A strong visitor turnout in the tool halls, numerous concrete project inquiries, and intensive expert discussions provided optimism in the industry despite the difficult market environment.
'The AMB 2026 has once again proven its significance as the leading trade fair for the tool industry in Europe,' stated Markus Heseding, Managing Director of the VDMA Precision Tools association, adding: 'The high quality of the discussions is an encouraging signal in the current market situation.'
Industry situation
Currently, there are increasing signs of economic improvement in the precision tool industry. After a longer phase of strong restraint, numerous companies report slightly increased order intake in recent months. The sentiment in the industry is therefore generally assessed more positively than at the beginning of the year.
'Now it is important to translate the impulses from the AMB into concrete investments. For this, we need reliable economic and industrial policy framework conditions so that projects can lead to investments and thus sustainable growth,' said Stefan Zecha, Chairman of the VDMA Precision Tools and Managing Director of Zecha Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH, before more than 70 industry representatives and international guests at the association's industry meeting.
VDMA activities
The securing of strategic raw materials was the focus of numerous discussions at AMB 2026. With the initiative 'Scrap matters.', which the VDMA Precision Tools launched at the fair, the industry is addressing users and customers as well as European politics. The goal is a closed European cycle for carbide, which improves the supply security of the industry, strengthens the resilience of critical value chains, and reduces strategic dependence on raw material imports. The initiative advocates for responsible handling of carbide scrap and for its return to European recycling cycles. The background is the growing dependencies of Europe on strategic raw materials and the increasing importance of resilient supply chains for key industrial sectors.
The technology forum at the VDMA booth in Hall 1 received great support from exhibitors and visitors. The formats 'India Opportunities' and 'Defence & Security Opportunities', which were designed and moderated by the VDMA, also received good feedback.
The next AMB will take place from September 19 to 23, 2028. The industry is very pleased that the fair will not take place in parallel with the IMTS in the USA, thus providing exhibitors and international visitors with better opportunities to participate in both leading events.
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