The Top German Manufacturing Companies
Lily Ruaah, 16 January 2025
Germany is renowned for its industrial prowess and innovation, making it one of the world’s leading manufacturing powerhouses. From cutting-edge automotive giants to global technology leaders, Germany’s manufacturing industry is well-known as the cornerstone of its economy.
That’s why we’ve decided to explore some of Germany’s top manufacturing companies using our new international data. Whether it’s producing high-performance vehicles, revolutionary machinery, or high-tech fintech solutions, these companies are not only shaping Germany’s economic landscape but also impacting industries worldwide.
Want to know more about our German data? Find out here, or take a virtual tour of the platform now.
Methodology
Our analysis focuses on German companies in the manufacturing industry.
To be included in our list, companies must be headquartered in Germany, listed as ‘Active’ on the German Handelsregister, and be classified within the manufacturing industry using Beauhurst’s industries dataset.
The data for this report was primarily found using the Beauhurst platform, and is accurate as of 9 January 2025.
Companies have been ranked by turnover, and in most cases turnover from 2023 has been used. In a few exceptions, 2022 has been used where 2023’s accounts haven’t yet been filed by the company. Only companies with turnover filed from 2023 or 2022 have been included in the ranking.
The Top Five Automotive Companies in the UK and Germany
Germany’s top 10 manufacturing companies
10.
ZF Friedrichshafen
Turnover: €47.6b
Location: Friedrichshafen
Incorporated: 1915
ZF Friedrichshafen, commonly known as ZF, is a global technology company specialising in driveline and chassis technology, as well as active and passive safety systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial applications.
In 2023, ZF reported a turnover of €47.6b, a 7% increase from 2022. The company employs approximately 168,700 people worldwide and operates 162 production locations in 31 countries.
In the first half of 2024, ZF’s sales were around €22b, reflecting a challenging market environment. To address these challenges, ZF has announced plans to reduce its workforce by up to 14,000 positions in Germany by 2028 in a plan to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
09.
Bayer
Turnover: €49.5b
Location: Leverkusen
Incorporated: 1952
Bayer, a global enterprise, focuses on the life science fields of healthcare and agriculture.
In 2023, the company reported a turnover of €49.5b, a decrease of 8% from the previous year, but it still made number nine on our list of German manufacturing companies.
Bayer operates through three main divisions: Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science, each contributing to its mission of advancing health and nutrition.
08.
Daimler Truck Holding
Turnover: €56.6b
Location: Leinfelden-Echterdingen
Incorporated: 2021
Daimler Truck Holding, a leading German manufacturer of commercial vehicles, reported a revenue of €56.6b in 2023. The company actually dates back to 1895 but didn’t become an independent company (from the Daimler Group) until 2021.
The company’s global workforce comprises over 100,000 employees, operating across more than 40 production sites worldwide.
In 2023, the company’s turnover grew by 9.2% from €51.8b in 2022, and the company has seen a huge increase of 35% from 2021.
Despite challenges in the Chinese and German markets, Daimler Truck continues to focus on innovation and expansion in the commercial vehicle sector.
07.
Airbus Operations
Turnover: €59.2b
Location: Hamburg
Incorporated: 1972
Airbus, a leading aerospace manufacturer, maintains a significant presence in Germany, employing over 50,000 individuals across multiple sites. In 2022, the company reported a turnover of €59.2b, reflecting an 12% increase from the previous year.
The Defence and Space division of Airbus, headquartered in Germany, contributed €11.4b to this total.
To support its growth, Airbus announced plans to hire an additional 3,500 employees in Germany in 2023. The company’s German facilities are integral to its operations, focusing on the production of components such as vertical stabilisers and carbon fiber reinforced plastic structures for various aircraft models.
06.
Siemens
Turnover: €78.3b
Location: Müchen
Incorporated: 1847
Siemens, a German multinational technology conglomerate, focuses on industrial automation, distributed energy resources, rail transport, and health technology.
In 2023, Siemens reported a turnover of €78.3b, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The company achieved a historic high in net income in the fiscal year of 2023 and exceeded €10b in free cash flow for the first time.
Siemens operates through several segments, including Digital Industries, Smart Infrastructure, Mobility, and Siemens Healthineers, collectively forming its Industrial Business.
05.
BASF Performance Polymers
Turnover: €89.1b
Location: Rudolstadt
Incorporated: 1995
BASF’s Performance Polymers division, operating under the performance materials segment, specialises in advanced engineering plastics and polyurethane systems tailored for industries such as automotive, construction, and consumer goods. BASF itself is also located in Germany, in Ludwigshafen. In 2022, the performance materials division reported a turnover of €89.1b.
BASF continues to invest in innovation within the performance polymers sector, focusing on sustainable solutions and advanced material technologies to meet evolving industry demands.
04.
Robert Bosch
Turnover: €95.1b
Location: Gerlingen
Incorporated: 1917
Robert Bosch, commonly known as Bosch, is a leading global supplier of technology and services, headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany.
In 2023, Bosch reported a turnover of €95.1b, a 5% increase from 2022. The company operates through four main business sectors: mobility, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy and building technology.
Employing approximately 429,000 associates worldwide as of December 2023, Bosch emphasises innovation, with a significant portion of its workforce dedicated to research and development.
03.
Mercedes-Benz Group
Turnover: €155b
Location: Stuttgart
Incorporated: 1998
Mercedes stands as a pioneer in car manufacturers. Its current entity, Mercedes-Benz AG, emerged in 1998 after the merger of Daimler-Benz with Chrysler Corporation.
The company reported a turnover of €155b in 2023, a 1% increase from the previous year. The workforce comprised approximately 166,000 employees as of December 2023, reflecting a decrease of about 2,700 employees compared to the previous year.
In line with its strategic focus on electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz increased sales of all-electric vehicles by 73% in 2023, with electrified vehicles accounting for 20% of total car sales. The company continues to invest in innovative technologies and sustainable mobility solutions, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in the automotive industry.
02.
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Turnover: €157b
Location: Müchen
Incorporated: 1916
Bayerische Motoren Werke, commonly referred to as the BMW Group, ranks second on our list, reporting a turnover of €157b in 2023. This is an almost 10% increase on the previous year.
The company employed approximately 155,000 people worldwide at the end of 2023, reflecting a 3.7% increase from the previous year.
Renowned for its production of cars and motorcycles, this legendary German automaker has expanded its reach over the years, including acquiring Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a modern continuation of the historic luxury brand.
01.
Volkswagen
Turnover: €337b
Location: Wolfsburg
Incorporated: 1937
Volkswagen claims the top position on our list, boasting a turnover exceeding €337b.
In 2023, Volkswagen delivered 9.2 million vehicles worldwide, underscoring its significant presence in the global automotive market. The workforce comprised approximately 660,000 employees as of December 2023, a 2.5% increase from the previous year.
The Volkswagen Group increased sales of all-electric vehicles by 73% in 2023, with electrified vehicles accounting for 20% of total car sales.
Discover German data
Alongside our well-established UK data, we now have our first international dataset: Germany. Explore Germany’s startup market, or find out how you can find German companies to invest in — the Beauhurst platform has all the data you need on the German business market.
Want to know more? Take a virtual tour around the platform, or book a demo below to get a guided tour.
