Economy

In the second quarter of 2026, the index of machine tool orders calculated by the Centro Studi & Cultura di Impresa of UCIMU SISTEMI PER PRODURRE recorded a decline of 25.8% compared to the period of April–June 2025. In absolute numbers, the index was at 47.8 (base 100 in 2021).

With the AMB Preview 2026, the Landesmesse Stuttgart has initiated the countdown for the most important industry highlight of 2026. Organizers, exhibitors, and associations presented themselves with anticipation and optimism to the invited trade press.

$583.4 million in new machine orders underscore the economic strength of the USA

The machine builder GMN is investing 28 million euros in a new high-precision production hall for the manufacture of ball bearings

The machine manufacturing companies are still waiting for a significant revival in their order books. In May, they recorded a net order decline of 1 percent in real terms.

MAPAL has already responded to the profound changes worldwide years ago and has consistently further developed its structures and processes. The business development in 2025 met its own expectations.

Mechanical engineering no longer expects growth for 2026

The machine factory Berthold HERMLE AG has developed well in the first five months of 2026.

Association of the German Turned Parts Industry Discusses Raw Material Situation

The investment company Carlyle has announced that it has signed an agreement for the sale of Flender, a provider of mechanical drive technology, to Triton Fund 6 advised by Triton.

Gerhard Melcher, Head of Sales Machining and Marketing at BOEHLERIT, commented in an interview with zerspanungstechnik.de about the ECTA conference in Graz, the current situation of precision tool manufacturers, raw material shortages, and the future.

For the machinery and plant engineering sector in Germany, April showed a mixed picture. Foreign demand is positive, while domestic demand is declining. Political action is needed to create better conditions at the location in Germany.

In the first quarter of 2026, HERMLE AG was able to increase order intake by 15% and group revenue by 14% compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

In the first quarter of 2026, the order index for machine tools developed by the Centro Studi & Cultura di Impresa of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE recorded an increase of 3.1% compared to the period of January-March 2025. The absolute index value has settled at 87.1 (base 100 in 2021).