Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economics Dr. Robert Habeck accepted the invitation of the German Hot Dip Galvanizing Industry Association and other associations to discuss solutions for the transformation of the SME sector in Germany.
The SME representatives present supported the transformation agenda envisaged by the German government, but also made it clear that this would require large-scale investments in new plants and planning security for the electricity price. The Industrieverband Feuerverzinken e.V. was represented by Chairman of the Board Martin Kopf, Board members Paul Niederstein, Karlernst Pfingsten and Kai Seppeler and Managing Director Sebastian Engelkirchen.
Robert Habeck emphasized the relevance of industrial SMEs and intends to advocate for further support. At the same time, it is clear that the path to a new economic boom in Germany requires investment. Medium-sized companies willing to transform need predictability in electricity prices in order to be able to implement investments in new plants in an economically sensible way.
The vast majority of German companies are willing to invest if the framework conditions are right. To encourage more investment in climate protection, the associations are calling for an allowance of 25% of the acquisition and production costs for investments that reduce the proportion of fossil fuels in production (operational activities). "We have a strong interest in investing in Germany, not only to remain competitive, but also out of a deep commitment to this country," said Paul Niederstein, board member of the Industrieverband Feuerverzinken and managing partner of the host, Germany's oldest family business, The Coatinc Company.
