Trust makes our network strong. Here, people from member companies meet as equals. We work together on current topics, projects and solutions – and achieve more together than alone.

Our networking culture has become more and more concentrated since our association was founded. For us, networking does not take place via fiber optics, but with real people. Personally, professionally and with expert knowledge directly from the field.
Since the beginning of 2024, we have had a new location for our networking activities and many of our events. We have anchored in the industrial campus, which is being redeveloped in Dortmund’s port. Member companies can also use our port space.

Rooted in our region, committed visionaries from eight companies came together in November 2006 to establish a network that would counter global competition and strengthen the economy in the region. Then as now, we have members from the mechanical engineering, metal and industrial electronics sectors, with a medium-sized character, often traditionally family-owned.

At NIRO, the principle applies that none of our manufacturing member companies are in competition with another. This creates a valuable and resilient relationship of trust that favors the transfer of knowledge and exchange of experience.
Our members are also connected via our purchasing pool. The joint purchasing of indirect materials and energy has been a key part of our DNA since the association was founded. Purchasing managers from member companies negotiate framework agreements with suppliers and service providers on the basis of bundled requirements. This results in potential savings and optimized framework conditions, such as longer payment terms. In addition, purchasing processes become more transparent and efficient. The same conditions apply to everyone.

In this way, we provide our members with comprehensive intangible and tangible benefits.