AMB 2026 concludes with positive outlook for the future
22nd AMB event – “Where metal comes alive”
– comes to an end / Confirmed as key European get-together for the industry
AMB, the International Exhibition for Metalworking, came to an end on 19 September and has once again sent a positive signal for Baden-Württemberg and the European metalworking industry: around 65,000 visitors from 76 countries used the five trade fair days to engage in decision-relevant, in-depth conversations and the systematic expansion of business relations. While visitor figures remained as high as 2024, the quality of trade visitors increased; 68 percent of whom represented decision-making professionals from the field of manufacturing.
Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart, was more than encouraged by what he saw: “AMB has once again convincingly demonstrated its significance for this industry. Impressive visitor figures, a stronger international presence and an even greater decision-making authority among the trade visitors have made it clear that AMB is far more than a platform for discussion; this is where investments and decisions are made. There was a palpable sense of optimism and readiness for change in the halls. And AMB provides the perfect environment for this: for conversations during which problems are solved and successful new ventures are explored.”
After five intensive, action-packed trade fair days, AMB closed its doors again on 19 September. 1,195 exhibiting companies from 34 countries presented their innovative ideas, products, services and concepts in all ten trade fair halls on the grounds of Messe Stuttgart. With numerous programme formats, a variety of networking opportunities and the AMB Stage, visitors were also treated to a comprehensive accompanying programme outside the halls.
Stable visitor figures, significantly more decision-makers
There was a noticeable increase in decision-making authority among the visitors. 14 percent came from business, corporate or plant management compared with 10 percent in 2024. 35 percent work in manufacturing, production or quality control. With an overall score of 1.7 (top score 1.0), the visitors themselves confirmed the positive atmosphere and the position of AMB as a key European trade fair. AMB also remains an international industry get-together. Visitors from abroad made up 22 percent of the overall visitor numbers. Particularly well represented were Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Türkiye, the Netherlands, France, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
Eight companies received the AMB Award for innovative solutions
One highlight of many from the varied programme of accompanying events was the presentation of the AMB Award. Taking place for the second time, around 50 companies were nominated. On the AMB Stage, Awards were presented in six categories, as well as two special awards. And the winners were:
- Machine Tools and Manufacturing Facilities: INDEX-Werke GmbH & KG
- Precision Tools: ZECHA Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH
- Measuring Technology and Quality Assurance: Renishaw GmbH
- Software and Digitalisation: autonomIQ technologies GmbH
- Automation and Handling Technology: ZELL Gruppe
- Components, Assemblies and Operating Materials: 3nine AB
- Special Award for Sustainability: Citizen Machinery Europe GmbH
- Special Jury Prize: Paul Horn GmbH Promotional supporters also impressed by event
Markus Heseding, Managing Director of VDMA Precision Tools
“AMB has once again confirmed its position as the leading trade fair for the tool industry in Europe. The high quality of discussions is an encouraging signal considering the current market situation.”
Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association)
“AMB has clearly shown over the past few days just how innovative and solution-oriented our industry has become. In what is a challenging market environment, we are experiencing plenty of optimism, with in-depth discussions and an eagerness to drive new technologies and business opportunities. Precisely in times like these, personal exchange is and remains key to success. AMB is providing the platform here for fresh momentum, solid business connections and a common way forward.”
Guido Reimann, Deputy CEO of VDMA Software and Digitalisation
“AMB 2026 once again proved to be a valuable platform for VDMA Software and Digitalisation – shaped by a thoroughly positive atmosphere and intensive exchange with our member companies and partners. The trade fair has shown that software and digitalisation have become an integral part of industrial manufacturing. From simulation and digital twins to data-driven production processes and artificial intelligence, there are decisive levers for greater productivity to be found here. It is particularly exciting to see how these technologies have already taken root in industrial practice. AMB highlights these achievements and brings together the right people to push for digital change in manufacturing.”
Feedback from exhibiting companies at AMB 2026
AMB 2026 was roundly considered a success by the companies who exhibited at the event. Below you will find statements provided by some of these participants:
Michael Blank, Director Marketing & Communications / Authorised Representative for CERATIZIT Deutschland GmbH
“For us, AMB 2026 was a complete success. We held many high-quality discussions with our customers, who came to us with very specific requirements, projects and application scenarios. Security of supply was one particular focus this year. It came up in plenty of conversations, and we are more than aware that this topic is still very important to our customers. We are now heading into the post-fair phase, following up on all the connections and projects. We’re already looking forward to AMB 2028. Thank you to the organisers for such a superb event this year!”
Matthias Rapp, Vice President, Global Marketing, CHIRON Group SE
“AMB 2026 has demonstrated how important the connections between machining technology, automation and digital solutions are for the field of industrial manufacturing. Visitors to our stand were very interested in exploring the spectrum of micromachining to large-part manufacturing. There were plenty of international visitors, the standard of the discussions held was very high and we made a number of new connections – all of which confirmed AMB as an important industry get-together.”
DMG MORI
“Innovation was one of the main drivers at the DMG MORI trade fair stand in Hall 10 and was a major discussion point for both the visitors and industry experts. We received strong feedback and found customers to be very enthusiastic about the latest technologies and innovations. Overall, the trade fair provided a superb platform for valuable discussions and new business opportunities, while also strengthening our determination to drive innovation, provide a top-class customer service and continue to actively shape the future of manufacturing.”
Marcus Kurringer, Head of Marketing, Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH
“AMB is and remains one of the most important trade fairs for the European machine tool market. It provides a unique platform for discussing future technologies with customers and interested parties, as well as the perfect opportunity to experience the latest innovations live. For HELLER, it represents a key milestone in the global trade fair calendar. AMB 2026 was also very special for us because we joined forces with DN Solutions for the first time to demonstrate how complementary expertise, close customer proximity, service and technology can be consolidated for the greater good of our customers.”
Oliver Gühring, CEO, Gühring KG
“The current economic climate is proving challenging for many companies right now. And this makes events like AMB all the more important. This is where decision-makers, customers and partners meet in person to openly discuss the challenges and possible solutions. The motto of “Where metal comes alive” fits perfectly.
Because this trade fair is about more than just machinery and tools. This is where connections are cultivated, especially between the people aiming to shape and foster industry development. AMB 2026 was very successful for us. We are happy with the number of visitors who came to our stand, which even surpassed the previous AMB event. The positive atmosphere also deserves a mention. Despite the challenges, there was a great sense of optimism from our customers, who were ready to look ahead and use the opportunities available to them.”
Tobias Völker, Director of Global Marketing, Haimer GmbH
“AMB 2026 was once again a very successful event for HAIMER, with plenty of interesting discussions and valuable connections. Our innovative solutions, such as the Tool Room of the Future, were very well received by those interested in automation, digitalisation and AI, as well as tackling the ever-present shortage of skilled workers. We have gained valuable insights and new perspectives from our time here and are already looking forward to 2028 – we’ll certainly be returning!”
Stefan Nitsche, Director International Sales, HAINBUCH GmbH
“AMB in Stuttgart represents a home advantage for HAINBUCH. As an innovative Swabian family-run company with international focus, we look forward to having the opportunity to meet with customers and partners from all over the world. The focus this year was on our industry-specific solutions, which we were able to present to a wide audience. The personal exchange and many solid discussions have once again shown how important AMB is for our industry.”
Markus Horn, Managing Director, Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrik Paul Horn GmbH
“We had five full days of exciting discussions, new contacts and robust dialogue with our customers, visitors and partners. We were particularly delighted to see major interest in our new products and solutions. We also received positive feedback on our live machining at the stand. AMB 2026 was a complete success and we gained so much from participating.”
Rainer Gondek, Head of Sales & Marketing, INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
“The INDEX Group enjoyed a very successful AMB. A number of promising contacts came to view the ten machines, among them the world’s first TRAUB MS12-4 and the most productive sliding-headstock lathe in the world, and we even secured direct sales. The machine, recognised by a renowned expert jury with an AMB Award, proved very popular, along with a number of others. Major interest from the German-speaking regions and neighbouring countries has also left us optimistic when it comes to our post-fair business.”
Erich Timons, Managing Director, ISCAR Germany GmbH
“ISCAR Germany had a very successful time at AMB 2026. The trade fair provided superb opportunities for lead generation, with more customers with specific projects coming to Stuttgart. AMB has once again confirmed the key role it plays in networking, knowledge transfer and the development of new business contacts. We are expecting AMB to become even more relevant by 2028. The good communication, professional organisation and superb transport connections make this trade fair a very attractive meeting point for the entire industry.”
Dr. Sebastian Schöning, CEO, FFG Group & Managing Director of MAG IAS GmbH
“AMB 2026 was a successful stopover for FFG: personal exchange, inspirational content and solid discussions about the future of manufacturing. The positive feedback we received for our new exhibits further bolstered our resolve to develop innovative and future-proof solutions together with our customers – to promote a competitive industry and Germany as a strong economic location.”
Manuel Hüsken, CEO, Chairman of the Board, Carl Mahr GmbH & Co. KG
“AMB 2026 was an overall positive experience for Mahr. The many professional discussions held with visitors proved particularly valuable and revealed specific manufacturing requirements. In addition to the established theme of roughness and contour measurement, there was a clear interest shown in optical measurement technology. Automation, digital networking and the integration of measurement technology in manufacturing processes also came under the spotlight. The trade fair once again illustrated that efficient and networked quality solutions are becoming increasingly important for many companies.”
Dr. Jochen Kress, Managing Director, MAPAL Dr. Kress SE & Co. KG, Aalen
“We value AMB highly because it takes place right at the heart of the machining industry and facilitates our direct exchange with the sector. The trade fair went very well for us: we enjoyed great discussions with established customers and long-term partners about specific, strategic projects and our comprehensive turnkey offer. At the same time, we crossed paths with plenty of new and potential customers and were able to discuss our innovative ideas and solutions. It became clear to us that we are on the right path when it comes to what currently interests the industry.” Steffen Nagel, Managing Director, Nagel Werkzeug-Maschinen GmbH
“We had a very successful time at AMB 2026. We were very impressed by the high number of professional visitors who were interested in what we had to say and were ready to invest. Numerous urgent requests, spontaneous orders and an event perfectly organised by the AMB team meant we enjoyed an all-round positive experience.”
Volker Nesenhöner, CEO of OPEN MIND Technologies AG
“AMB was a great success. Despite the subdued outlook, once here it was clear to see that the industry is gathering momentum again. This was also the positive impression gained by our team at the trade fair stand. For me, AMB will always be the perfect meeting point for this industry: this is where trends are experienced first-hand and connections are quickly made with customers, partners and exhibitors.The positive feedback strengthens our product development and provides us with plenty of optimism about the future. We’ll be back again in 2028.”
Philipp Ehrhardt, Managing Director, Römheld GmbH Friedrichshütte
“The willingness to embrace innovative and intelligent solutions, as well as the quality of the conversations enjoyed with customers and partners, left a very positive impression. We are experiencing a significant revival of the market and are approaching the future with optimism.”
Carlo Buck, Head of Market Region Central Europe, UNITED MACHINING
“AMB 2026 provided a positive outlook. The strong visitor response and major interest in our five world premieres exceeded our expectations. The many professional discussions and specific project requests proved particularly valuable. The dynamics of the market were quite clear. We are aiming to provide our customers with sustainable competitive advantages through innovative technologies and to help them achieve long-term success.”
Marco Casanova, CEO, Yamazaki Mazak Deutschland GmbH
“AMB 2026 was a great success for Mazak. Under the motto “The Power of Mazak”, we were able to present our visitors with innovative manufacturing solutions and celebrate the European premiere of our new products, the CP-450 automation solution and the latest generation of our lathe. We were particularly impressed by the popularity of our trade fair stand among visitors. We consider AMB to be one of the most important platforms for directly connecting with customers, partners and interested parties. The many valuable conversations and absolutely superb atmosphere have shown that the demand for automated and sustainable manufacturing solutions remains strong.”
About AMB
AMB has presented the highlights of the international metalworking industry since 1982. An event “Where metal comes alive”, AMB will also be a fixed date in this year’s calendar, taking place from 15 to 19 September 2026. AMB is the marketplace and meeting point for the metal-cutting industry where the latest products, technologies, innovations, services and concepts are presented in all their forms. AMB has the support of the following associations: the VDMA Precision Tools Association, the VDMA Software and Digitalisation Association and the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW).
Further information can be found online at: www.amb-messe.de
