Review of the Brick Makers annual conference in Leipzig in 2025
This year’s annual conference of the Federal Association of the German Brick and Tile Industry took place in beautiful Leipzig on 2 and 3 July 2025. Over 80 participants from all over Germany came together to shed light on current developments in the industry, discuss political framework conditions and exchange ideas.
The event was opened by the President of the Federal Association, Stefan Jungk, who welcomed the attendees. In his speech, he emphasised the need for the industry to present a cohesive and confident image in times of economic and political uncertainty: ‘We must confidently bring the strengths of our material into the discussion - with technical arguments, reliable figures and a clear commitment to sustainability, climate protection and resource conservation.’ He emphasised that the brick and tile industry can only master the challenges of the present and secure a strong position for the future by working together.
Thomas Kralinski, State Secretary at the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection, then spoke. In his opening address, he emphasised the importance of the brick and tile industry for the Free State of Saxony - as a stable employer, driver of innovation and reliable partner for the construction industry. The industry is an important part of the industrial value chain and an example of future-orientated regionality.
Attila Gerhäuser, Managing Director of the Federal Association, then gave a comprehensive overview of the economic situation in the construction sector. He analysed the developments in residential construction in 2024, which were once again characterised by declining building permits, stagnating completion figures and uncertain financing conditions. He also presented the latest analyses of brick production figures from the annual report and categorised the results by product group and region.
The event was accompanied by a fly in the ointment: colleagues from the North and North-West regional associations were unable to attend this year, as their respective general meetings take place in September. The federal association hopes that all regional associations will be represented together again next year - in the interests of a united and strong presence for the entire sector.
The Brick Makers Annual Conference 2025 was a central component of the association’s year. It provided space for orientation, discussion and personal encounters - a strong signal in turbulent times.
