The metal manufacturing industry in the DACH region is vital to Europe's economy. It comprises companies involved in processing various metals, offering products from machinery components to automotive parts. Key sectors include aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where demand for advanced materials is rising. With a focus on sustainability, these companies are innovating to reduce carbon footprints, including adopting recycling technologies. An interesting trend is the shift towards additive manufacturing, which is transforming traditional practices. This evolution not only enhances production efficiency but also caters to the growing need for customization in metal products.

The list features a mix of corporate and private equity investors, highlighting the innovative strength of the DACH region. Spanning from Munich to Zurich, these firms vary in size, some boasting thousands of employees, while others operate with smaller teams. Founded from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century, their investment activities in 2024 include multiple deals, indicative of a robust investment climate. Notably, several firms exhibit a strategic focus on enhancing metal manufacturing technologies, underlining industry growth and potential.

Top 17 Metal Manufacturing Investors in DACH

1. Capvis AG

• Website: capvis.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1990
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: capvis

Capvis AG is a private equity firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including healthcare and industrial technology, while partnering with institutional investors like pension funds to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. Capvis focuses on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has made significant investments in the metal manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Felss Group, a technology leader in cold forming of hollow parts, and Soudronic, which specializes in manufacturing equipment for the metal can industry. These transactions highlight Capvis's strategic focus on supporting growth and internationalization in the metal manufacturing space, making them a relevant player in this industry.

2. Andritz

• Website: andritz.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Graz, Styria, Austria
• Founded year: 1892
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: andritz

Andritz AG is a corporate investor based in Graz, Styria, Austria, founded in 1892. The company specializes in providing technology and solutions across various sectors, including pulp and paper, metals, and energy. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Andritz is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability for its business customers. Notably, Andritz has been active in the metal manufacturing sector, having made significant acquisitions such as Schuler AG, a leader in metal forming technology, and Herr-Voss Stamco, which specializes in equipment for metal processing. These strategic acquisitions, along with their focus on innovation and digitalization, position Andritz as a key player in the metal manufacturing industry, enhancing their product offerings and capabilities in this field.

3. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

• Website: dbag.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1965
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: deutsche-beteiligungs-ag

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1965. The firm specializes in investments in mid-sized companies, providing capital and advisory services to enhance growth potential. With over 55 years of experience, Deutsche Beteiligungs AG has a successful fund advisory business. Among its notable transactions, the firm has acquired several companies in the metal manufacturing sector, including Gienanth, a company involved in the production of cast iron components, and Silbitz Group, which specializes in metal processing. Additionally, they acquired Karl Eugen Fischer Group, a manufacturer of cutting machines, further showcasing their engagement in the metal industry. These transactions highlight Deutsche Beteiligungs AG's commitment to investing in and supporting the growth of companies within the metal manufacturing space.

4. Wieland Group

• Website: wieland.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 1820
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: wielandgroup

Wieland Group, founded in 1820 and based in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading manufacturer specializing in semi-finished products made from copper and copper alloys. The company serves various industries, including automotive and aerospace, by providing high-quality materials and components. In recent years, Wieland has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the metal manufacturing sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Morgan Bronze Products, Inc., which enhances their manufacturing capabilities in North America, and the acquisition of Concast Metal Products Co. and Randall Bearings Inc., aimed at strengthening their presence in the premium copper market. Additionally, the acquisition of Farmers Copper, Ltd. further expands their footprint in North America, demonstrating their commitment to growth and innovation in the metal manufacturing industry. Wieland Group operates globally with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation in their product offerings.

5. Hannover Finanz

• Website: hannoverfinanz.de
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Köhler Automobiltechnik GmbH, which operates in the automotive sector, and WMU Heat Treatment Systems for Industry and Environmental Technology GmbH, which is relevant to metal processing and treatment. Their acquisition of Koller-Gruppe also indicates their interest in companies that may be involved in metal manufacturing. Overall, Hannover Finanz's investment strategy and portfolio reflect a commitment to supporting businesses in the metal manufacturing industry alongside other sectors.

6. AM Ventures

• Website: amventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: am-ventures-holding-gmbh

AM Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investments in additive manufacturing technologies, particularly in the industrial 3D printing sector. They provide funding and strategic guidance to startups and entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and growth in this rapidly evolving industry. Notable transactions include investments in Fortius Metals, which raised $2 million in a seed round to scale manufacturing capacity and accelerate its go-to-market strategy, and Headmade Materials, which raised $2,830,789 in a Series A round. These investments highlight AM Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that are pushing the boundaries of metal manufacturing through advanced technologies.

7. Trumpf

• Website: trumpf.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: trumpf-gmbh-co-kg

Trumpf SE + Co. KG is a prominent manufacturing company based in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, specializing in advanced machine tools and laser technology. Founded in 2016, Trumpf has established itself as a leader in providing innovative solutions to enhance manufacturing processes across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Notably, Trumpf has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the metal manufacturing sector. For instance, in 2019, they acquired Stellar Industries Corp., a leader in metalized ceramic components for microelectronic packaging, which enhances their supply chain in the electronics industry. In 2021, Trumpf acquired Lantek, a company focused on sheet metal solutions, further solidifying their commitment to metal manufacturing. Additionally, their acquisition of SPI Lasers in 2008 highlights their focus on laser technology, which is integral to metal processing. Through these transactions, Trumpf demonstrates a clear alignment with the metal manufacturing industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.

8. Siemens

• Website: siemens.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1847
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1847. With a workforce of approximately 320,000 employees, Siemens specializes in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. The company is known for its innovative products and services that enhance efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, Siemens has made significant investments in companies relevant to metal manufacturing, such as its acquisition of Materials Solutions Ltd., which focuses on additive manufacturing for gas turbines and aerospace systems. This acquisition, announced in August 2016, highlights Siemens' commitment to advancing manufacturing technologies. Additionally, Siemens acquired Flender in March 2005, a company that produces gear units and drive systems, further emphasizing its involvement in sectors that utilize metal manufacturing processes. These transactions illustrate Siemens' strategic focus on enhancing its capabilities in industries that intersect with metal manufacturing.

9. Bosch

• Website: bosch.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 1886
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company founded in 1886, headquartered in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, Bosch offers a diverse range of products and services across mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. The company is committed to sustainability and enhancing quality of life through its innovative technology solutions. Notably, Bosch has made strategic acquisitions that bolster its position in the automotive sector, which is closely tied to metal manufacturing. For instance, the acquisition of the Unipoint Group, a significant manufacturer of automotive components, highlights Bosch's engagement in the production of metal parts essential for vehicles. Furthermore, the acquisition of ZF Friedrichshafen AG's share in ZF Lenksysteme GmbH allows Bosch to fully integrate its capabilities in electric steering systems, which are critical for modern automotive technologies. These transactions underscore Bosch's active role in the metal manufacturing landscape, particularly within the automotive industry.

10. Partners Group

• Website: partnersgroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions in the metal manufacturing sector, Partners Group acquired Dynacast International, a leading provider of die-cast components, for an enterprise value of USD 1.1 billion in 2014. They also acquired Imperial Machine and Tool Company, which operates in the metalworking industry, and Megadyne, a company involved in manufacturing power transmission belts, which may also relate to metal applications. Furthermore, their acquisition of Ammeraal Beltech, a conveyor belt manufacturer, showcases their engagement in industries that intersect with metal manufacturing. These transactions highlight Partners Group's active role in the metal manufacturing space, making them a significant player in this sector.

11. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS

• Website: ecapital.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: ecapital-entrepreneurial-partners-ag

eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies, particularly in sectors such as cleantech, software, and cybersecurity. eCAPITAL provides early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, eCAPITAL has invested in Theva, a German superconductor manufacturer, which raised significant funding rounds (including EUR7 million in Series C) with eCAPITAL as one of the key investors. This investment highlights eCAPITAL's engagement in the metal manufacturing sector, particularly in advanced materials that have applications in various industries, including medical technology and e-mobility. eCAPITAL operates primarily in Germany but is open to investments beyond borders.

12. Verve Ventures

• Website: verve.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio, catering primarily to entrepreneurs and innovative companies seeking investment. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in funding rounds for companies like Fractory, a cloud manufacturing platform and metal fabrication marketplace, which raised significant capital to expand its services and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, they invested in 9T Labs, a startup involved in advanced manufacturing technologies, further showcasing their engagement in the industrial and metal manufacturing sectors. Their diverse portfolio indicates a willingness to support innovative companies, including those in the metal manufacturing industry.

13. Sictic

• Website: sictic.ch
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 77
• LinkedIn: sictic

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. In 2024, SICTIC has been involved in several transactions, including a-metal, which raised funds in a Seed Round, and Exentis, which secured funding in a Venture Round. Notably, SICTIC also participated in the funding of 9T Labs, a startup that operates in the advanced manufacturing space, indicating its engagement with companies that have relevance to metal manufacturing. These transactions highlight SICTIC's active role in supporting startups that may contribute to the metal manufacturing industry.

14. Klöckner & Co SE

• Website: kloeckner.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1906
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: kl%c3%b6ckner-%26-co-se

Klöckner & Co SE, founded in 1906 and based in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a prominent corporate investor in the metal distribution industry. The company specializes in supplying steel and metal products, catering primarily to businesses in construction and manufacturing. Klöckner & Co has made significant strides in expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Hernandez Stainless GmbH and RSC Rostfrei Coilcenter GmbH, which marked its entry into stainless steel processing and generated sales of approximately €160 million in 2021. Additionally, the company increased its stake in Debrunner Koenig Holding AG, further enhancing its market presence. Klöckner & Co also invests in innovative technologies, as evidenced by their investment in BigRep, a 3D printing startup, indicating a forward-thinking approach to complementing their metal offerings. With a strong focus on sustainability, Klöckner & Co is committed to providing CO2-reduced products to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions.

15. Steadfast Capital GmbH

• Website: steadfastcapital.de
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: steadfast-capital-gmbh

Steadfast Capital GmbH is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in management buy-outs and growth investments for medium-sized enterprises, providing tailored financial solutions and strategic support to help businesses navigate transitions and expand into new markets, primarily in Germany and neighboring countries. Notably, Steadfast Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the metal manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Wilvo Group, a family business in the Netherlands that specializes in thin sheet metal processing and precision parts assembly. This acquisition, announced on May 30, 2019, highlights their commitment to investing in the metal manufacturing industry. Other acquisitions, such as those of UHB Kunststofftechnik and Kautex Maschinenbau, further demonstrate their active role in supporting companies that may have connections to metal processing and manufacturing.

16. Glencore

• Website: glencore.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1978
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: glencore

Glencore plc is a multinational commodity trading and mining company based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1978. With over 10,000 employees, Glencore operates across various sectors, including metals, minerals, and energy. The company is a significant supplier of essential commodities such as copper and cobalt, which are crucial for various manufacturing processes. In recent transactions, Glencore has demonstrated its commitment to the metal manufacturing industry by acquiring approximately 82.19% of PolyMet Mining through a rights offering, which raised approximately US$195 million. This investment is particularly relevant as PolyMet focuses on copper production, a key metal in manufacturing. Additionally, Glencore has been involved in debt financing for companies like Cyprium Metals and Li-Cycle, which are also engaged in the metals sector. These activities highlight Glencore's strategic focus on supporting and investing in the metal manufacturing industry.

17. Bayern Kapital

• Website: bayernkapital.de
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 27
• LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. It supports its clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development in various sectors. Notably, Bayern Kapital has participated in several transactions relevant to the metal manufacturing industry, including investments in Theva, a German superconductor manufacturer, which raised significant funding rounds to mass-produce superconductors with applications in the processing industry and e-mobility. Additionally, their investment in H.C. Carbon GmbH and Cevotec, which are involved in advanced materials and production technologies, further highlights their engagement in sectors that intersect with metal manufacturing.

Metal Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in DACH

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