Germany's industrial crisis deepens as Trumpf CEO demands urgent reforms

A rare profit-sharing bonus for Trumpf workers can't mask the alarm. Germany's industrial backbone is cracking—and its CEO says time is running out.

, and Administrator

2026 May 12 . 6:02 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old black and white photo of a factory with people working on a machine,... — The image shows an old black and white photo of a factory with people working on a machine, surrounded by metal rods, poles, and other objects. At the bottom of the image, there is text that reads "New Eisenglebeerei, the first factory in Germany".

Germany's industrial crisis deepens as Trumpf CEO demands urgent reforms

Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller, CEO of industrial machinery giant Trumpf, has issued stark warnings about Germany’s economic decline. She described the current situation as the worst since World War II, calling for urgent government action to prevent further damage to the country’s industrial base. Speaking at a recent in-house trade fair, Leibinger-Kammüller highlighted deep frustration among business leaders. Many small and medium-sized enterprises are drowning in bureaucracy, she noted, while the broader economy faces graver challenges than during the pandemic.

The Trumpf chief urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz to speed up reforms, including stricter austerity and pension system changes. She also praised Economics Minister Katherina Reiche for her courage and determination in tackling the crisis. Despite the grim outlook, Trumpf employees will receive bonuses or profit-sharing payments this autumn—the first in years. Leibinger-Kammüller added that she would accept higher taxes if the funds were directed toward education, stressing the need for long-term investment over short-term fixes. She criticised the federal government for lacking a clear strategy, warning that Germany’s industrial foundation is eroding without decisive action.

Leibinger-Kammüller’s remarks underscore the severity of Germany’s economic struggles. With small businesses under pressure and reforms stalled, she insists the government must act swiftly to stabilise the situation. The call for targeted tax use and structural changes reflects broader demands for a more strategic approach.