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Check-list emergency plan and information on legal and insurance aspects
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The VDMA has compiled advice and experience from various companies in the mechanical and plant engineering industry on how they can maintain production despite the pandemic.
Medical Technology
Mechanical engineering is there when you need it. In the Corona pandemic, mechanical engineering companies are launching many initiatives to help people in need worldwide.
News from politics
VDMA strongly advocates within politicians for cushioning the temporary and severe shock for the mechanical engineering industry as best as possible.
15.07.2020
The Federal Statistical Office is registering rising unemployment in the manufacturing industry - from the point of view of the VDMA, the Federal Government must draw the consequence from this to facilitate employment.
02.07.2020
On 29 June 2020, the EU Commission amended and extended the Temporary Framework for a third time to enable Member States to safeguard jobs and support the economy in the Corona crisis. VDMA summarises the Temporary Framework for State aid.
27.05.2020
The German mechanical and plant engineering industry is severely affected by the consequences of the Corona pandemic. The national solo efforts and border closures of the EU member states have further exacerbated the economic difficulties. Disrupted supply chains, slumps in incoming orders and liquidity bottlenecks are just some of the direct consequences. The economy needs a fresh start, based on improved competitive conditions, investment and innovation.
27.05.2020
The EU Commission has adapted its work programme and presented a plan for economic recovery after the Corona crisis.
18.05.2020
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Research wants to support the production sector in adapting and digitising production lines. To this end, the EU Commission has announced two calls for proposals for this week (week 21).
14.05.2020
The EU-Commission published on 13 May 2020 a so-called tourism and transport package. One aim is to help the EU Member States in gradually lifting the travel restrictions imposed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
08.05.2020
The outbreak of the corona pandemic has also affected the mechanical engineering industry. In the new 5-point plan, VDMA summarises its main demands for a solid, stable and secure European future.
24.04.2020
The adjustment of the tax loss carry-forward gives companies some breathing space, but only provides limited help to medium-sized mechanical engineering companies.
20.04.2020
The extension of the short-time working benefits meets an important requirement of the VDMA, which will provide noticeable relief and planning security for small and medium-sized companies.
20.04.2020
In cooperation with the EU member states, the EU Commission is organising a pan-European hackathon during the weekend (24-26.4.) on the occasion of the coronavirus crisis.
15.04.2020
The measures to combat the corona pandemic must be implemented with consistence. This applies in particular to quarantine rules for persons entering Germany for professional reasons. There must be a smooth, uniform European procedure in this field.
14.04.2020
The Grand Coalition wants to extend the period for which employees can receive short-time work benefits beyond 12 months. Many mechanical engineering companies could benefit from this. The government is thus fulfilling an important demand of the VDMA.
31.03.2020
The EU Commission has published recommendations on cross-border activities to ensure the free movement of workers during the Corona crisis.
01.04.2020
What the VDMA is doing in the political arena
02.04.2020
COVID-19 is a burden on mechanical and plant engineering, as well as other branches of industry. Companies acutely need liquidity to cope with the consequences of the pandemic and to bridge the time until demand resumes. In order to ensure basic supplies and keep the damage to a minimum, economic life must be maintained - where this is justifiable in terms of health policy. The recovery after the crisis must be accompanied by economic policy.
27.03.2020
After numerous Member States have closed their national borders in recent weeks, the EU Commission is now launching an initiative to protect the Internal Market.
26.03.2020
The Economic Stabilization Fund (WSF) serves to cushion the economic effects of the corona pandemic on companies in the real economy. The VDMA makes a classification for this.
26.03.2020
VDMA demands that State credit insurers must be allowed to resume operations if the private market fails. Private export credit insurances are in particular relevant for the European business of the mechanical engineering industry.
26.03.2020
"Can I take advantage of the emergency aid proposed by Germany´s Federal Government in the Economic Stabilization Fund?" This question is currently being asked in particular by many mechanical engineering companies that have been struggling with declining orders for some time.
News
05.08.2020
The global economy, weakened by trade disputes and political upheavals, was additionally hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also reflected in the significant drop in orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
16.07.2020
The Recovery plan must help the Member States particularly affected by the pandemic. The EU should focus on entrepreneurial freedom.
09.07.2020
After a disappointing year 2020, the majority of mechanical engineering companies are confident that they will achieve nominal turnover increases again 2021.
18.06.2020
2019: Growth in sales, incoming orders and workforce - 2020: Upturn halted by Corona crisis - Key market drivers: digitalization, diversification and green drive
Robotics and automation from Germany cannot escape from the economic consequences of the corona crisis: VDMA R+A is currently expecting a drop in sales of at least 20 percent for 2020. The fundamental growth prospects of the industry, however, are positive for the time after COVID-19.
10.06.2020
The EU Commission is forecasting a sharp slump in machinery and equipment investment for 2020. The outlook for the coming year is positive.
09.06.2020
After the first successfully organized flights to China, the BDI and VDMA are now investigating the need for travel to other countries. The aim is to make travel possible for the most important destination countries.
28.05.2020
The 5th VDMA flash survey shows that almost all machine manufacturers are suffering from the economic consequences of the corona pandemic. But there are also rays of hope.
03.06.2020
Compliance with corona-based hygiene rules is difficult to achieve without investment - smart sanitary fittings reduce the contamination of surfaces
25.05.2020
The corona pandemic has also affected important foreign markets, such as China, India and Brazil. China is sending out positive signals again, but the situation in India and Brazil is much worse.
22.05.2020
The gradual lifting of compulsory quarantine in Germany for entry and return from EU and EFTA countries is the right thing to do. However, the patchwork of regulations is a great nuisance.
20.05.2020
The Directorate General of Customs (GZD) has reacted to the demands of German industry and published some facilitations.
18.05.2020
The Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Homeland Affairs, together with the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, has developed an online procedure with which compensation for loss of earnings under the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) can be applied for.
11.05.2020
Corona weighs heavily in the mechanical engineering sector: order losses and cancellations are becoming increasingly noticeable. The travel restrictions are also causing the companies major problems.
18.05.2020
By decision of 14 May 2020, the temporary derogation from the obligation to make a declaration of incapacity to work by telephone was again extended. This was decided by the responsible Federal Joint Committee for Statutory Health Insurance.
04.05.2020
Guideline for the federal funding of production facilities for personal protective equipment and medical devices used for patient protection and their preliminary products
18.05.2020
On May 14, 2020, the Bundestag decided, among other things, to gradually increase the short-time working allowance.
28.04.2020
The plans of the ministers of education for a step-by-step opening of the schools are a first, important step. The VDMA, however, demands that pre-school care centers also be gradually opened up again.
24.04.2020
Supply chains in the industry are European. Therefore, the rapid opening of borders in Europe must be a top priority in any exit strategy.
23.04.2020
IFAT 2020, which has already been postponed, will be cancelled and the next IFAT will be held in 2022.
22.04.2020
Quarantine measures for entering and returning to Germany vary from one federal state to another. This could bring more friction into production in Europe. The VDMA demands a 5-day regulation that is valid everywhere.
22.04.2020
Travelling to China has become a big hurdle and at present even impossible. This is where the VDMA wants to help.
The inquiry of the Federal Ministry of Health for the supply and manufacture of infection protection equipment has been terminated for the time being. We would like to thank them for the many hundreds of responses and initiatives.
20.04.2020
The mechanical engineering industry is increasingly feeling the effects of the corona pandemic; orders are reduced or even cancelled. According to the VDMA flash survey, many companies are making capacity adjustments.
Especially in times of crisis, such as the current COVID 19 pandemic, new ways of remaining competitive are needed. Startups often offer quick and unconventional solutions that can help companies quickly, especially in these times.
20.04.2020
The Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Building and Homeland Affairs (BMI) has announced the regulations on issues relating to building contracts to its subordinate department.
16.04.2020
The decision of the Corona Cabinet to promote the establishment and expansion of the production of medical protective equipment is an important investment signal in the view of the VDMA.
16.04.2020
Great challenges require great commitment - this motto was followed by 28,000 volunteers who, in 48 hours, developed 1,500 solutions to the social and economic challenges of Covid-19 in the first virtual hackathon under the patronage of the German government. This has also resulted in solutions that address the current challenges facing the mechanical and plant engineering industry. Now our commitment as an industry is called for in the further development!
3D printers of the Maker Forum and the Chair for Production Systems of the Ruhr-Uni Bochum are used for printing face masks.
14.04.2020
The conformity assessment and market surveillance procedure for respirators according to the recommendation (EU) 2020/403 at a glance
02.04.2020
With the new webinar series "Power Talk" we would like to inform our members regularly and compactly about current topics concerning energy and climate. We are constantly expanding our list of topics.
15.04.2020
In the current situation, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi) is of the opinion that the prerequisites for urgent awards of contracts for the purchase of services that serve to contain and manage the corona epidemic in the short term and/or to maintain the public administration's service operations are given in both the upper and lower threshold areas.
14.04.2020
According to the latest VDMA survey, the effects of the corona pandemic in China are less severe than was expected only recently. Nevertheless, the mechanical engineering industry is expecting a sharp drop in sales.
07.04.2020
According to official statistics (preliminary figures for April), approx. 750,000 advertisements with 10.1 million people were recorded and reviewed in March and April - more than 395,000 people from the mechanical engineering industry are affected.
06.04.2020
Meeting the challenges of Covid-19 with startup innovations - this is the motto of a new pro bono platform that brings together established companies and startups to solve business challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. This also has potential for the mechanical and plant engineering industry - which is why VDMA Startup-Machine supports the initiative as a partner.
06.04.2020
The spread of the corona virus has abruptly interrupted the economic recovery.
03.04.2020
Information document on air handling systems in connection with COVID-19 Production of respiratory protection masks started.
03.04.2020
The Federal Employment Agency (BA) warns against fraudulent mail. The senders want to get hold of personal customer data.
03.04.2020
The law firm TaylorWessing has made available a new extended calculation tool for the short-time working allowance.
01.04.2020
Information on requirements for personal protective equipment, disinfectants and 3D printers helps to eliminate procurement bottlenecks.
31.03.2020
The corona pandemic is also having a strong impact on the labour market. It is therefore necessary to immediately extend the period for which short-time work benefits are paid to 24 months.
31.03.2020
In order to make it easier for companies to switch production to medical equipment, the relevant standards are currently available free of charge.
30.03.2020
The mechanical engineering industry is feeling the consequences of the corona pandemic with increasing force. A second current survey by the VDMA, which was answered by 965 member companies, clearly shows this.
30.03.2020
Lack of orders is a major concern for tool manufacturers - 2020 forecast withdrawn
The DAkkS has currently stopped the on-site assessments. These will be replaced by remote assessments.
26.03.2020
VDMA demands that State credit insurers must be allowed to resume operations if the private market fails. Private export credit insurances are in particular relevant for the European business of the mechanical engineering industry.
26.03.2020
Industry associations ask EU Commission to adjust transition periods for internal combustion engines VDMA informs Federal Government
26.03.2020
The Corona crisis has the automotive industry firmly in its grip. The industry is responding with temporary interruptions of production. German manufacturers are also affected.
25.03.2020
The mechanical engineering sector supports the German government's major aid package. However, the state must now start to develop strategies for the economic recovery.
24.03.2020
The Corona pandemic brings large parts of production at home and abroad to a standstill. Where mechanical engineering companies continue to produce in Germany, bottlenecks in the supply of foreign input products may quickly arise as the virus spreads globally and measures are taken to combat it.
24.03.2020
Initiative of the European Standards Organisations CEN and CENELEC
24.03.2020
In the corona crisis, companies need liquidity above all. The planned economic stabilisation fund is an important measure. However, it must not completely override the basic principles of the market economy.
21.03.2020
Rome is making 25 billion euros available for those who are economically hardest hit by the coronavirus.
19.03.2020
Temporary halt to car production in North America due to the Corona crisis.
19.03.2020
To combat the corona pandemic, the mechanical engineering industry will continue to ensure the operation of vital infrastructure. To this end, supply chains must be maintained.
16.03.2020
Border closures due to corona must not impede the movement of goods. Commuters must also be allowed to reach their workplaces in other European countries.
12.03.2020
The mechanical engineering industry in Germany is experiencing an even more difficult year than expected. The burdens that have already been felt for some time - trade conflicts, global economic weakness, structural change in the automotive industry - are now being compounded by the corona virus with its unforeseeable consequences for the economy as a whole.
06.03.2020
The damage caused by the corona virus is almost impossible to estimate. The mechanical engineering industry now needs temporary support from the government concerning short-time work.
09.03.2020
The right sign at the right time: The Grand Coalition has made good and fast-acting decisions to support medium-sized companies in their fight against the Corona crisis.
Business topics
11.08.2020
The preservation of production is vital for companies. What protective measures must the employer take and can the presumed effect be assumed?
09.07.2020
On 7 July, the Recommendation for Wearing Time Limitations when Wearing Mouth Nose Cover (MNB) or Mouth Nose Protector (MNS) was published, which employers can use in risk assessment.
01.07.2020
It is expected that the Corona bridging allowance can be applied for on July 8 via the funding portals. For companies that have experienced a significant downturn in their business activities in recent months, there is only a short window of time until the end of August to apply. A calculation tool for the bridging allowance is available for download.
23.06.2020
It is not yet clear which rules will soon apply to exhibition stands. Unfortunately, there will not be nationwide uniform regulations. But there are recommendations for action by the FAMAB. Exhibitors should not let themselves be unsettled now and should wait with decisions until the concrete conditions for their trade fairs have been established.
20.05.2020
Biggest challenge: lack of digitization strategy and postponement of digitization projects; mechanical engineering well positioned in production-related digitization; portfolio adjustments: Establishment of new business models
18.05.2020
On May 14, 2020, the Bundestag decided, among other things, to gradually increase the short-time working allowance.
18.05.2020
By decision of 14 May 2020, the temporary derogation from the obligation to make a declaration of incapacity to work by telephone was again extended. This was decided by the responsible Federal Joint Committee for Statutory Health Insurance.
08.05.2020
The English edition is available for download.
Corona continues to have a firm grip on us, the effects on personnel recruitment and the need for young people are uncertain. Your help is therefore required - please let us know our assessments by 8 May 2020.
04.05.2020
Short-time work, home office, sick leave and the opportunities of the crisis. Here you can read an overview of the assessments of the HR managers in our industry. In the download you will find the complete presentation of the results.
20.04.2020
In the current situation on-site assessments are cancelled or replaced by remote audits where possible. For example, the DAkkS is currently no longer carrying out on-site assessments and the conformity assessment bodies are currently examining how they can maintain certification operations.
17.04.2020
Special occupational health and safety standards have been issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for the period of the Covid19 pandemic.
20.04.2020
The loan conditions of KfW Corona Aid were adjusted and improved at short notice.
16.04.2020
At the end of March, the European Competition Network (ECN) published a joint statement in which the continued validity of antitrust law was pointed out, but also the flexibility of antitrust law in view of the current Covid 19 crisis.
16.04.2020
Many VDMA members are currently being asked to provide their business partners with declarations that they operate an "essential production". This raises questions as to why the VDMA has prepared a memo on this topic.
IHK examinations postponed. Vocational schools closed. What companies can do.
14.04.2020
Many workers commute from their place of residence to another country to work. Home office work and border closures, which are currently ordered in many cases, can have tax disadvantages for cross-border commuters.
07.04.2020
The new KfW quick loan is intended to ensure that those companies that have only run into difficulties as a result of the Corona pandemic can obtain a loan quickly by means of a 100 percent release from liability and by waiving the usual risk assessment.
VDMA State Associations
06.07.2020
The federal and state governments support the companies with support measures - for example, bridging aid, liquidity assistance or guarantees. Here you will find an updated overview of these offers.
For your information and convenience, we have compiled an overview and the corresponding contact details and web addresses below. We hope that this will help you in your work. If you have any questions or general queries or concerns during this difficult period, please do not hesitate to contact us.
21.07.2020
All information specific to the state of Hesse has been compiled on a single Internet site for all departments. Among other things, all ordinances and general ordinances on combating the corona virus are available here at a glance and as downloads.
25.03.2020
Liquidity assistance, information, contact persons, support programmes and much more: in connection with the corona virus, each federal state has compiled regionally specific information and contact points for companies - partly with its own funds, partly for the implementation and design of the programmes set up by the federal government.
Various information portals are available to member companies for dealing with the corona pandemic: in addition to a central VDMA website, the North Rhine-Westphalia regional association also offers a constantly updated website with NRW-specific information.
VDMA Nordrhein-Westfalen & Dr. Wieselhuber & Partner GmbH offer VDMA member companies consulting services for securing liquidity in the crisis.
The "Procurement" task force of the NRW ministries coordinates inquiries and offers via a central e-mail address.
From contact persons to support programmes: In connection with the corona virus, the federal states have compiled regionally specific information and assistance for companies.
10.07.2020
The worldwide spread of the corona virus (2019-nCoV) also leads to numerous questions for companies. The Ministry of Economics, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture publishes important information and contact persons for affected companies.
28.07.2020
The Saarland state government is expanding its package of measures to help Saarland companies in the Corona crisis.
12.08.2020
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27.03.2020
List of contact points in the authorities of the individual federal states
Information about countries and travelling
Optimally informed - travel restrictions and national measures for work assignments by Corona
13.08.2020
Observe quarantine regulations on return journey (update 12.08.2020)
12.08.2020
Passenger form required for entry of more than 48 hours (update 12.08.2020)
12.08.2020
Quarantine required on return from northern Spanish regions (status: 04.08.2020)
12.08.2020
The federal states regulate the quarantine obligation anew. The basis for quarantine is the classification of countries as risk areas by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
11.08.2020
Business trips and the deployment of technicians and service personnel are severely restricted
10.08.2020
The possibility of carrying out installation and service work has been opened up. Updated on 10 August.
08.08.2020
UPDATE 8 August: The lockdown for the greater Buenos Aires area is to continue until 16 August. Despite massive measures the corona numbers remain high.
04.08.2020
Entry into the UAE is only possible with a residence permit and additional permission. (Status: 23.07.2020)
31.07.2020
Update from 14 July: The entry ban for foreigners is valid until 30 July. Business travellers should be allowed to enter, but must undergo a corona test before departure.
29.07.2020
From 11 June 2020, persons from, among others, Germany will be allowed to re-enter Turkey. The borders to the neighbouring states, with the exception of Iran, are open again.
22.07.2020
New provisions have been in force since 13 April. Tests after arrival remain mandatory.
17.07.2020
Natives and foreigners with residence permits can re-enter Morocco according to the Africa Association. (Status: 17.07.2020)
20.07.2020
On 01.06.2020 the Mexican government ordered a slow economic recovery in stages. By the end of May, the national health emergency was in effect throughout the country, prohibiting all "non-essential" activities.
14.07.2020
In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 in other parts of the world, China decided to suspend the entry of foreigners holding currently valid visas or residence permits from 28 March 2020.
13.07.2020
Coronavirus (Covid 19) Notes for Japan - Update July 13, 2020
07.07.2020
After some relaxation, anti-corona measures were tightened again at the beginning of July. Traffic light system for arrivals from abroad.
03.07.2020
Kazakhstan is facing the second corona wave. From 5 July, far-reaching measures to contain the corona virus will again come into force. Entry is only possible in exceptional cases.
13.08.2020
In principle, entry is again permitted for foreigners. But there are conditions. Travellers from Germany do not have to be in quarantine at present.
30.06.2020
Thanks to tough shutdowns in the past, the Covid situation in Tunisia is under control. (July 17, 2020)
26.06.2020
Die österreichische Bundesregierung will weitere Maßnahmen zur Unterstützung von Corona-betroffenen Unternehmen umsetzen. Margarete Schramböck, Bundesministerin für Digitalisierung und Wirtschaftsstandort, kündigte eine Investitionsprämie und die Möglichkeit eines Verlustrücktrags an.
23.06.2020
Presidential proclamation sees job opportunities of US-Americans threatened
Borders with Germany open since 15 July 2020 (update 16.7.2020)
For the time being, proof of valid reasons is required on entry (Status: 17.06.2020)
Restriction of foreign traffic until 14 July 2020 (status: 17.06.2020)
28.07.2020
The ban on entry into Russia is still in force. A lifting is linked to an improvement of the epidemiological situation in Russia.
Unlimited border traffic since 5 June 2020 (update 08.06.2020)
Mandatory quarantine for travellers from certain countries, e.g. Germany, abolished. (Status 22.07.2020)
04.06.2020
On June 4, 2020, Austria's borders with most of the neighboring countries were reopened. For Italy and many other European countries, this applies on June 16. Additional documents and the long mandatory corona test are no longer required then. (Update June 10, 2020)
28.05.2020
India is increasingly fighting the effects of the coronavirus.
25.05.2020
The air and ferry connections have been discontinued and the borders closed. Only goods traffic is possible (status 16.07.2020).
25.05.2020
Deployment of employees to Egypt is again possible. Covid tests on entry replace mandatory quarantine. (Status: 01.07.2020)
25.05.2020
At the moment there are no possibilities to let employees travel to Saudi Arabia. (Status: 10.07.2020)
05.05.2020
Government only permits activity in systemically important economic sectors
04.05.2020
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has paralyzed much of the economy in the neighboring country. The construction industry also stood still. Many companies applied for short-time work, but are now gradually restarting operations.
30.04.2020
The Austrian federal government has decided on an aid package of 38 billion euros to support the country's economy in the Corona crisis. An adapted short-time working scheme, emergency aid, liquidity guarantees, loans, guarantee programmes and fiscal measures are intended to help overcome emergencies and bottlenecks. In addition, numerous other initiatives have been launched to support companies in this difficult phase. The VDMA Austria provides an overview here (as of April 30, 2020):
27.04.2020
Passenger traffic with neighbouring states is severely restricted. Status: April 22, 2020
15.04.2020
How can the stay in the USA be extended if the departure is delayed due to the corona crisis?
14.04.2020
Travel conditions to Southeast Asia, including business trips, are becoming increasingly restricted. The situation varies from country to country, here is a short overview (status: 01.04.2020).
06.04.2020
The number of Covid19 cases continues to rise in Africa as well. The ongoing training and education courses of the VDMA initiative are therefore currently being continued via "distance learning". Further training courses have been paused for the time being until further notice. Many African countries have already introduced relevant measures, which also affect the international economy and international trade partnerships with African countries. Below is an overview of helpful sources of information on the developments of Covid 19 in Africa.
30.03.2020
Trump is not yet easing the measures against the spread of the coronavirus. The relevant decisions will be made by the Governors anyway.
23.03.2020
Measure to stem the spread of coronavirus
23.03.2020
Commercial flights are now being further restricted worldwide and some have already been discontinued. Mexico is also likely to be affected by this in the foreseeable future, and the available flights are already running short.
12.03.2020
For residents of the Schengen States, entry into the USA is temporarily excluded. Installation and service assignments are affected.
19.03.2020
Foreign travelers are denied entry and the border with the USA is partially closed.
13.03.2020
After Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, Emilia-Romagna and the other regions in northern Italy are top locations for European mechanical engineering.
12.03.2020
Flight connections to Germany and other European countries are also affected.
05.03.2020
Measure is intended to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
28.01.2020
Since 2012, the MERS flu virus has already claimed over 800 lives. Infections are mainly related to the Gulf region.
Mechanical engineering industry confident for the time after Corona
Development of production capacities for infection control equipment
Helpful Informations
Federal Foreign Office
Corona crisis: short time allowance
KfW Corona support for companies
Government support for industry
Überbrückungshilfe Mittelstand
Government support "go-digital"
Corona: world market impact
Robert Koch Institut
Corporate pandemic planning
Operation of air conditioning and ventilation systems
Trade Fair Association AUMA
Data protection in the Corona crisis context
Information given by DAkkS
Frank Brückner
VDMA Communications, Deputy Spokesperson
+49 69 66 03-11 56
+49 69 66 03-21 56
frank.brueckner@vdma.org
Oliver Richtberg
Assistant to the Executive Director
+49 69 6603-1633
+49 69 6603-2633
oliver.richtberg@vdma.org