Siempelkamp builds some of the largest hydraulic presses in the world. We're talking 50,000-ton forming presses, machines the size of a building. I spent three years selling this equipment to buyers from the US, Middle East, and Asia. Here's what most international buyers don't understand about buying a German press, and what it costs them.
What a German hydraulic press actually costs
No German manufacturer publishes prices online. But here are the real budget ranges, based on my experience selling at Siempelkamp and knowing competitor pricing:
| Press Type | Typical Force | Price Range (EXW Germany) | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small workshop press | 100,500 tons | €50K , €200K | 4,6 months |
| Mid-size production press | 1,000,5,000 tons | €500K , €2M | 8,12 months |
| Large forming press | 10,000,30,000 tons | €5M , €15M | 14,18 months |
| Ultra-large press line | 50,000+ tons | €20M , €50M+ | 18,36 months |
Who builds hydraulic presses in Germany?
Most buyers only know the biggest names. Here's the full landscape, including the mid-size specialists that offer better value:
| Manufacturer | Best For | Price Level | US Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siempelkamp | Large presses, complete production lines, wood-based panel | €€€€ | Direct |
| SMS group | Metal forming, forging presses, extrusion | €€€€ | Pittsburgh office |
| Schuler | Automotive stamping, high-speed presses | €€€ | Canton, MI |
| Dieffenbacher | Composite presses, wood-based panel | €€€ | Agents only |
| Andritz | Pulp & paper, metal forming | €€€ | Multiple offices |
| LASCO | Forging hammers, screw presses, mid-size | €€ | Via distributors |
| NEFF | Custom presses, small to mid-size | €€ | Direct only |
The manufacturers marked "" for US support are where a sourcing agent adds the most value. These companies build excellent equipment but don't have the infrastructure for international sales, their English-language support is limited, and they're harder to reach without a German-speaking intermediary.
5 things buyers get wrong, and what it costs
1. Sending a vague inquiry
"We need a hydraulic press, can you send a quote?" gets ignored. German manufacturers expect: tonnage, bed size, stroke, cycle time, material, and application. Without these, they assume you're not a serious buyer.
2. Skipping the Factory Acceptance Test
I've seen buyers accept a press without FAT and spend 12 months fighting warranty claims. The manufacturer blames shipping damage; the shipper blames the manufacturer. A €2,000 flight and two days at the factory prevents a €200,000 problem.
3. Not budgeting for installation
A German press needs a foundation, often a concrete pit 2-3 meters deep with vibration isolation. This isn't optional. Budget €50K-150K for civil works before the machine arrives.
4. Ignoring spare parts from day one
Order critical spares with the machine, seals, hydraulic components, control cards. These are 40-60% cheaper when purchased with the original order vs. as aftermarket replacements.
5. Paying list price
List prices are a starting point. Project discounts of 10-30% are standard for serious buyers, but you need to know how to ask. In German. With the right technical language.