|
|
 |
|
Economy and politics |
 |
|
The woodworking and furniture industry is typical of the small and medium sized industrial businesses established in Germany. At present, about 200,000 men and women are employed in some 2,500 companies. Annual sales in the industry amount to EUR 39 bn. Thus in terms of the number of businesses, the woodworking and furniture industry is roughly comparable with the textile and clothing industry, although its sales volume is higher, in which it is very close to the printing and publishing sector.
Also represented by the HDH or its regional associations are the numerous member companies of the plastics processing industry, for example in the manufacture of construction elements or other plastic components.
The woodworking and furniture branch – like other industries – is still in a difficult economic position. On the one hand, the demand in the home market was very weak for years. The consumers were extremely cautious, especially in the purchase of consumer durables such as furniture, while in the building industry, the market began to pick up very slowly, mainly with detached houses. In other fields, investments were at a low level due to general uncertainty about the further economic development. But on the other hand the export trade provided a powerful impetus to the German economy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
