The German electroplating and surface technology industry was under great economic pressure in 2024. Although the industry initially recovered quickly after coronavirus and benefited from positive development in 2023, disillusionment followed in 2024: turnover and production volumes fell significantly, as a current industry analysis from the ZVO Annual Report 2024 shows.
The main reasons for this are the subdued economic development in the main customer industries, above all the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors. Production figures fell in both sectors, particularly in vehicle construction for electric cars - an area that requires important galvanized components. Construction, an important market for corrosion-resistant coatings, was also weak. Added to this are political uncertainties, high energy and raw material costs and weak national investment activity. Energy prices remain high by international standards - despite a decline compared to the previous year - which is a particular burden on energy-intensive electroplating plants. Exports were unable to close the gap. Foreign orders remained at best at the previous year's level. Accordingly, companies are reporting lower capacity utilization and pressure on margins - combined with postponed investments and growing concerns about Germany's future attractiveness as a business location.
Figures from the Federal Statistical Office on the "surface finishing and heat treatment" sector, which includes 1004 companies with 58,161 employees and a turnover of EUR 10.1 billion
