Community and History
Manufacturing and engineering
A fragmented picture
In a sector still feeling the effects of the economic crisis, the companies that succeed are those that embrace innovation, invest in new technologies and explore new models for business and fundraising.
The long and deep downturn in construction activity was widespread within the EU, with almost every member state experiencing at least two years of contraction in construction output following the financial crisis. While some member states are now experiencing expansion within the sector, the macroeconomic recovery appears to be driven by external factors rather than a major rebound of private investment, and there is a wide variation in performance among member states. Similarly, the manufacturing sector includes a vast range of activities and production techniques, so indicators of its performance are effectively an average across very different activities all hands to the pumps.
Sector at a glance
- €8.4tn – The amount manufacturing contributes to the global economy
- 24% of manufacturing and engineering companies use IT data to help drive the business
- 30 million – The number of people who work in manufacturing in the EU
Fixing the funding ladder
> Read what Emma Marcegaglia, President of BUSINESSEUROPE has to say on the importance of funding to create high-growth businesses.
Specialty chemicals distributor Alfa is going from strength to strength shipping its products to the UK, Ireland and Nordic regions.
Alfa Chemicals
Transforming workspaces up and down Europe, interiors business Ardmac knows how to create a working environment that delivers.
Ardmac
This German company sets the benchmark for the global herbal medicine industry, bringing wellness to the masses.
Bionorica
From producing hallway flooring to patio decking, Estonian timber processing company Brenstol stands well apart from its competitors.
Brenstol
Organic growth and increasing globalisation have spurred pumps and water treatment manufacturer DESMI to greater success.
DESMI
By listening to customers, garment manufacturer Eurotex has gone from humble beginnings to one of Europe's largest exporters.
Eurotex
Keeping the elderly independent is at the heart of this French product design firm's mission.
Indépendence Royale
Slovakian laser production company Kvant can count Microsoft, Audi and BMW amongst its clients.
Kvant
This Irish engineering consultancy has expanded from its core strengths in major industrial facility builds to targeting niche sectors.
LotusWorks
By staying committed to sustainability and maintaining its Slovenian workforce, Plastika Skaza is ticking all the right boxes.
Plastika Skaza
As demand for electronic boards and assemblies grows, French manufacturers Seprolec are providing services across the board.
Seprolec
Industrial gearbox manufacturer Wikow offers tailored components for everything from wind turbines in Asia to railways in Russia.
Wikov
