The VDMA (German Engineering Association) represents over 3,000 mainly small/medium size member-companies in the German engineering industry, making it one of the largest and most important industrial associations in Europe.

Mechanical engineering is a key technology and a powerful engine driving the economy. Accounting for sales of nearly € 200 billion (2011) and 947.000 employees (October 2011), mechanical engineering is one of the largest industrial sectors and employers in Germany. Roughly two thirds of German production is exported.

The VDMA covers the entire process chain – everything from components and plant manufacturers, system suppliers and system integrators through to service providers. The association reflects the varied customer-supplier relations all along the value-adding chain, permitting both industry-specific and intra-industry cooperation.

You can find more information about VDMA at their website.