AMB 2026, the international exhibition for metalworking, concluded at Messe Stuttgart after five days of business meetings, technology presentations and industry discussions. The 22nd edition attracted around 65,000 visitors from 76 countries and featured 1,195 exhibitors from 34 countries across all ten exhibition halls. Visitor numbers remained at a similar level to the 2024 edition, while the share of decision-makers increased. Around 68% of visitors were decision-making professionals, with many representing manufacturing and production functions.
Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart, said: “AMB has once again demonstrated its importance for the metalworking industry. The strong visitor numbers, greater international participation and high level of decision-making authority among visitors show that AMB is a place where companies discuss investments, develop partnerships and identify new business opportunities. The positive mood across the exhibition halls was also clear.”
Visitors from outside Germany accounted for 22% of total attendance, with strong participation from Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Türkiye, the Netherlands, France, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Around 35% of visitors worked in manufacturing, production or quality control, while 14% came from business, corporate or plant management, compared with 10% in 2024. Visitors gave the event an overall rating of 1.7, with 1.0 representing the highest score.
The exhibition featured machinery, precision tools, measurement technology, automation, software, digitalisation and other solutions for metalworking. The programme also included networking sessions, specialist discussions and presentations on the AMB Stage.
The AMB Award was presented for the second time at AMB 2026, recognising innovative solutions from across the metalworking industry. Around 50 companies were nominated, with awards presented in six main categories and two special categories. The winners included INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. KG for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Facilities, ZECHA Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH for Precision Tools, Renishaw GmbH for Measuring Technology and Quality Assurance, and autonomIQ technologies GmbH for Software and Digitalisation.
The remaining awards went to ZELL Gruppe for Automation and Handling Technology, 3nine AB for Components, Assemblies and Operating Materials, Citizen Machinery Europe GmbH for the Special Award for Sustainability, and Paul Horn GmbH for the Special Jury Prize. Industry associations supporting AMB also reported strong participation and business discussions during the exhibition.
Markus Heseding, Managing Director, VDMA Precision Tools, said the quality of discussions at the event was an encouraging sign for the tool industry, particularly given the current market conditions. Dr Markus Heering, Managing Director, VDW, said AMB demonstrated the industry’s focus on innovation and practical solutions, while highlighting the importance of direct interaction between companies and customers.
Guido Reimann, Deputy CEO of VDMA Software and Digitalisation, said the exhibition showed how software and digital technologies have become part of modern industrial production, with areas such as simulation, digital twins, data-driven manufacturing and artificial intelligence gaining importance.
Exhibitors also reported strong customer interest. Companies including CERATIZIT, CHIRON Group, DMG MORI, HELLER, Gühring, HAIMER, HAINBUCH, Paul Horn, INDEX, ISCAR, FFG Group, Mahr, MAPAL, Nagel Werkzeug-Maschinen, OPEN MIND Technologies, Römheld, UNITED MACHINING and Yamazaki Mazak highlighted the quality of discussions, project enquiries and new business contacts generated during the event.
Several exhibitors also presented new machines, automation solutions and manufacturing technologies, while visitors showed interest in automation, digitalisation, AI, measurement technology, sustainable production and other solutions aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency. The strong participation from international visitors and the high level of engagement from manufacturing professionals reinforced AMB’s role as a major meeting point for the European metalworking industry.
AMB has been showcasing developments in the international metalworking industry since 1982. The event is held at Messe Stuttgart and brings together companies from the metal-cutting industry to present machinery, tools, technologies, services and production solutions. AMB is supported by the VDMA Precision Tools Association, VDMA Software and Digitalisation Association and the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW).
