Meusburger market barometer Mould and die making industry signals economic warning for Europe

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Meusburger Georg GmbH & Co. KG

CUMSA

Mould and die making is the often overlooked but indispensable foundation of industrial series production and is therefore a sensitive early indicator of economic developments. Meusburger uses its specially developed Market Barometer Index to recognise market trends at an early stage and continuously prepare for the challenges of this key industry.

Mould and die making is neglected in political debates, although it is the basis of series production and therefore an early indicator of economic developments. The dimensions of this problem are completely misjudged. A metaphor can illustrate how serious the situation actually is: fewer moulds and dies being built in Europe is like a farmer not sowing anything in spring. There will be no harvest. If industrial companies order fewer injection moulds and stamping dies, they produce less; one is inevitably linked to the other.

This development is particularly critical as Europe is structurally dependent on imports. In addition, export-oriented industries such as the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors, whose long-term future depends to a large extent on efficient domestic mould and die making, play a central role. However, these industries are under immense pressure from rising costs, growing competition from Asia and increasing regulatory requirements, which has already led to a decline in production and to uncertain order situations.

Europe must strengthen its industry in a targeted manner instead of stifling innovation through bureaucracy. Economic necessities should once again take centre stage; there should be clear priorities instead of endless fundamental debates. The framework conditions should be designed in such a way that competitiveness and entrepreneurial spirit can grow instead of relying solely on subsidies. Only a bold industrial policy and a return to its own strengths can prevent Europe from losing further ground.

Working together to strengthen the industry

Thanks to their position at the beginning of the supply chain, standard parts manufacturers recognise indications of future market movements at an early stage. They are therefore aware of market trends long before the finished plastic part reaches the end customers. Meusburger has thus developed the Market Barometer Index in collaboration with the WBA Tooling Academy. This tool provides a clear overview of current trends, developments and challenges in mould and die making in Europe.

Overall, the latest survey from autumn 2024 paints a pessimistic picture for the mould and die making industry, and these results are worrying. In all areas, the current utilisation is predominantly considered to be either ‘too low’ or merely ‘sufficient’. The situation in the stamping sector is particularly alarming, with 44 per cent of companies reporting ‘insufficient utilisation’. Around 40 percent of respondents from mould and die making also state that their utilisation is ‘too low’. These figures emphasise the need for urgent action and the importance of cohesion within the industry, and also validate concerns about the future of this key industry.

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