According to the Federal Statistical Office, the goods-producing industry has recently created more jobs. By the end of July 2007 companies in the goods-producing industry with at least 50 staff employed almost 5.3 million people which is about 100.000 people or 1.9% more than in July 2006.
The number of hours worked in July 2007 increased by 5.1% to 690 million as compared to July 2006. In this context it should be borne in mind that in July 2007 there were 22 working days which is one day more than in July last year. Gross wages and salaries amounted to 17.9 billion Euros which is 5.0% more than in July 2006.
The number of employees grew most in the metal-processing industry (+5.9%) and in mechanical engineering (+4.4%). Less employees were registered in the food-producing industry (-0.2%) and in the motor vehicle producing industry and the production of components thereof (-0.4%). 