On November 3rd and 4th, the European toolmaking community gathered for the ISTMA Europe Meeting in Berlin. Around 120 participants from 18 national associations followed the invitation of the Association of German Tool and Mould Makers (VDWF), which took on the role of host and organizer. Not only were the member associations of ISTMA Europe and their companies represented, but also players from research and key customer industries. The focus of the event: the willingness to network, looking ahead, and the question of how Europe can position itself stronger in global competition together.
Research meets application meets market
The venue for the event was the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK – a place that stands not only symbolically but also concretely for high-tech innovation. Following the reports from ISTMA and the presentations from the individual toolmaker national associations, there was a two-hour tour of the institute on Monday, the first day of the event.
Participants received exclusive insights into highly relevant research projects related to precision technologies, automation, and digitalization. Mutual impulses were set on how such innovations can be transferred into industrial production and where new business fields can be opened up with the know-how of toolmakers – for example, in optical applications or fluid management. 'Here, three worlds came together: research, users, and customers,' says Stephan Berz, President of ISTMA Europe and brand ambassador of VDWF. 'Each of these groups could contribute something and also take something away. That was extremely valuable.'
Additional insights were provided by Berz with the presentation of the Automotive Tooling Forecast – a market study of the automotive industry, the largest consumer of tool technology in Europe, which provides a structured overview of upcoming vehicle projects until 2028 and the resulting tool requirements for 2026. The study, presented for the first time, will be published biannually in the future and is intended to provide toolmakers with 'real added value,' according to Berz, with regularly usable market data.
The customer perspective in toolmaking
The highlight of the second day of the event was the presentations with panel discussions: Customer representatives from the automotive, logistics, and white goods sectors shared their views on tool and mould making: They described their requirements, their own challenges – and what they expect from the industry in the future. 'This external perspective was central,' emphasizes Stephan Berz. 'The question crystallized as to how we as toolmakers can create added value, make it visible, and communicate it consistently to our customer industries.'
For VDWF President Prof. Thomas Seul, it was an event of unexpected insights: 'I discovered real 'shooting stars' – perspectives that I hadn't thought about before, which suddenly flash and lead to an Aha moment.' His conclusion: 'Technologically, tool and mould making in Europe is strong. But in project management and strategic positioning, there is clearly room for improvement.'
The European toolmaking community is growing together
The time beyond the conference agenda was also entirely focused on networking during the 'Berlin Backstage' program – such as visiting a vintage car exhibition, an evening boat tour on the Spree, a tour of the Bundestag, shared meals, or a nightcap at the TV tower. 'We created an atmosphere where people could meet. This led to real trust – the basis of any cooperation,' says Prof. Thomas Seul. 'This was clearly evident during the joint bus rides: it became really lively – in the best sense.
Everyone was talking over each other, everyone was talking to each other – regardless of origin, language, and function. I realized: The European toolmaking community is really coming together here.'
Europe and China – readiness to learn instead of frustration
Another central theme of the event, whether on stage or in interpersonal exchange, was the competition with China. Instead of falling into blanket criticism, differentiated voices dominated. The core message: Europe should not make the mistake of condemning China for its rise and falling into defiance. Rather, it is important to constructively engage with the success factors – and draw its own conclusions. 'In football, you don't punish the winner – you analyze how they won. Then you stand on the winner's podium again next time,' summarizes Stephan Berz.
For this reason, many European toolmakers are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming ISTMA World Conference 2026 in Shanghai. The event will not only be a global industry meeting but also an important opportunity to better understand the Chinese market – firsthand. 'Those who are willing to learn will certainly gain important impulses for their own future there,' Berz promotes the event.
Designing Together
The ISTMA Europe Meeting 2025 has shown: The challenges are great, but the European tool and mould making industry is ready to face them together. What matters is the willingness to collaborate between companies – across Europe – the willingness to evolve and to look openly beyond the horizon. Stephan Berz summarizes: 'ISTMA has embarked on a new path: Our central task now is to create a platform for mutual trust. Berlin was the right place at the right time for this. The spark has jumped – now it is time to ignite the fire. In this sense: Let’s make some noise!'
Contact:
