With a clear signal for change and cooperation, NORTEC 2026 opened its doors today in Hamburg – as the first trade fair for production in the new year and as a source of inspiration for the industry in challenging times. The trade fair will take place from 3 to 5 February 2026 under the motto ‘Production. Innovation. Future.’

NORTEC 2026: Confidence instead of stagnation

The manufacturing industry is entering a challenging financial year in 2026, and as always, a trade fair reflects the situation and mood of the industry. The opening of NORTEC 2026 made it clear that the trade fair sees itself as a place where the industry can work together on solutions and find direction for 2026. ‘Right now, we need places like NORTEC. Places where the industry can come together, exchange ideas and gain confidence,’ emphasised Roland Bleinroth, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart, on Tuesday morning. ‘Hamburg stands for innovation, research and a strong industrial base, and this is exactly where NORTEC is firmly anchored.’ From the perspective of machine tool manufacturers, the trade fair is also an important indicator at the beginning of the year. Dr Markus Heering, Managing Director of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association), is optimistic about the trade fair and economic year ahead: "The beginning of 2026 has made it clear that, despite all the challenges, the German machine tool industry remains capable of action and future-oriented. NORTEC also underlines at the start of the year that the industry is looking ahead. Visitors are engaged, interested in new solutions and use the trade fair to exchange ideas and gain orientation. NORTEC is of great importance for the location, Heering continues: ‘It is much more than a trade fair – it is a source of inspiration for the entire production technology sector in the north and shows how tradition, quality and innovative spirit can work together successfully.’

Regional and cross-border perspectives are encouraging For the first time, NORTEC 2026 is cooperating with the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce, bringing cross-border impetus to the trade fair. This collaboration offers great potential, as Andreas Wenzel, CEO of the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce, explains: "Cross-border cooperation is a key driver of innovation in industrial production. It ensures that ideas reach market maturity more quickly, that companies in both countries benefit from each other and remain internationally competitive together – which is exactly what we need for the industry of tomorrow." Dr Dirk Lau, Deputy Managing Director of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and member of the NORTEC trade fair advisory board, emphasises the positive future prospects for the Hanseatic city and the north at the start of the event: "The north is cosmopolitan, a logistics hub and therefore has excellent international connections. Green energy, deep-sea water and the availability of raw materials create ideal conditions for industrial manufacturing – from hidden champions to innovative SMEs. Hamburg offers the entire value chain of industry, and the potential continues to grow – especially for energy-intensive sectors. This means that NORTEC in Hamburg is anchored in a strong industrial location and offers tomorrow's production the stage to showcase and further expand the industrial strength of the north." At the opening, it became clear that NORTEC 2026 offers space for cohesion, innovation and the courage to break new ground – across industry and national borders.

NORTEC 2026 with a sharpened focus and diverse programme

The concept has been specifically developed further for the 20th edition of NORTEC. ‘The trade fair will now take place over three compact days with a sharpened focus. This ensures orientation, short distances and targeted exchange,’ explains Roland Bleinroth. The entire spectrum of production will be presented in Hall A4, where 175 exhibiting companies from Germany and abroad will showcase their innovations in one compact location. We have continued the strong programme from 2024 in cooperation with our twelve network partners in 2026. Over 40 programme items – from panels to practical workshops – offer space for knowledge transfer and new perspectives.

About NORTEC

Production. Innovation. Future. As a trade fair for production, NORTEC in Hamburg offers a platform for the industry every two years. The focus is on machine tools and manufacturing systems, precision tools, measurement and testing technology, robotics and automation, software and IT solutions, components, assemblies, accessories, operating resources and consumables, logistics and operating equipment, and services. The trade fair is jointly organised by Messe Stuttgart and the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association).