NACE 28.4 – Manufacture of Metal Forming Machinery and Machine Tools | Public Tenders
NACE 28.4: Machine tools and presses in public tenders. Procurement for public manufacturing operations, Bundeswehr workshops and technical vocational schools.
Definition: NACE 28.4 covers the manufacture of machinery for metal production and processing, in particular machine tools (lathes, milling machines, drills), presses, forging machines and laser cutting systems. This machinery is indispensable in public manufacturing operations, repair workshops and vocational schools.
Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: April 2026
What does NACE 28.4 cover?
NACE 28.4 (Manufacture of metal forming machinery and machine tools) classifies manufacturers of machine tools, metalworking installations and forming machinery — equipment needed by public manufacturing operations, universities, Bundeswehr maintenance units and technical vocational schools.
Group 28.4 is broken down into the following classes:
| Class | Title | Typical Products |
|---|---|---|
| 28.41 | Manufacture of metal forming machinery | CNC lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, boring mills |
| 28.49 | Manufacture of other machine tools | Laser cutting systems, water jet cutting systems, EDM machines |
Public contracting authorities are in particular Bundeswehr maintenance centres, state manufacturing operations, technical universities and vocational schools, prison operations with workshops and public service providers with in-house maintenance.
Public Tenders: Scope of NACE 28.4
Machine tools are long-lived capital goods that contracting authorities procure rarely but with substantial contract volume — CNC machining centres for vocational schools and Bundeswehr workshops regularly exceed EU thresholds.
Typical Contract Types
- Vocational school equipment: Supply and commissioning of CNC lathes and milling machines for vocational schools and technician colleges
- University research equipment: Procurement of precision machine tools and laser systems for university institutes
- Bundeswehr maintenance: Machine tools and presses for maintenance battalions and Army maintenance plants
- Municipal maintenance workshops: Lathes and milling machines for public utility workshops and works depots
- Prison facilities: Metalworking machines for workshops in correctional facilities
- Welding equipment: MIG/MAG and TIG welding systems as supplementary procurement
Thresholds and Procedure Types
Machine tool procurement consists of supply contracts. EU-wide tenders must be published on TED above EUR 221,000 (central government authorities: EUR 143,000). Highly complex, customer-specific installations may be procured under the negotiated procedure where objective grounds exist.
Relevant CPV Codes for NACE 28.4
| CPV Code | Title | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 42630000 | Metal-working machine tools | CNC machines, machining centres |
| 42631000 | Lathes | CNC lathes, multi-spindle automatic lathes |
| 42632000 | Numerically controlled metalworking milling machines | Milling centres, gantry milling machines |
| 42634000 | Forging machines | Hydraulic presses, drop forging presses |
| 42636000 | Presses | Stamping presses, bending presses |
| 42662000 | Welding equipment | MIG/MAG systems, laser welding systems |
Current tenders can be found on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national platforms.
Who is NACE 28.4 relevant for in public procurement?
Public Contracting Authorities
The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) is one of the largest single buyers of machine tools in Germany. In addition, education ministries and school authorities procure for vocational schools, and universities procure through their own contracting points. In Austria, the Ministry of Education procures for technical vocational schools (HTBL).
Companies and Bidders
Machine tool manufacturers and dealers must demonstrate in public tendering in particular:
- Technical capability: References for comparable supplies, type sheets and machine specifications
- CE marking and Machinery Directive: Declarations of conformity under 2006/42/EC
- Commissioning and training: Evidence of qualified service personnel for instruction and maintenance
- Spare parts supply: Guaranteed spare parts supply over a minimum period (often 10–15 years required)
- Software and controls: Common CNC controls (Siemens, Fanuc, Heidenhain) as a qualification feature
Frequently Asked Questions on NACE 28.4 and Public Tenders
Do CNC machines fall under NACE 28.4 or under ICT procurement?
The machine itself falls under NACE 28.4 or 28.41. The CNC control software may comprise separate procurement components but is usually procured as part of the overall package.
What safety requirements apply to machine tools in public institutions?
In addition to CE marking under the Machinery Directive, the German Industrial Safety Regulations (BetrSichV) and the accident prevention regulations of the employers' liability insurance associations (DGUV) must be complied with. Contracting authorities frequently require instruction documentation.
Can foreign manufacturers participate in German tenders?
Yes — EU-wide tenders are open to all bidders from EU Member States and other countries with corresponding trade agreements (e.g. GPA signatory states).
NACE 28.4 in context: Section C and Division 28
- NACE C – Manufacturing: Parent section
- NACE 28.1 – Manufacture of general-purpose machinery: Pumps, compressors, fittings
- NACE 28.3 – Manufacture of agricultural and forestry machinery: Tractors, combine harvesters
- NACE 28.9 – Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery: Printing, mining and construction machinery
Last updated: April 2026
All information is provided without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.
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