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Olpe district: Economy in the basement – companies are worried about the future!
The economy in the Olpe district has been stagnating for three years. Surveys show increasing uncertainty and poor business conditions.
Olpe district: Economy in the basement – companies are worried about the future!
The economic situation in the Olpe district is in the basement: The latest survey by the employers' association shows an alarming deterioration in the business and order situation in the region. If you look at the numbers, it becomes clear that only 7% of companies rate their own situation as good. In 2024 it was 12%, while the number of companies that rate a bad deal has increased from 48% to 57%. Such developments are worrying for the approximately 11,500 employees in the M+E companies in the Olpe district, despite the fact that 84% of the companies want to retain their training positions. Christopher Mennekes, the chairman of the employers' association, comments on the falling expectations and calls for clear reforms in order to regain trust in Germany as an industrial location. He is particularly concerned about rising energy prices and threatened punitive tariffs, which could further destabilize the situation. According to an analysis by KfW, Germany remains affected by long-term weak growth, especially in the manufacturing sector.
The situation is reflected not only in the lack of incoming orders, but also in the rising unemployment figures. 64% of companies have reduced staff or used short-time work, and many fear that this trend will continue in the coming months. In this context, an urgent need for action regarding energy price developments and security of supply becomes clear. The VDS is calling on the new federal government to adopt a reliable economic policy in order to support small and medium-sized industrial companies.
Challenges for companies
The decline in orders is not only a warning signal for medium-sized businesses, but also an indication of the deeper problems plaguing the German economy. High bureaucracy, rising taxes and a lack of skilled workers are slowing growth. According to the KfW study, the competitiveness of the industry depends, among other things, on strengthening the innovation system. As long as the focus continues to be on the established sectors and not enough incentives are created for start-ups and venture capital, progress will remain limited.
Manufacturing companies in particular are feeling the pressure from abroad. The so-called “China shock” and the changes in the auto industry are placing additional strain on German companies. Although around 20% of companies plan to expand their investments abroad, 42% of companies are forced to reduce their domestic investments.
Looking ahead
The downward trend is clearly visible, and even if only 14.3% of companies hope for an improvement in the next six months, the pressure to act remains high. The reporting and analyzes encourage companies to keep their ears open and to actively participate in shaping the economic environment. With a strong concerted effort, economic recovery in the region may not be too far away after all.