The VDMA (German Engineering Federation) is a major industry association in Germany. It provides services to its members while offering the largest industry network within the capital goods industry. The VDMA represents 3,000 mostly medium-sized companies in the capital goods industry, making it one of the biggest, most important industry associations in Europe. Mechanical and plant engineering is a key technology and a driving force for the economy. The VDMA reflects the multifaceted customer-supplier relationships within the value chain and facilitates both cross-industry and industry-specific collaboration between the companies.