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AMB 2026 draws to a close with a positive outlook for the future
The AMB – International Exhibition for Metalworking – came to a close on 19 September, sending a positive signal for Baden-Württemberg and the metalworking sector in Europe: around 65,000 visitors from 76 countries used the five days of the exhibition to hold in-depth, decision-relevant discussions and to systematically expand their business relationships. Visitor numbers are thus on a par with those of 2024. By contrast, the calibre of trade visitors has risen: 68 per cent are decision-makers from the manufacturing sector.
Roland Bleinroth, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart, draws a positive conclusion: “Once again this year, AMB has impressively demonstrated just how important it is for the industry. With encouraging visitor numbers, increased international participation and trade visitors possessing even greater decision-making authority, one thing is clear: this is not just a place for discussion; it is where investments are made and decisions are taken. The atmosphere in the halls was noticeably characterised by a sense of optimism and new beginnings. This is precisely the kind of space the AMB provides: for discussions that lead to solutions and successful business deals.” After five intensive days packed with events, the AMB closed its doors on 19 September. 1,195 exhibiting companies from 34 countries presented their innovations, products, services and concepts across all ten exhibition halls on the show grounds. With a wide range of programme formats, diverse networking opportunities and the AMB Stage, the fair also offered an extensive supporting programme outside the halls.
Stable visitor numbers, significantly more decision-makers
The increase in decision-making authority is particularly evident amongst visitors. 14 per cent come from senior management, company management or operational management; in 2024, this figure stood at 10 per cent. 35 per cent work in manufacturing, production or quality control. With an overall rating of 1.7, the visitors themselves also confirm the positive atmosphere and the AMB’s position as a key European trade fair. Internationally, too, the AMB remains in high demand as an industry meeting place. The proportion of international visitors stands at 22 per cent. Guests from Switzerland, Austria, Italy,
Eight companies received the AMB Award for innovative solutions
Once again this year, a highlight of the varied supporting programme was the presentation of the AMB Award. In this second edition, around 50 nominated companies were in the running for an award. On Tuesday and Wednesday, awards in six categories and two special prizes were presented on the AMB Stage. The awards went to:
• Machine tools and manufacturing systems: INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
• Precision tools: ZECHA Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH
• Measurement technology and quality assurance: Renishaw GmbH
• Software and digitalisation: autonomIQ technologies GmbH
• Automation and handling technology: ZELL Group
• Components, assemblies and consumables: 3nine AB
• Special prize for sustainability: Citizen Machinery Europe GmbH
• Special jury prize: Paul Horn GmbH
The organisers also look back on the trade fair days with a positive outlook
Markus Heseding, Managing Director of VDMA Precision Tools
“AMB 2026 has once again demonstrated its importance as the leading trade fair for the toolmaking industry in Europe. The high quality of the discussions is an encouraging sign given the current market situation.”
Dr Markus Heering, Managing Director of the VDW (Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers)
“Over the past few days, AMB has clearly demonstrated just how innovative and solution-oriented our industry is. In a challenging market environment, we are seeing a great deal of confidence at the trade fair, in-depth discussions and a strong willingness to drive forward new technologies and business opportunities. It is precisely at times like these that face-to-face interaction is and remains particularly important. The AMB provides the platform for new ideas, concrete business contacts and a shared vision for the future.”
Guido Reimann, Deputy Managing Director of VDMA Software and Digitalisation
“AMB 2026 was once again a valuable platform for VDMA Software and Digitalisation – characterised by a consistently positive atmosphere and in-depth discussions with our member companies and partners. The trade fair demonstrated that software and digitalisation have long been an integral part of industrial manufacturing. From simulation and digital twins, through data-driven production processes, to artificial intelligence, these technologies provide crucial levers for greater productivity. It is particularly exciting to see just how firmly these technologies have already taken root in industrial practice. AMB highlights this development and brings the right stakeholders together to jointly drive the digital transformation in manufacturing forward.”
Comments from exhibiting companies on AMB 2026
AMB 2026 was also a success from the perspective of the exhibiting companies. To round off this report, we have provided statements from a number of exhibiting companies:
Michael Blank, Director of Marketing & Communications / Authorised Signatory, CERATIZIT Deutschland GmbH
“AMB 2026 was a resounding success for us. We were able to hold numerous high-quality discussions with our customers, who approached us with very specific requirements, projects and use cases. A particular focus this year was on the topic of security of supply. We held many in-depth and constructive discussions on this topic and found that it remains of great importance to our customers. We are now beginning the follow-up work following the trade fair, will be following up on the contacts and projects we secured, and are already looking forward to AMB 2028. Many thanks to the organisers for the excellent organisation this year!”
Matthias Rapp, Vice President Global Marketing, CHIRON Group SE
“AMB 2026 demonstrated the importance of the interplay between machining technology, automation and digital solutions for industrial manufacturing. At our stand, the range of capabilities – from micro-machining to the production of large workpieces – attracted particular interest. The highly international nature of the visitors, the quality of the technical discussions and the numerous new contacts confirm AMB’s status as a key meeting place for the industry.”
DMG MORI
“Innovation was a key driver at the DMG MORI stand in Hall 10 and attracted considerable interest from both visitors and industry experts. DMG MORI received a strong response, with customers showing great enthusiasm for the latest technologies and innovations. Overall, the trade fair provided an excellent platform for valuable discussions and new business opportunities, whilst also reinforcing our determination to drive innovation, deliver first-class customer service and continue to play an active role in shaping the future of manufacturing.”
Marcus Kurringer, Head of Marketing at Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH
“AMB is and remains one of the most important flagship trade fairs for the European machine tool market. It offers a unique platform for discussing future technologies with customers and prospective clients and for bringing innovations to life. For HELLER, it is a key milestone in the global trade fair calendar. AMB 2026 was of particular significance, as we exhibited jointly with DN Solutions for the first time and demonstrated how complementary expertise, customer focus, service and technology come together to deliver significantly greater benefits for our customers.”
Oliver Gühring, Chairman of the Board at Gühring KG
“The economic climate is currently challenging for many companies. This makes events such as the AMB all the more important. Here, decision-makers, customers and partners meet in person, discuss challenges openly and develop solutions together. The motto ‘Where Metal Comes Alive’ is therefore a perfect fit. After all, the trade fair is not just about showcasing machines and tools. It’s a place to nurture contacts; above all, it brings together the people who shape and drive the industry forward. For us, AMB 2026 was a very successful trade fair. We are very pleased with the number of visitors to our stand and were even able to surpass the results of the previous AMB. The atmosphere during our discussions was particularly positive. Despite the challenges, we sensed a strong willingness among our customers to look to the future, drive projects forward and seize opportunities.”
Tobias Völker, Director of Global Marketing, Haimer GmbH
“For HAIMER, AMB 2026 was once again a very successful event featuring interesting discussions and valuable contacts. Our forward-looking solutions, such as the ‘Tool Room of the Future’, were very well received, as they address current drivers such as automation, digitalisation and AI, whilst helping to counteract the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. We’re taking away valuable insights and new perspectives and are already looking forward to 2028 – we’ll definitely be back!”
Stefan Nitsche, Director of International Sales, HAINBUCH GmbH
“The AMB in Stuttgart is a real home game for HAINBUCH. As an innovative Swabian family-run business with an international focus, we’re delighted to welcome our customers and partners from all over the world in person. This year, the focus was on our industry-specific solutions, which we were able to present to a broad specialist audience. The face-to-face exchanges and the many in-depth discussions have once again demonstrated just how important the AMB is for our industry.”
Markus Horn, Managing Director, Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrik Paul Horn GmbH
“We’ve had five days packed with exciting discussions, new contacts and in-depth exchanges with our customers, visitors and partners. We were particularly pleased with the great interest shown in our new products and solutions. We also received positive feedback on our live machining demonstration at the stand. AMB 2026 was a resounding success and we are taking valuable insights
with us for the future.”
Rainer Gondek, Head of Sales and Marketing at INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
“The INDEX Group is very pleased with the outcome of the AMB, which ends today. With ten machines on display, including the world-first TRAUB MS12-4 – the world’s most productive vertical turning centre – the company established numerous promising contacts and even secured direct sales. The machine, which was honoured with the AMB Award by a renowned panel of experts, attracted considerable interest, as did the other exhibits. The high level of visitor interest from German-speaking countries and neighbouring nations gives cause for optimism regarding post-exhibition business.”
Erich Timons, Managing Director of ISCAR Germany GmbH
“ISCAR Germany can look back on a successful AMB 2026. The trade fair offered excellent opportunities for lead generation, with more customers coming to Stuttgart with specific projects. The AMB has once again confirmed its great importance as a central platform for networking, knowledge exchange and establishing new business contacts. For 2028, we expect a further
increase in the AMB’s relevance. The effective communication, professional organisation and excellent transport links make the trade fair an attractive meeting place for the entire industry.”
Dr Sebastian Schöning, CEO of FFG Group & Managing Director of MAG IAS GmbH
“AMB 2026 was a successful stopover for FFG: personal exchanges, new ideas and concrete discussions about the manufacturing of tomorrow. The positive response to our new products at the trade fair confirms our commitment to developing innovative and sustainable solutions together with our customers – for a competitive industry and a strong Germany as a business location.”
Manuel Hüsken, CEO – Chairman of the Board, Carl Mahr GmbH & Co. KG
“Overall, AMB 2026 was a positive experience for Mahr. The many technically informed discussions with visitors who brought specific manufacturing requirements with them were particularly valuable. Alongside the established topics of surface roughness and contour measurement, there was a noticeable interest in optical metrology. Automation, digital networking and the integration of
measurement technology into manufacturing processes were also key focuses. The trade fair has once again highlighted that efficient and networked quality solutions are becoming increasingly important for many companies.”
Dr Jochen Kress, Managing Director of MAPAL Dr Kress SE & Co. KG, Aalen
“We hold the AMB in high regard because it takes place at the heart of the machining industry and enables us to engage directly with the sector. The trade fair went very well: we held in-depth discussions with existing customers and long-standing partners about specific, strategic projects and our comprehensive turnkey offering. At the same time, we had many discussions with new and potential customers about our innovations and solutions. This shows us that we are addressing precisely the issues that are currently driving the industry.”
Steffen Nagel, Managing Director of Nagel Werkzeug-Maschinen GmbH
“An all-round successful appearance at AMB 2026. The high number of interested trade visitors ready to invest was very encouraging. Numerous enquiries requiring decisions at short notice, spontaneous deals and the flawless organisation of AMB allow us to draw a positive conclusion.”
Volker Nesenhöner, CEO of OPEN MIND Technologies AG
“The AMB was a resounding success for us. Despite cautious initial expectations, it was clear that the industry is regaining momentum. Our team at the stand also shares this positive impression. For me, AMB remains the industry’s meeting place: here you experience trends first-hand and can quickly strike up conversations with customers, partners and exhibitors. The positive feedback reinforces our product strategy and gives us great confidence for the future. We’ll be back in 2028.”
Philipp Ehrhardt, Managing Director, Römheld GmbH Friedrichshütte
“The great openness to forward-looking and intelligent solutions, as well as the quality of the discussions with customers and partners, has left us feeling very positive. We are seeing a significant revival in the market and are looking to the future with optimism.”
Carlo Buck, Head of Market Region Central Europe, UNITED MACHINING
“AMB 2026 offers a positive outlook. The strong visitor turnout and the keen interest in our five world premieres exceeded our expectations. The numerous in-depth discussions and concrete project enquiries were particularly valuable. The dynamism in the market is clearly palpable. Our aim is to create sustainable competitive advantages for our customers through innovative technologies and to ensure their long-term success.”
Marco Casanova, CEO of Yamazaki Mazak Deutschland GmbH
“AMB 2026 was a resounding success for Mazak. Under the motto ‘The Power of Mazak’, we were able to present innovative manufacturing technologies to our visitors and celebrate a European premiere with our new products: the CP-450 automation solution and the latest generation of our lathe. We were particularly impressed by the high level of interest in our stand. For us, AMB is one of the most important platforms for engaging directly with customers, partners and prospective clients. The numerous high-quality discussions and the consistently positive atmosphere demonstrated that demand for automated and future-proof manufacturing solutions remains as strong as ever.”
About AMB
Since 1982, AMB has been showcasing the highlights of the international metalworking industry. “Where metal comes alive”: In 2026, it will once again be a fixture in the industry’s calendar, taking place this year from 15 to 19 September. It is the marketplace and meeting place for metal-cutting machining, showcasing the latest products, technologies, innovations, services and concepts across the entire spectrum of the sector. AMB is supported by its sponsoring associations: VDMA Precision Tools, VDMA Software and Digitalisation, and VDW – the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association.
Source | AMB