e-works 17th German Industry 4.0 Study Tour Concludes Successfully
From April 20 to 30, 2026, e-works successfully held its 17th German Industry 4.0 study tour. Through factory visits, in-depth discussions and tours, the delegation gained comprehensive insights into the latest trends of German industry, delved into cutting-edge smart manufacturing trends and practical applications, and witnessed the strength and achievements of Chinese enterprises expanding into Europe.
The group visited Contact Software, Airbus, Starrag, Rittal, CATL, Hexin Machinery, Siemens, TRUMPF and Mercedes-Benz, and attended the 2026 Hannover Messe. During the tour, members engaged in in-depth exchanges with executives and technical experts from the visited companies, yielding fruitful results.
Contact Software
The first stop was the headquarters of Contact Software, a leading German PLM software provider founded in 1990. The company specializes in product lifecycle management (PLM), collaborative engineering and project management solutions, serving sectors including automotive, machinery, electronics, medical devices and consumer goods.
The delegation learned about the capabilities of the CIM Database platform and observed Contact Software's AI innovations. Its Fourier AI, deeply integrated into CONTACT Elements, embeds AI across the entire lifecycle of R&D, production and operation. It analyzes multi-modal industrial data such as 3D models and engineering documents, and features Fourier Chat for conversational interaction, precisely matching industrial scenarios and significantly boosting R&D and manufacturing management efficiency.
Airbus Bremen Plant
Airbus Bremen plant serves as the R&D and manufacturing center for high-lift systems of commercial aircraft, and produces and assembles key structural components for the A320 series, A330, A350 and A400M military transport aircraft. A benchmark in aerospace manufacturing, it is a key node in Airbus' global supply chain and smart manufacturing system.
The tour covered workshops for landing flap assembly, wing assembly, A400M fuselage assembly, machining and the Orion European Service Module. They witnessed the fully automated production and quality inspection system at the world's only Airbus landing flap production base. They also learned about Airbus' presence in military aviation and space, including the A400M, the European Service Module for the Orion spacecraft and the upper stage of the Ariane 6 rocket.
2026 Hannover Messe
Dubbed a barometer of global industrial development, Hannover Messe is the world's largest and most influential industrial technology fair. This year's event, with the theme of "Think Tech Forward", brought together over 4,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and regions. Focused on industrial AI, digital twins and sustainable manufacturing, it showcased the latest technological achievements and trends in smart manufacturing.
The delegation visited booths of Eplan, Siemens, AWS, Velotic, Contact Software and Dassault Systèmes, as well as Chinese enterprises including Hengyuan Technology, AILINK, ZWCAD, Supcon and Vayo Technology. They attended Hengyuan Technology's press conference and exchanged ideas with exhibitors, gaining first-hand experience of cutting-edge technologies in action.
Starrag Bielefeld Plant
The fourth stop was the Bielefeld plant of Starrag, a global leader in high-precision machine tools. With ten renowned brands including Heckert, Droop+Rein and Bumotec, Starrag offers full-process high-end processing equipment for milling, turning, boring and grinding, and is a core provider of solutions for complex precision parts manufacturing.
The delegation visited the production workshop, observing the manufacturing of Droop+Rein machine tools—from precision machining of large beds and automated inspection of core components to assembly and commissioning, all adhering to strict German quality standards. They also viewed micron-level precision assembly, flexible manufacturing systems for heavy-duty machine tools, automated pallet storage and RFID intelligent tool management systems.
Rittal Innovation Center
The fifth stop was the joint innovation center of Rittal, a global leader in enclosures and cabinets, and EPLAN, a top provider of electrical engineering software. The delegation visited Rittal's smart factory in Haiger that produces compact cabinets. A core division of the Friedhelm Loh Group, Rittal and EPLAN have built a collaborative ecosystem of "electrical enclosures + electrical engineering software", delivering end-to-end smart manufacturing solutions from design to production.
At the Haiger plant, the delegation saw box welding, a 7-kilometer overhead conveyor line and a water recycling system, as well as parallel production of 8 enclosure sizes and 100% component quality control. At the innovation center, EPLAN experts demonstrated a closed-loop smart manufacturing process: Eplan Electric P8 automatically generates BOMs, while Eplan Pro Panel enables 3D cabinet layout and wiring design. Design data connects directly to milling and laser cutting machines, bridging virtual design and physical manufacturing. The Wire Terminal WT fully automatic wiring center completes end-to-end cable processing for efficient, precise wiring.
CATL
CATL's Thuringia plant is the company's first wholly-owned production base in Europe. As the first smart factory of a Chinese power battery enterprise in Europe, it is a key hub for CATL's global expansion and a benchmark for Sino-German smart manufacturing cooperation and green energy transition.
The delegation visited the Azubi dual vocational training center, TVC testing center, G1 module workshop and G2 cell workshop, learning about talent development, quality control, smart manufacturing and local operations. The training center features a Germany-aligned localized talent model. The TVC center conducts over 40 tests covering battery electrical performance and safety. The workshops showcase lean, digital module production and a highly clean cell manufacturing process with 100% unmanned core operations.
Hexin Machinery
The seventh stop was the German plant of Hexin Machinery, a Chinese smart manufacturing enterprise. Hexin Group is a global smart manufacturing platform, with its German plant focusing on refurbishment, upgrading and remanufacturing of industrial equipment and production lines. Adopting advanced German industrial upgrade technologies, it has nearly 100 cross-industry transformation projects. Hexin aims to become a general contractor and collaborative platform for international non-standard smart equipment and production line projects.
The delegation met with Li Guangyuan, Vice President of Hexin Group, and observed on-site refurbishment and remanufacturing of old industrial equipment and lines. They learned about the full turnkey service system—from investment budgeting and planning to on-site inspection, disassembly, repair, calibration, installation, commissioning and post-production support. The group also explored Hexin’s capabilities in non-standard automated lines, smart equipment R&D, smart logistics and production management systems, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its China-based, global-serving strategy and technical strength.
Siemens Erlangen Plant
Siemens Erlangen plant is a core R&D and production hub for the Industrial Automation and Drives Group, and a benchmark for Siemens' global digital factories. Focused on industrial controllers, inverters and servo systems, it is the birthplace and best practice site of Siemens' Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies.
At the customer center, the delegation learned about the plant's history, product portfolio and the AAA (Adaptive, Autonomous, Agile) smart factory system powered by over 100 AI algorithms. They then toured the workshop, observing AI applications including Pick AI-powered smart sorting and AGV digital twin mapping, and explored innovations in industrial metaverse and end-to-end digital twins. The visit decoded the plant's digital core, offering valuable benchmarks for China's manufacturing digital transformation.
TRUMPF Group
TRUMPF, as a global leader in machine tools and laser technology was founded in 1923. The century-old company evolved from a flexible shaft tool factory into a full-process solution provider for laser cutting, welding, high-performance lasers and digital manufacturing software. With R&D spending consistently exceeding 10% of revenue, TRUMPF leads smart and green manufacturing.
At the TRUMPF Experience Center, the delegation explored end-to-end sheet metal processing solutions and the TRUMPF Oseon digital management system. They toured laser cutting, tube processing, combined machining, bending and welding areas, viewing live equipment demos and cost-reduction design case studies, before visiting the sheet metal workshop.
Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen Plant
Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant was founded in 1915. As one of the brand's oldest facilities, it spans 2.9 square kilometers and employs 39,000 people, producing S-Class, E-Class and GLC models. A benchmark for Mercedes' manufacturing legacy and innovation, it showcases digital transformation in aging factories.
At the customer center, the delegation learned about the brand's history, plant layout, production plans and digital transformation journey. They then visited stamping, body shop and assembly workshops, observing panel forming, die testing and automated tool changing, body joining and flexible mixed-model assembly.
The tour highlighted Germany's industrial prowess and the progress of Chinese enterprises in Europe. Key insights for Chinese manufacturing include:
Closing Remarks
This tour offered both a showcase of cutting-edge technologies and profound insights into manufacturing's future. German firms' strategic patience, pragmatic innovation and ecosystem collaboration, alongside Chinese enterprises' global ambition and innovation, provide a valuable framework for China's new industrialization, new productive forces and core competitiveness.
e-works has organized nearly 50 international smart manufacturing study tours, serving as a key platform for global industry exchange. Going forward, e-works will continue to facilitate international study tours, supporting China's manufacturing digital transformation and global expansion.
The group visited Contact Software, Airbus, Starrag, Rittal, CATL, Hexin Machinery, Siemens, TRUMPF and Mercedes-Benz, and attended the 2026 Hannover Messe. During the tour, members engaged in in-depth exchanges with executives and technical experts from the visited companies, yielding fruitful results.
Contact Software
The first stop was the headquarters of Contact Software, a leading German PLM software provider founded in 1990. The company specializes in product lifecycle management (PLM), collaborative engineering and project management solutions, serving sectors including automotive, machinery, electronics, medical devices and consumer goods.
Airbus Bremen Plant
Airbus Bremen plant serves as the R&D and manufacturing center for high-lift systems of commercial aircraft, and produces and assembles key structural components for the A320 series, A330, A350 and A400M military transport aircraft. A benchmark in aerospace manufacturing, it is a key node in Airbus' global supply chain and smart manufacturing system.
2026 Hannover Messe
Dubbed a barometer of global industrial development, Hannover Messe is the world's largest and most influential industrial technology fair. This year's event, with the theme of "Think Tech Forward", brought together over 4,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and regions. Focused on industrial AI, digital twins and sustainable manufacturing, it showcased the latest technological achievements and trends in smart manufacturing.
Starrag Bielefeld Plant
The fourth stop was the Bielefeld plant of Starrag, a global leader in high-precision machine tools. With ten renowned brands including Heckert, Droop+Rein and Bumotec, Starrag offers full-process high-end processing equipment for milling, turning, boring and grinding, and is a core provider of solutions for complex precision parts manufacturing.
Rittal Innovation Center
The fifth stop was the joint innovation center of Rittal, a global leader in enclosures and cabinets, and EPLAN, a top provider of electrical engineering software. The delegation visited Rittal's smart factory in Haiger that produces compact cabinets. A core division of the Friedhelm Loh Group, Rittal and EPLAN have built a collaborative ecosystem of "electrical enclosures + electrical engineering software", delivering end-to-end smart manufacturing solutions from design to production.
CATL
CATL's Thuringia plant is the company's first wholly-owned production base in Europe. As the first smart factory of a Chinese power battery enterprise in Europe, it is a key hub for CATL's global expansion and a benchmark for Sino-German smart manufacturing cooperation and green energy transition.
Hexin Machinery
The seventh stop was the German plant of Hexin Machinery, a Chinese smart manufacturing enterprise. Hexin Group is a global smart manufacturing platform, with its German plant focusing on refurbishment, upgrading and remanufacturing of industrial equipment and production lines. Adopting advanced German industrial upgrade technologies, it has nearly 100 cross-industry transformation projects. Hexin aims to become a general contractor and collaborative platform for international non-standard smart equipment and production line projects.
Siemens Erlangen Plant
Siemens Erlangen plant is a core R&D and production hub for the Industrial Automation and Drives Group, and a benchmark for Siemens' global digital factories. Focused on industrial controllers, inverters and servo systems, it is the birthplace and best practice site of Siemens' Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies.
TRUMPF Group
TRUMPF, as a global leader in machine tools and laser technology was founded in 1923. The century-old company evolved from a flexible shaft tool factory into a full-process solution provider for laser cutting, welding, high-performance lasers and digital manufacturing software. With R&D spending consistently exceeding 10% of revenue, TRUMPF leads smart and green manufacturing.
Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen Plant
Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant was founded in 1915. As one of the brand's oldest facilities, it spans 2.9 square kilometers and employs 39,000 people, producing S-Class, E-Class and GLC models. A benchmark for Mercedes' manufacturing legacy and innovation, it showcases digital transformation in aging factories.
The tour highlighted Germany's industrial prowess and the progress of Chinese enterprises in Europe. Key insights for Chinese manufacturing include:
- Long-Term Focus & Niche Leadership: German firms exhibit decades-long strategic patience. TRUMPF leads laser and machine tool technology; Starrag dominates high-precision machining; Contact Software specializes in PLM. By prioritizing deep expertise over short-term gains, they build unrivaled competitive advantages.
- Pragmatic Innovation Solves Real-World Problems: German innovation targets practical pain points, not vanity projects. Siemens' 100+ AI applications automate repetitive tasks; Mercedes upgraded its legacy plant incrementally; Rittal-EPLAN's integrated solutions drive measurable efficiency gains.
- Sustained R&D Investment Drives Leadership: Heavy, consistent R&D spending fuels industry leadership. TRUMPF invests >10% of revenue in R&D; Starrag delivers micron-level precision for large components; CATL and Siemens advance battery and digital twin technologies.
- Globalization + Localization Synergy: German multinationals (Siemens, Mercedes, TRUMPF) leverage global networks with local adaptation. Chinese firms like CATL (dual vocational training) and Hexin (local equipment services) demonstrate successful European localization.
- Green & Digital Transformation Go Hand in Hand: Sustainability is embedded in operations. Siemens cut energy use by 50% via digitalization; Rittal uses water recycling and green power; Airbus and Mercedes reduce emissions through lightweighting and process innovation. Green and digital transformation are integral to high-quality manufacturing growth.
Closing Remarks
This tour offered both a showcase of cutting-edge technologies and profound insights into manufacturing's future. German firms' strategic patience, pragmatic innovation and ecosystem collaboration, alongside Chinese enterprises' global ambition and innovation, provide a valuable framework for China's new industrialization, new productive forces and core competitiveness.
e-works has organized nearly 50 international smart manufacturing study tours, serving as a key platform for global industry exchange. Going forward, e-works will continue to facilitate international study tours, supporting China's manufacturing digital transformation and global expansion.
