The sheet metal forming (IBU), massive forming (IMU) and hardening technology (IHT) industry associations, the powder metallurgy (FPM) and metal goods and related industries (FMI) trade associations, as well as the German spring industry association (VDFI) and the German screw association (DSV), are criticizing the fact that the current relief package is insufficient to compensate for rising energy costs and a lack of customer cooperation. "We are experiencing maximum uncertainty among our mostly medium-sized member companies. Without a state cap, a broader electricity supply and company-oriented measures, energy costs in Germany are becoming a significant disadvantage for locations," the associations emphasize in a joint press release.
Electricity price increases of 15 times the previous year and 1,000 percent gas price increases are catapulting suppliers into hopeless situations. "If the state does not cap energy prices now, it will ruin companies and many thousands of jobs in a very short time," says IBU Managing Director Bernhard Jacobs. Business models that place the sole procurement risk on the supplier have outlived their usefulness.