Around 65,000 visitors from 76 countries took advantage of the five exhibition days for intensive, decision-relevant discussions and the targeted expansion of business relationships. Visitor numbers are thus at the level of 2024. In contrast, the quality of the professional visitors has increased: 68 percent are considered decision-relevant professionals from the manufacturing sector.
Roland Bleinroth, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart, draws a positive conclusion: "The AMB has once again impressively demonstrated how important it is for the industry this year. With encouraging visitor numbers, increased internationality, and an even higher decision-making competence among the trade visitors, it is clear: This is not just a place for discussion; this is where investments are made and decisions are taken. The atmosphere in the halls was noticeably characterized by a sense of new beginnings. The AMB provides exactly the space for that: for conversations that lead to problem-solving and successful business."
After five intensive, program-rich days, the AMB closed its doors on September 19. A total of 1,195 exhibiting companies from 34 countries showcased their innovations, products, services, and concepts in all ten exhibition halls of the trade fair grounds. With numerous program formats, diverse networking opportunities, and the AMB Stage, the fair also offered an extensive supporting program outside the halls.
Stable visitor numbers, significantly more decision-makers
Especially among the visitors, the increased decision-making competence is evident. 14 percent come from management, corporate, or operational leadership, compared to 10 percent in 2024. 35 percent work in manufacturing, production, or quality control. With an overall rating of 1.7, the visitors themselves also confirm the positive atmosphere and the position of the AMB as a central European trade fair.
The AMB remains a sought-after industry meeting point internationally. The share of international visitors is 22 percent. Guests from Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands, France, Eastern Europe, and Scandinavia were particularly well represented.
Eight companies received the AMB Award for innovative solutions.
A highlight of the diverse supporting program this year was also the presentation of the AMB Award. In its second edition, around 50 nominated companies had the chance to receive an award. On Tuesday and Wednesday, awards were presented on the AMB Stage in six categories as well as two special prizes. The awards went to:
• Machine tools and manufacturing systems: INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
• Precision tools: ZECHA Carbide Tool Manufacturing GmbH
• Measurement Technology and Quality Assurance: Renishaw GmbH
• Software and Digitalization: autonomIQ technologies GmbH
• Automation and Handling Technology: ZELL Group
• Components, assemblies, and operating materials: 3nine AB
• Special Award for Sustainability: Citizen Machinery Europe GmbH
• Special Jury Prize: Paul Horn GmbH
Voices from the industry:
Markus Heseding, Managing Director of VDMA Precision Tools
"The AMB 2026 has once again demonstrated its significance as the leading trade fair for the tool industry in Europe. The high quality of the discussions is an encouraging signal in the current market situation."
Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the VDW (Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers)
"The AMB has clearly demonstrated in recent days how innovative and solution-oriented our industry is positioned. In a challenging market environment, we are experiencing a lot of confidence, intensive discussions, and a strong willingness to advance new technologies and business opportunities at the trade fair. Especially in such times, personal exchange remains particularly important. The AMB provides the platform for new impulses, concrete business contacts, and a shared outlook for the future."
Guido Reimann, Deputy Managing Director of VDMA Software and Digitalization
"The AMB 2026 was once again a valuable platform for VDMA Software and Digitalization – characterized by an overwhelmingly positive atmosphere and intense exchange with our member companies and partners. The trade fair demonstrated that software and digitalization have long become an integral part of industrial manufacturing. From simulation and digital twins to data-driven production processes and artificial intelligence, crucial levers for increased productivity are emerging here. It is particularly exciting to see how concretely these technologies have already arrived in industrial practice. The AMB makes this development visible and brings the right players together to jointly advance the digital transformation in manufacturing."
From the perspective of the exhibiting companies, AMB 2026 was also a success. For individual reporting, we provide you with statements from some of the exhibiting companies:
Michael Blank, Director of Marketing & Communications / Authorized Signatory CERATIZIT Deutschland GmbH
"The AMB 2026 was a complete success for us. We were able to have numerous high-quality discussions with our customers, who approached us with very specific requirements, projects, and application cases. This year, a particular focus was on the topic of supply security. We had many intensive and constructive conversations and found that this topic remains of great importance to our customers. Now we are starting the follow-up from the trade fair, will continue to pursue the contacts and projects we gained, and are already looking forward to AMB 2028. Thank you to the organizers for the excellent organization this year!"
Matthias Rapp, Vice President Global Marketing CHIRON Group SE
"The AMB 2026 demonstrated the significance of the interplay between machining technology, automation, and digital solutions for industrial manufacturing. At our booth, the range from micro-machining to the production of large workpieces garnered particular interest. The high internationality of the visitors, the quality of the professional discussions, and numerous new contacts confirm the AMB as an important meeting point for the industry."
DMG MORI
"Innovation was a key driver at the DMG MORI booth in Hall 10 and attracted significant interest from both visitors and industry experts. DMG MORI experienced a strong response, with customers showing great enthusiasm for the latest technologies and innovations. Overall, the trade fair provided an excellent platform for valuable discussions, new business opportunities, and simultaneously strengthened our determination to drive innovations, provide first-class customer service, and continue to actively shape the future of manufacturing."
Marcus Kurringer, Head of Marketing at Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH
"The AMB is and remains one of the most important trade fairs for the European machine tool market. It offers a unique platform to discuss future technologies with customers and interested parties and to make innovations tangible. For HELLER, it is a central milestone in the global trade fair calendar. The AMB 2026 held particular significance as we appeared together with DN Solutions for the first time and demonstrated how complementary competencies, customer proximity, service, and technology can come together to create a significantly stronger benefit for our customers."
Oliver Gühring, Chairman of the Board Gühring KG
"The economic conditions are currently challenging for many companies. Therefore, events like the AMB are all the more important. Here, decision-makers, customers, and partners meet in person, openly discuss challenges, and collaboratively develop solutions. The motto 'Where Metal Comes Alive' fits perfectly. Because at the fair, not only machines and tools are showcased. Contacts are maintained here; above all, people come together who shape and advance the industry. For us, AMB 2026 was a very successful fair. We are very satisfied with the number of visitors at our booth and were even able to surpass the results of the previous AMB. Particularly positive was the atmosphere in the conversations. Despite the challenges, we felt a strong willingness among our customers to look ahead, drive projects forward, and seize opportunities."
Tobias Völker, Director Global Marketing Haimer GmbH
"The AMB 2026 was once again a very successful event for HAIMER with interesting conversations and valuable contacts. Our forward-looking solutions, such as the Tool Room of the Future, were very well received as they address current drivers like automation, digitalization, and AI, and counteract the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. We are taking away valuable impressions and new perspectives and are already looking forward to 2028 – we will definitely be there again!"
Stefan Nitsche, Director of International Sales, HAINBUCH GmbH
"The AMB in Stuttgart is a true home game for HAINBUCH. As an innovative Swabian family business with an international focus, we are pleased to personally welcome our customers and partners from around the world. This year, we focused on our industry-specific solutions, which we were able to present to a broad professional audience. The personal exchange and the many intensive discussions have once again shown how important the AMB is for our industry."
Markus Horn, Managing Director of Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrik Paul Horn GmbH
"We have just completed five days filled with exciting conversations, new contacts, and intense exchanges with our customers, visitors, and partners. We were particularly pleased with the strong interest in our new products and solutions. We also received positive feedback on our live machining demonstration at the booth. The AMB 2026 was a great success, and we are taking valuable insights for the future with us."
Rainer Gondek, Head of Sales Marketing INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
"The INDEX Group draws a very positive conclusion from the AMB that ends today. At ten machines, including the world premiere TRAUB MS12-4 – the most productive long-turning machine in the world – the company made numerous promising contacts and even achieved direct sales. The machine, awarded the AMB Award by a renowned expert jury, as well as the other exhibits, generated significant interest. The strong visitor interest from the German-speaking region and neighboring countries raises hopes for an optimistic post-fair business."
Erich Timons, Managing Director of ISCAR Germany GmbH
"ISCAR Germany looks back on a successful AMB 2026. The trade fair offered excellent opportunities for lead generation, with more customers coming to Stuttgart with concrete projects. The AMB has once again confirmed its great importance as a central platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and establishing new business contacts. For 2028, we expect a further increase in the relevance of the AMB. The good communication, professional organization, and excellent transport connections make the trade fair an attractive meeting point for the entire industry."
Dr. Sebastian Schöning, CEO of FFG Group & Managing Director of MAG IAS GmbH
"The AMB 2026 was a successful stopover for FFG: personal exchange, new impulses, and concrete discussions about the manufacturing of tomorrow. The positive feedback on our trade fair innovations confirms our commitment to developing innovative and future-oriented solutions together with our customers – for a competitive industry and a strong economic location in Germany."
Manuel Hüsken, CEO - Chairman of the Board Carl Mahr GmbH & Co. KG
"The AMB 2026 was overall positive for Mahr. Particularly valuable were the many technically informed discussions with visitors who brought specific requirements from manufacturing. In addition to the established topics of roughness and contour measurement, there was a noticeable interest in optical measurement technology. Automation, digital networking, and the integration of measurement technology into manufacturing processes were also in focus. The trade fair once again highlighted that efficient and connected quality solutions are becoming increasingly important for many companies."
Dr. Jochen Kress, Managing Director of MAPAL Dr. Kress SE & Co. KG, Aalen
"We greatly appreciate the AMB because it takes place in the heart of the machining industry and allows us direct exchange with the sector. The trade fair was very promising: We had intensive discussions with existing customers and long-term partners about specific strategic projects and our comprehensive turnkey offerings. At the same time, we held many conversations with new and potential customers about our innovations and solutions. This shows us that we are addressing exactly the topics that are currently relevant to the industry."
Steffen Nagel, Managing Director of Nagel Werkzeug-Maschinen GmbH
"A thoroughly successful appearance at AMB 2026. The high number of interested and investment-ready professionals was convincing. Numerous inquiries requiring quick decisions, spontaneous agreements, and the perfect organization of AMB allow us to draw a positive conclusion."
Volker Nesenhöner, CEO of OPEN MIND Technologies AG
"The AMB was a complete success for us. Despite cautious signs, it was clearly felt that the industry is gaining momentum again. Our team at the trade fair booth shares this positive impression. For me, the AMB remains the meeting point for the industry: Here, you experience trends firsthand and quickly engage in conversations with customers, partners, and exhibitors. The positive feedback reinforces our product focus and gives us a lot of confidence for the future. We will be back in 2028."
Philipp Ehrhardt, Managing Director of Römheld GmbH Friedrichshütte
"The great openness to forward-looking and intelligent solutions, as well as the quality of conversations with customers and partners, has left us very optimistic. We are experiencing a significant revitalization of the market and are moving into the future with optimism."
Carlo Buck, Head of Market Region Central Europe, UNITED MACHINING
"The AMB 2026 creates a positive outlook. The strong visitor turnout and the great interest in our five world premieres have exceeded our expectations. The numerous qualified discussions and concrete project inquiries were particularly valuable. The dynamics in the market are clearly noticeable. Our goal is to create sustainable competitive advantages for our customers with innovative technologies and to make them successful in the long term."
Marco Casanova, CEO Yamazaki Mazak Deutschland GmbH
"The AMB 2026 was a complete success for Mazak. Under the motto 'The Power of Mazak', we were able to present innovative manufacturing technologies to our visitors and celebrate a European premiere with our new products, the automation solution CP-450 and the latest generation of our lathe. We were particularly impressed by the great interest in our booth. The AMB is one of the most important platforms for us to engage directly with customers, partners, and interested parties. The numerous high-quality discussions and the consistently positive atmosphere have shown that the demand for automated and future-proof manufacturing solutions remains unbroken."
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