Closing machines, open-cast mining equipment, power plant technology, large-scale and custom machinery, plant components – an industry with a high export share. With the aim of information exchange and cooperation in research and production, many companies and scientific institutions are complementing one other by bundling their services and potential under the umbrella of the SMAB cluster, which generates competitive advantages for all participants. Along with industry partners, Otto-von-Guericke University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal and Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation (IFF) are also integrated in this cluster. The cluster management of tti Technologietransfer and Innovationsförderung Magdeburg GmbH supports collaborativesupports collaborative projects both regionally and internationally, organises specialist conferences, promotes vocational and further training, assists in personnel recruitment, arranges contacts and gives advice on financing innovations.