BAUMA 2025 | VDMA
Digitalisation
Digitalisation is another key theme that will be prominently featured at Bauma 2025. The integration of digital technologies into mining and tunnelling operations is transforming how we collect, analyse, and utilise data. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling companies to make informed decisions based on real- time information. At Bauma, we will see innovative software solutions
and digital platforms that enhance project management, improve resource allocation, and facilitate predictive maintenance. These advancements not only increase efficiency but also contribute to sustainability efforts by optimising resource use and reducing waste.
The tunnelling industry stands to benefit from
digitalisation through enhanced monitoring and control systems. By leveraging data analytics, we can better understand geological conditions, predict potential challenges, and implement proactive measures to ensure project success. As we embrace digital transformation, it is crucial to
foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within our organisations. Bauma provides an ideal environment for knowledge exchange, allowing industry leaders to share insights and experiences that can drive digital adoption across the mining and tunnelling sectors. Looking forward to welcoming you at our VDMA Mining & Minerals booth in hall C2.
SLOW RECOVERY ANTICIPATED
While slow industry growth is expected, the construction equipment and plant machinery industry continues to take on technical challenges and move forward with innovations
Construction equipment industry expects slow recovery, the VDMA said in February. It added that the right conditions will be crucial for renewed growth and that Bauma 2025 - the world’s leading trade fair for the sector, to take place in Munich, in April - would provide the impetus. While 2023 saw a record year in sales of construction equipment produced in Germany, last year the
level of sales fell, both in real and nominal terms, says VDMA. In real terms, sales of construction equipment produced in Germany in 2024 was down by 21% in real terms, and 20% in nominal terms, compared to the prior year - which had record sales, as noted. Within the mix of equipment produced in Germany, the sub-sector that saw the biggest decline year-
on-year was construction equipment, which was down 26%. Sales of construction equipment in the home market of Germany slumped saw a major drop, of 31%, which was the biggest decline since 2009. The “gloomy” global economy meant that exports to markets beyond Europe “were unable to improve the picture significantly.” Other equipment sub-sectors were also down in Germany - earthmoving equipment suffered a 23% drop compared to the sales level in the prior 12 month period; and, road construction equipment dropped 14%. Last month, on 14 February, VDMA held its annual construction equipment manufacturers’ conference,
in Frankfurt. There, the general consensus was that manufacturers expect sales to grow by around 5% in 2025 - if the framework conditions for companies are right. “Everyone has to play their part,” says VDMA. “A stable government here in Germany is a basic
prerequisite, especially as the construction equipment industry’s business in North America is on shaky ground due to the new US Administration,” says Joachim Strobel, Chairman of VDMA. Franz-Josef Paus, Chairman of VDMA’s Construction Equipment Division, commented: “We can only
continue to appeal to politicians in Germany and Europe to finally take measures to reduce bureaucracy and deregulation.” Following the conference, in its statement VDMA added that the main risks would include: a delay in the formation of a new government in Germany, following the elections of late February; continued competition that is seen as unfair, from Chinese manufacturers; and, geopolitical tensions. The main markets of Europe and North America are unpredictable, it was added. However, VDMA notes
that the Middle East - especially Saudi Arabia - is currently “a booming region”, offering opportunities. VDMA says that the construction equipment and plant machinery industry is expecting “positive momentum” from the forthcoming Bauma 2025 trade show, which takes place over 7-13 April. As the world’s largest trade fair in terms of exhibition space, it is fully booked, adds the trade association which will be there as a sponsor and with “an extensive supporting programme.”
32 | March 2025
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