The many and varied commercial competences in the fields of innovative metalworking, tools and technical engineering production have always been generated by small and medium-sized companies. The production of quality technical goods and the high degree of engineering competence that has made the imprint "Made in Remscheid" famous are the foundation for the region’s leading position in the areas of iron- and metalworking and engineering, its considerable export performance and foreign trade relationships.

These performance capabilities will be taken up by the Metal Competence Centre in Remscheid.

The central problem here, according to a survey of local companies, is the shortage of qualified young people coming into the sector.

The recognition of the Forschungsgemeinschaft Werkzeuge (FGW) ("Tools Research Association"), will create an external department of the Bergische Universität in Wuppertal, so that the appropriate university qualifications can be obtained locally. In order to present the competence and innovation of the commercial location, the reconstruction of the Remscheid main railway station as the future "Gateway to the town" will also include a "Showcase of the Remscheid economy", which at the conference and media level will also be able to host exhibitions, fairs, events, meetings, jubilees and training courses.