While demand abroad is picking up noticeably, investment uncertainty in Germany persists – alongside weakening productivity. And yet there are more than enough reasons right now to invest in modern machinery and automation.
The world’s leading trade fair for production technology, EMO 2025, made a compelling case for the potential of modern automation and manufacturing technology. But Germany continues to lack a forward-looking industrial policy, an investment-friendly climate and targeted incentive structures. With the right framework conditions in place, companies could significantly expand their production capacity in Germany and become more competitive.
At the B2B Communications Days hosted by Vogel Communications Group, Sven Schmidt, Managing Director of the Machineseeker Group, and Matthias Bauer, CEO of the Vogel Group, took part in a fireside chat about the challenges facing Germany as an industrial hub. Both agreed: without a political course correction, a gradual de-industrialization is a real risk.
Machineseeker Invests Against the Trend
Marketing, AI and market expansion: while many companies are pulling back on investment, Machineseeker is deliberately going the other way. The German-based group is investing in marketing to make sure no machine and no buyer misses out on Europe’s best selection. It’s investing in artificial intelligence to advance the platform technologically, with the goal of making listings more precise, faster and more efficient. And it’s investing in market expansion to continue growing internationally and gaining market share.
Innovation in the Auction Business
In the traditional listings business, Machineseeker is already the clear number one in Europe. Now the Group is raising the bar in online auctions too: the innovative auction subscription combines the benefits of permanent listings with the dynamics of digital auctions – and with no sales commission, as the buyer’s premium is paid out in full to the seller. Companies benefit from maximum reach, predictable costs and particularly fast machinery turnover.
Automation as an Opportunity
While investment remains hesitant in Germany, demand from abroad is rising noticeably. Sellers operating internationally are benefiting from this trend most of all. With Machineseeker as their partner, they reach more buyers across Europe, and stay successful even in challenging times.