AMB 2026 Wraps Up in Stuttgart with Stable Attendance and a Stronger Share of Decision-Makers
The International Exhibition for Metalworking, AMB, ended on 19 September after five busy days at Messe Stuttgart, sending an encouraging message to the metalworking sector in Baden-Württemberg and across Europe. Roughly 65,000 trade visitors from 76 countries attended. They came to hold detailed talks with suppliers and build new business relationships. Attendance matched the 2024 edition, but the profile of the audience improved. According to the organisers, 68 percent of visitors were decision-making professionals from manufacturing.
A platform where investments are decided
Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart, said the show had once again proven its importance to the industry. He pointed to three things: strong attendance, a more international audience and visitors with greater buying authority. In his view, AMB is not just a place for discussion but a venue where companies commit to investments. He described a clear mood of optimism and openness to change in the halls, and said the fair offers the right setting for solving problems and exploring new business opportunities.
A total of 1,195 exhibitors from 34 countries filled all ten halls of the Stuttgart exhibition centre. They showed new machines, tools, services and concepts. Beyond the stands, visitors could join a wide supporting programme. It included presentations on the AMB Stage, several specialist formats and many networking events.
More senior visitors and a strong international presence
The share of top-level management among visitors rose noticeably. Staff from business, corporate or plant management made up 14 percent of attendees, up from 10 percent in 2024. Another 35 percent worked in manufacturing, production or quality control. Visitors rated the event with an overall score of 1.7 on a scale where 1.0 is the best possible grade. This confirms AMB’s standing as one of Europe’s leading metalworking fairs.
International visitors accounted for 22 percent of total attendance. The strongest foreign delegations came from Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Türkiye, the Netherlands, France, Eastern Europe and the Scandinavian countries.
AMB Award 2026: eight winners recognised
The AMB Award was presented for the second time. It was one of the main highlights of the supporting programme. Around 50 companies were shortlisted, and prizes were handed out on the AMB Stage in six categories plus two special awards:
- Machine Tools and Manufacturing Facilities: INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. 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
Industry associations see positive signals
The trade associations that support the event also reviewed it favourably.
Markus Heseding, Managing Director of VDMA Precision Tools, called AMB Europe’s leading fair for the tool industry. He said the quality of the conversations was an encouraging sign given current market conditions.
Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), said the show demonstrated how innovative and solution-focused the sector has become. He noted plenty of optimism despite a difficult market, and a strong desire to adopt new technologies. He added that face-to-face exchange remains essential in times like these.
Guido Reimann, Deputy CEO of VDMA Software and Digitalisation, highlighted how firmly software and digital tools are now embedded in industrial manufacturing. He cited examples such as simulation, digital twins, data-driven production and artificial intelligence. He said these are key levers for higher productivity and are already being used in everyday industrial practice.
What exhibitors said about AMB 2026
Exhibitors widely described the 2026 edition as a success. Several recurring themes came through in their feedback. Visitors arrived with concrete projects, the quality of discussions was high, and interest in automation and digitalisation was strong.
CERATIZIT reported many high-quality meetings with customers who brought specific requirements and application cases. Security of supply was a major topic this year, and the company is now following up on its leads. It is already planning for AMB 2028.
CHIRON Group stressed how closely machining, automation and digital solutions are now linked. Visitors showed interest in its full range, from micromachining to large-part production. The company also noted a strong international turnout and many new contacts.
DMG MORI said innovation was the central topic at its stand in Hall 10. It received enthusiastic feedback on its latest technologies, and the fair opened up new business opportunities.
HELLER described AMB as one of the most important fairs for the European machine tool market. This year was special for the company because it exhibited together with DN Solutions for the first time. The joint presence was designed to show how combined expertise, service and technology can benefit customers.
Gühring noted that the difficult economic climate makes in-person events even more valuable. Its stand attracted more visitors than at the previous edition, and customers showed a willingness to look ahead despite current challenges.
HAIMER said its Tool Room of the Future concept was well received. The concept addresses automation, digitalisation, AI and the shortage of skilled workers. The company confirmed it will return in 2028.
HAINBUCH, a family-owned company based in the Swabian region, described the fair as a home game. It used the event to present industry-specific solutions to an international audience.
Paul Horn reported five days of intensive dialogue and strong interest in its new products. Its live machining demonstrations at the stand were especially popular.
INDEX Group exhibited ten machines, including the world premiere of the TRAUB MS12-4. The company describes this sliding-headstock lathe as the most productive of its kind, and it won an AMB Award. INDEX even closed direct sales at the show and sees good prospects for business after the fair.
ISCAR Germany highlighted strong lead generation, with more visitors arriving with specific projects. The company expects AMB to become even more relevant by 2028.
FFG Group / MAG IAS received positive feedback on its new exhibits. It said the fair reinforced its commitment to developing future-ready solutions with customers.
Mahr saw demand for roughness and contour measurement as well as a growing interest in optical metrology. It also noticed more attention to integrating measurement technology into production.
MAPAL discussed strategic projects and its turnkey offering with long-standing customers. It also met a number of new prospects.
Nagel Werkzeug-Maschinen reported many professional visitors ready to invest, along with urgent enquiries and spontaneous orders.
OPEN MIND Technologies said that despite a cautious outlook before the event, the industry is clearly regaining momentum. The company will be back in 2028.
Römheld noted a clear revival of the market and strong interest in intelligent solutions.
UNITED MACHINING presented five world premieres. It said visitor response exceeded expectations, with many concrete project requests.
Yamazaki Mazak presented under the motto “The Power of Mazak”. It celebrated the European debut of its CP-450 automation solution and its latest generation of lathes. The company said demand for automated and sustainable manufacturing remains strong.
The next AMB will take place in Stuttgart in 2028.