions can be found in the Stuttgart region across the entire range of mechanical engineering. A particular focus is on the production of machine tools for the metalworking industry. Globally known names such as Trumpf, Schuler, Heller and EMAG characterize the special position of this division and are indispensable partners, especially for the region's manufacturing industry. For almost all areas of industry, such as: B. Automation, packaging, component cleaning, metal processing or painting, the Stuttgart region is home to global players such as Dürr, Festo, Trumpf and Harro Höfliger. When it comes to machines for end customers, brands such as Stihl, Kärcher, Metabo and Bosch represent top products from regional companies that are known all over the world.
The industry structure is characterized by a large number of medium-sized companies, many of them family-owned, which have developed into technology leaders in their niche markets. Companies with a long tradition as well as young high-tech companies assert themselves on the market through intensive research and constant further development of their products.
Top spot in patent statistics
The fact that the Stuttgart region has occupied a top spot in almost all patent statistics for years is due not least to mechanical engineering. Companies and research institutes operating in and for this industry are characterized by outstanding research and development achievements.
Laser technology, sensors, digital data processing and artificial intelligence are just some of the topics from whose intelligent application domestic mechanical engineering derives its innovative strength. Medium-sized companies in particular benefit from company-driven industry networks such as regional competence and innovation centers. These institutions bundle regional forces from important technology areas and promote close cooperation with corporate partners, universities and research institutions.
With the Fraunhofer IPA, the University of Stuttgart and the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences as well as numerous other research institutions, companies have access to a pool of excellent researchers and laboratories. A dense network of Steinbeis transfer centers can be found in the Stuttgart region, as well as a large number of specialized development service providers who support industrial companies with their innovation projects.
Practical training and further education
The availability of excellently trained specialists, especially engineers, who have been trained at the University of Stuttgart for more than 150 years, is crucial for the success and innovative capacity of regional mechanical engineering. The university now offers several courses of study in mechanical engineering. The mechanical engineering, mechatronics/electrical engineering and automotive engineering faculties at Esslingen University regularly occupy top positions in nationwide university comparisons. The Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University has particularly close links with the economy. The training there takes place in particularly close cooperation with companies, which at the same time provide students with valuable practical experience as a supplement to their scientific training.
