- Around half of companies seek external advice
- AI and automation are the most frequently used tools to increase efficiency
Nine out of ten companies from the manufacturing industry in Germany are currently undergoing or preparing restructuring or transformation processes: 46 percent have already started a program and are planning at least one more this year, 29 percent are currently planning a program and 15 percent are in the process of implementing one. These were the findings of a survey conducted by the international operating management consultancy Horváth. "More than 40 percent of large companies are already undergoing change, and now SMEs are following," says Patrick Heurich, head of the study and partner at Horváth. "This shows how profoundly the pressure to transform is impacting the entire economy."
Every second company makes use of consultancy advice
Further, the study shows that the majority of companies implement restructuring and transformation programs with external support. Around half of these companies have hired a specialized consultancy, and around a quarter have an interim Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO) coordinating the program. Only 28 percent rely exclusively on internal resources. "Many organizations do not have the internal structures or capacities to implement comprehensive transformations - and therefore specifically seek external support," explains restructuring expert Heurich from Horváth. "Interim CROs are often deployed when, in addition to operational changes, fundamental strategic realignments are required."
Implementation often lacks capacity and expertise
Among the biggest obstacles to restructuring, respondents cited a lack of structures or skills for implementation (30 percent). The wrong methodology or approach (29 percent) and inadequate communication of the need for change (28 percent) were cited almost as frequently. In addition, around a quarter of companies see deficits in the involvement of specialists or employees as well as in the quality of the results or measures.
AI and process automation are the most frequently used tools for efficient transformation
The most frequently used measures for restructuring and transformation are technology-driven: 61 percent of companies rely on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), 49 percent on the automation of production processes and 42 percent on the automation of administrative processes. Traditional levers such as price adjustments, outsourcing or the reduction of complexity (29 percent each) follow at a distance. Only 27 percent are undertaking strategic portfolio streamlining. "The programs are primarily aimed at making savings and increasing productivity. Not even three out of ten companies are focusing on portfolio streamlining - this proportion should be significantly higher," says Heurich. Restructuring is only sustainable if it considers strategic aspects in addition to improving the cost and liquidity positions.
About the study
For the Horváth study, 200 top managers from the manufacturing industry with a turnover of at least 200 million euros and 200 employees were surveyed. The focus was on companies headquartered in Germany. The survey was conducted at the end of the first quarter of 2025.
