German SHK trade faces boom and labor shortages

A study conducted by Kraus & Partner on behalf of Zurich Gruppe Deutschland reveals that Germany’s sanitary, heating, and air conditioning (SHK) trade is currently experiencing a boom. Most businesses report full order books, driven largely by the government-supported energy transition and the planned replacement of fossil fuel heating systems, as well as the need for age-appropriate bathroom renovations.

Despite this growth, the sector faces significant challenges. Changing market demands require businesses to provide integrated solutions for heating, energy supply, ventilation, air conditioning, and e-mobility. Additionally, companies are facing new competition from online platforms. A central issue identified in the study is a widespread shortage of skilled labor across the entire industry.