Preparations for GrindingHub 2026 from May 5 to May 8 are picking up pace: The recently published preliminary exhibitor directory lists 360 companies. 'The participation of leading manufacturers of grinding technology shows the clear commitment of the industry to GrindingHub as a place for exchange, innovation, and international networking,' says Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the organizer VDW (Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers). 'It is much more than a trade fair - ideas are exchanged here and solutions for the pressing manufacturing problems in grinding are found. Especially now, in economically challenging times, this dialogue is particularly important,' Heering adds.
Grinding technology industry shows presence despite difficult situation
The ongoing weak economy is reflected in the current figures: The order intake for grinding technology has stabilized after two years of decline. It increased by 4 percent in the first nine months of 2025 - driven by foreign markets with a plus of 17 percent. In particular, the Eurozone (up 32 percent) is the driving force here. In contrast, the domestic market recorded a minus of 24 percent. Revenue is significantly below the previous year, down 14 percent. Compared to the overall machinery sector, order intake is slightly better, but revenue is weaker.
Despite these challenging conditions, leading companies are relying on GrindingHub as a strategic platform. Danobat-Overbeck GmbH was already present at the premiere of the fair. Managing Director Fabian Moos emphasizes the importance of visibility and customer loyalty for the company: 'For Danobat, GrindingHub is more than a platform to present technological advancements. Since 2022, it has provided us with the opportunity to openly engage with customers, understand their actual challenges, and incorporate this feedback into the further development of our solutions.' Dopa GmbH will participate in the fair for the first time in 2026. Jürgen Waidhas, Head of Sales Europe (Machines & Tools) at Dopa, sees the international orientation as key: 'As a specialist in grinding tools and grinding machines, it was a natural decision for us to participate in the world's leading trade fair for grinding and surface technologies. We are very much looking forward to presenting our latest developments in double-sided grinding machines to an audience of trade visitors from around the world.'
Added value through parallel events
In 2026, additional international trade fairs will take place concurrently with GrindingHub at the Stuttgart exhibition grounds. In particular, the Surface Technology Germany, organized by Deutsche Messe AG Hannover, and MedtecLIVE, organized by MedtecLIVE GmbH Nuremberg, create significant thematic synergies through the exhibition areas of medical and surface technology.
This combination offers real added value for all participants, emphasizes Sebastian Schmid, a member of the management board from the cooperation partner Messe Stuttgart: 'With the concurrently held trade fairs, our trade visitors have a unique opportunity: They can discover a variety of relevant topics concentrated in one place - efficiently, networked, and inspiring. For exhibitors, this means a significantly larger reach and access to the most important target industries. To make mutual exchange as easy as possible, one ticket provides access to all parallel fairs.'
Outlook on the next steps
Markus Heering from VDW has already firmly in mind the next milestones for GrindingHub: 'With the publication of the preliminary exhibitor directory, we are now starting the detailed planning. In spring 2026, the final exhibitor lists and hall plans will follow, so that all participants have the optimal basis for their fair preparations.' Interested companies still have the opportunity to register. Additionally, several special and joint stands will also provide exhibitors with an attractive platform in 2026: Registration for the Grinding Solution Park Science, the Grinding Solution Park Industry, the Startup Hub, and the Swiss joint stand will start soon.
Source: VDW
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