West German industry invests more in 2001 than planned

According to the latest results of the Ifo Investment Survey, the manufacturing industry in west Germany only partly carried out its investment plans last year, but for 2001 its investment goals have been corrected upwards. In 2000 manufacturing companies invested DM 90 billion, which was only 2% more than in 1999. This year, west Germany manufacturing will increase spending on plant-and equipment by ca. 5%. Investment will focus on expansion, with an accompanying weakening in rationalisation goals.