For over 125 years, the German Machine Tool Builders' Association VDW, based in Frankfurt/Main, has represented the interests of its members nationally and internationally vis-à-vis the public, politics, business partners and science. Together with the VDMA's Machine Tool and Manufacturing Systems Association, the VDW has 303 predominantly medium-sized members (as of March 10, 2020). The members represent approx. 90% of the total turnover in the industry.
The VDW also sees itself as a service provider for its members, for example when it comes to the development of sales markets, economic monitoring and market data collection, technical, economic and legal issues, cooperation with the international machine tool industry, standardization and recruitment of young talent.