On April 23, members and partners of the Association of German Tool and Mould Makers (VDWF) came together at DMG MORI in Seebach for the 33rd Annual General Meeting. In times of economic challenges, the association reaffirmed its role as an important voice and meeting platform for the industry.
The traditional get-together took place the evening before. At the Annual General Meeting itself, VDWF Managing Director Ralf Dürrwächter welcomed the participants at DMG MORI, this year's host of the association day. The machine tool manufacturer has been a member of the association since 2008 and invited attendees to its Technology Days at the Seebach plant from April 21 to 23, where the latest technological solutions, expert presentations, and live machining demonstrations were showcased.
A strong voice for the industry
The VDWF board, along with Managing Director Ralf Dürrwächter, not only welcomed the approximately 200 attending association members at the Annual General Meeting but also specifically introduced the 42 new members who joined the VDWF last year. Subsequently, VDWF President Prof. Thomas Seul emphasized in his report that despite the tense situation, he remains "hopelessly optimistic."
Looking back at the successfully launched 2025 campaign "Without Toolmaking, No Product – think global, source local" and the open letter sent to politics by the VDWF in March, he explained how important it is for the association to show presence and underline the significance of the industry: "Every company – whether small or large – has its individual character and contributes to the diversity and strength of our industry. Therefore, we must move forward with pride, but also develop a roadmap that outlines our path into the global future."
This is all the easier for the association the more members it has: "The larger we are, the louder our collective voice will be." Seul pointed out the necessity for the VDWF to continue to make itself heard in the future: "If we do not say what we can and what we want, we will not be heard."
First membership fee adjustment since the founding of the association
In order to continue raising its voice on behalf of its members even in economically challenging times, the VDWF is increasing its membership fees for the first time in its 35th year. This is intended to ensure that the association can continue to provide a platform for the industry and engage in political work in the future. The adjustment of the fees by 20 percent was accepted by the attending association members without opposition.
Numerous comments from the audience expressed understanding for the necessity of this step, especially considering the significantly expanded offerings of the VDWF since 1992, and emphasized the importance of continuous association communication. "It is about showing presence and drawing attention to ourselves," explained Seul, and advised his members and the industry: "Please remain reliably optimistic!"
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