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UCIMU: machine tool orders down 13.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Domestic orders (-2.9%) Foreign orders (-17.1%). In the fourth quarter of 2025, the machine tool orders index developed by the UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE Study & Business Culture Centre recorded a 13.6% decline compared to the October-December 2024 period. The absolute value of the index stood at 68 (base 100 in 2021). On the domestic front, orders recorded a 2.9% decline compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, for an absolute value of 56.3. The result of orders collected abroad was more severe, recording a 17.1% decline compared to the same period of the previous year. The absolute value of the index stood at 69.3. On an annual basis, order intake remains in positive territory thanks to the positive trend recorded in the first three quarters, and amounts to +3.1% (67.6 absolute index) compared to the 2024 figure; +38.9% domestic orders (absolute index 55.1); -9.4% foreign orders (absolute index 76.4). Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU, stated: "The overall result of order intake for 2025 is in line with that of the last 2 years and therefore once again disappointing." "With particular reference to the last quarter - added Riccardo Rosa - it is clear that the slowdown in activity on foreign markets was not matched by a substantial recovery on the domestic market." "On the domestic front, the results collected demonstrate that plan 5.0 did not work as it should have. Certainly the measure, together with 4.0, boosted demand a little but the countless starts and stops made everything less fluid until its conclusion in December." "Now," continued Riccardo Rosa, "we are awaiting the implementing decrees of the new measure that will accompany investments in new technologies until 2028. Italian companies have great expectations regarding this measure, especially because of its duration, which allows for better planning of purchases by users and therefore also a more effective and efficient distribution of our companies' production activity. However, we believe it is essential that the decrees arrive very soon so that we can operate immediately and clearly, supporting demand at a time when the international scenario is severely testing the industrial systems of traditional economies." "Looking beyond our borders, the highly uncertain environment, driven by geopolitical instability, is a factor that is severely impacting the results of our companies, which today find themselves cut off from many business opportunities abroad. Open conflicts, Trump's trade strategy with its constant retractions regarding tariffs, the automotive and German crisis, and the closure and now inaccessibility of certain markets such as Russia and China are severely limiting what has always been one of our strengths: export activity.""In this regard," stated Riccardo Rosa, "we warmly welcome the free trade agreement just signed by the EU and India, a country with enormous potential for development and growth, potential that Italian machine tool, robot, and automation manufacturers will undoubtedly be able to capitalize on. Moreover, with €135 million in exports (in the first nine months of 2025, the latest available data), India is now our fourth largest export market, and we believe that the newly signed agreement, together with the Ministry of Heavy Industries' repeal of the "Omnibus" order, which was due to come into force at the beginning of 2026 and which would have made machinery imports subject to obtaining a BIS license, will give further impetus to our business in the area." "On the contrary," added President Rosa, "we consider the decision to postpone the EU-Mercosur agreement for an assessment by the Court to be a severe blow to the manufacturing industry, and in particular to the Italian machine tool industry, which has always paid close attention to emerging markets or markets with fluctuating trends like those in the area. Many of those countries, Brazil first and foremost, represent potentially interesting markets for our companies, whose local users appreciate the high quality and customization of their offerings. For this reason, we must act as soon as possible to implement the agreement, which would also free our sales from many of the duties currently in force." "Also by virtue of this agreement, over the last two years, the association has strengthened its initiatives dedicated to Latin American countries. In addition to the exploratory missions carried out in Brazil, designed to strengthen partnerships with the local system of institutions, businesses, and representative organizations, UCIMU has initiated interesting discussions with industrial representative organizations in Argentina, preparatory to new collaborations between the two countries' industries. We have not neglected the so-called "associated" and "observer" countries linked to the agreement, confident that they too will offer interesting opportunities for Italian manufacturers. Among the Mercosur associates, we have turned our attention to Chile, where, following a reconnaissance mission, a project for the development of a Technology Center has been under consideration. Among the observer countries of the agreement, our focus is on Mexico, where, since the beginning of 2025, the Oficina Italiana de Promotiòn Mexico has been operating, a desk that works to support Italian companies in their knowledge and market penetration activities. of the relevant market, including for the Central and North American area." "We cannot allow," concluded President Rosa, "the great potential of companies and the work done by organizations like ours to be undermined by an absolutely senseless decision. The competitiveness of European manufacturing is at stake."

EU-Mercosur agreement: it's important to quickly overcome the stalemate.

Confindustria's Anima: the postponement is hindering exports, competitiveness, and the global positioning of Italian mechanical engineering.The postponement of the ratification of the partnership agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, decided by the European Parliament with a request for an opinion from the European Court of Justice, sends a negative signal for the Italian and European manufacturing industry. A choice that risks postponing by 18–24 months the entry into force of a strategic instrument to strengthen exports, competitiveness and the global positioning of companies, in an international context marked by growing geopolitical and trade tensions, new tariff barriers and the need to diversify markets and supply chains. Anima Confindustria, which represents the Italian mechanical industry in numerous strategic sectors, views with great concern a postponement that risks weakening a fundamental lever of industrial and commercial policy. The EU-Mercosur agreement would have allowed for a structural strengthening of the presence of European companies in an area with over 700 million consumers, promoting access to the markets of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay through a progressive reduction of duties and greater harmonization of rules. The economic context makes this choice even more difficult to understand. The most recent data on exports of mechanical engineering represented by Anima show a phase of slowdown and uncertainty, with signs of weakness both on the export front and on the domestic market. In this scenario, South America has long been an area of ​​strategic interest—in 2024, it accounted for 4.3% of Italy's total mechanical engineering exports (data from Anima's Statistics and Market Intelligence Office)—with significant growth potential, especially for industrial technologies, machinery, and high-value-added solutions. According to aggregate industrial estimates by Anima, the entry into force of the EU-Mercosur agreement would generate, already in the first three years, an overall increase in mechanical engineering exports to the area of ​​at least 20%, with a potential further doubling in the medium-long term thanks to the progressive removal of tariff barriers, particularly on the Brazilian market. Anima Confindustria has also invested in recent years in strengthening industrial relations with the Mercosur countries. This is the context in which the memoranda of understanding and cooperation signed with Argentina's leading industrial associations, including Adimra (Argentine Association of Metallurgy and Mechanics), aim to foster technological exchanges, industrial partnerships, and new investment opportunities for mechanical engineering companies. Initiatives that confirm how the EU-Mercosur agreement is not just a commercial instrument, but a fundamental piece for consolidating long-term industrial relations. "Postponing the EU-Mercosur agreement again means wasting precious time and giving up a concrete lever for growth for our industry. But above all, it causes Europe to lose credibility," declares President of Anima Confindustria, Pietro Almici. «At a time when mechanical engineering exports are slowing at a worrying rate, blocking access to dynamic and alternative markets like South America is a short-sighted choice. After more than twenty-five years of negotiations, Europe should demonstrate vision and responsibility, strengthening its industrial and commercial role at a global level." President Almici also underlines how the postponement risks weakening European competitiveness in comparison with other major international players. In a context marked by new protectionist policies, growing global competition, and increasingly inaccessible markets, the EU cannot afford to slow down, or even block, the implementation of strategic agreements. The agreement with Mercosur would allow Italian and European companies to diversify their markets, reduce dependencies, and support employment and investment. Continuing to postpone means blocking the industry and Europe. auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variant-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.4;">While aware of the sensitivities existing on some sectoral issues, Anima Confindustria reiterates the need to bring the center of gravity of the debate back to the overall strategic value of the agreement, both for European manufacturing and for Italian mechanical engineering. A sector that accounts for approximately 20% of the national GDP and is one of the main drivers of Italian exports, and which, without a determined strengthening of international trade relations, risks seeing its growth prospects compromised. In this context, Anima Confindustria hopes that the European institutions will quickly evaluate solutions capable of overcoming the current stalemate and making the EU-Mercosur agreement operational as soon as possible. This choice would represent a concrete signal of attention towards industry and the competitiveness of the European production system, maintaining the Union's credibility on the global economic stage. 

METAL SHOW & TIB 2026 will take place on 12–15 May at Romexpo

As advanced technologies and digitalization continue to shape the investment strategies of industrial companies, METAL SHOW & TIB remains a key event for technical professionals.The 2026 edition, scheduled for 12–15 May in Bucharest, will bring together manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, technologies, and solutions for sheet-metal and tube processing, machining, CNC systems, additive manufacturing, welding, cutting, measurement and control instrumentation, industrial software, metallurgy, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, and automation.By expanding the focus on advanced technologies for smart factories, robotics, and systems integration, and by opening the event to broader international participation with a strong framework for high-level technical dialogue, METAL SHOW & TIB 2026 positions itself as a primary reference point for the technical industry.To support the exhibitor community, the organizers will maintain the same participation fees in 2026, unchanged for the past four years.Live demonstrations on exhibited equipment, direct technical discussions with industry leaders, buyers, suppliers, and service providers, along with commercial offers available exclusively during the event, remain essential components that strengthen industrial networking at METAL SHOW & TIB and drive new business opportunities while reinforcing existing client relationships. More information is available at www.metalshow-tib.ro

Fastener Fair Italy 2026: the leading event for the fastener and fixing industry returns to Milan

Following the success of its fourth edition, which brought together over 200 exhibitors from 19 countries and attracted more than 2,400 qualified visitors from across Europe, Fastener Fair Italy will return from 24 to 25 June 2026 at CityLife – Allianz MiCo in Milan. The event is confirmed as Italy’s key meeting point for professionals in fasteners, fixings, and fastening systems. Visitor registration will open in early February, giving industry professionals the opportunity to plan their attendance well in advance.To date, many companies have already confirmed their participation in the only Italian trade event dedicated entirely to the sector, including major players such as Ambrovit, Berardi Bullonerie, Bontempi, Corbetta Ermanno, Fastbolt, Gandini, Index/Chavesbao, Vilux Viterie, Vipa, Viteria Fusani, Viteria Smel and many more. Additional exhibition opportunities are still available for manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of fastening systems, machinery producers, and suppliers of related technologies and services wishing to engage with a highly specialised audience.The fifth edition of Fastener Fair Italy introduces a refreshed format enriched by several new features designed to offer visitors an even more comprehensive, forward-looking experience. Among the highlights are two new thematic areas that further expand and enhance the exhibition profile.
One will focus on hand tools, showcasing a wide range of equipment used in assembly, installation and maintenance complementary products that support and enhance fastening applications, giving professionals an immediate overview of the most relevant solutions for their work. The second will be dedicated to precision turning, bringing together manufacturers specialising in advanced machining and subcontracting, and offering visitors the opportunity to meet qualified companies and explore high-quality turned components produced by industry experts.These dedicated zones are designed to make the visit more streamlined and targeted, facilitating the search for specific products, connecting with the most suitable suppliers, and staying up to date on key technologies and market trends. Complementing this offer, a series of financial support measures will be available to exhibiting companies, making participation easier and encouraging a broader and more diverse presence.“Returning to Milan with Fastener Fair Italy 2026 is an important milestone for us - says Stephanie Cerri, Event Director for the European Fastener Fair exhibitions. - At a time when the fastener and fixing industry is facing a challenging market environment, it is more important than ever to create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration across the supply chain. We look with confidence towards a promising 2026 for our sector: the exhibition will provide visitors with the opportunity to meet leading industry players, explore cutting-edge solutions and gain first-hand insight into the technologies shaping new production standards”.Supported by key Media Partners, including Expometals, Fasten.it, Fastener Fixing Magazine, Fastener World, Galvanotecnica and Italy Export, the event also aims to further expand its international reach, attract new exhibitors from strategic markets, and enhance the quality of professional visitors, with a particular focus on distributors, buyers and technical decision-makers. Networking initiatives, educational content, and technical insights will also be included to enrich the visitor’s experience and foster new business opportunities.

Combined grinding processes for greater process efficiency. Experience the latest technologies at GrindingHub

Frankfurt am Main, January, 2026 – GrindingHub 2026 will present the current state-of-the-art of grinding technology with a focus on topics such as hybrid machining systems and cross-process efficiency increases. How can sophisticated individual processes such as grinding or eroding be combined for even greater output and precision? When does the use of laser technology make sense? From May 05 to 08 in Stuttgart, the trade fair will showcase how users can achieve higher material removal rates, less downtime and maximum process stability with state-of-the-art processes. GrindingHub will set the technological benchmark for networked, resource-efficient and high-precision manufacturing of the next generation.More efficiency through numerous combinations"Today's tool manufacturers are striving for ever more efficient ways to produce their tools to customer specifications – and to do so on an automated basis", says Tobias Trautmann, Managing Director of Vollmer Werke Maschinenfabrik GmbH based in Biberach an der Riss, Germany. "We support this goal with various sharpening technologies that can not only machine ultra-hard cutting materials precisely, but also optimize manufacturing processes thanks to digital solutions and AI applications." At GrindingHub 2026, the Vollmer Group will be showcasing its portfolio of grinding, eroding and laser machines that allow customers to machine ultra-hard cutting materials such as carbide, PCD (polycrystalline diamond), CVD (chemical vapor deposition) diamond or PcBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride). When it comes to efficiency, hybrid machines are of particular interest for sharpening tools faster and with higher quality. One example of these are full-head PCD tools with complex geometries: The contours in the carbide can be ground and the cutting edges in the PCD head can also be eroded in a single clamping operation. This procedure not only shortens both productive and non-productive time, but also makes the transition between the PCD head and the carbide blank virtually seamless – without any unevenness or graduation.Grinding machines are used by tool manufacturers to sharpen all cutting edges made of carbide or PcBN with diamond wheels. However, if tools cannot be ground or can only be ground to a limited extent, eroding or laser machines are used. Lasers have the advantage that – in contrast to erosion – they can also be used on non-conductive materials. The wear that happens on grinding wheels does not take place on these systems because the cutting edges are machined without contact during eroding and lasering. The tool machining also takes place without significant thermal influence.Regardless of the sharpening technology in question, Vollmer's philosophy is that its machines are always suitable for automated tool machining in 24/7 shifts. Central robot systems control loading trolleys, pallet loaders or chain magazines and monitor the fully automatic complete machining process. Digital solutions in particular are currently being used to increase efficiency in automation, which is why Vollmer equips its machines with IoT gateways as standard in order to network them with their digital environments. Data from different machines is recorded, processed and managed via a central IT platform. Supported by AI-based algorithms, a chatbot provides information on documentation or historical data to answer queries about machine utilization, the number of tools produced or missing parts. "To make our machines even more efficient, we collaborate intensively with customers, industry partners and research institutes," emphasizes Ralf Grosshauser, Managing Director of the Vollmer Group. "We collaborate with Furtwangen University on grinding technologies and belong to a network of around 30 companies that exchange knowledge and help each other stimulate future innovations."Productivity increases of up to 70 percentStuder's WireDress technology is an example of intelligently combined hybrid technologies in the field of grinding technology. It is integrated into high-precision CNC grinding machines for external cylindrical grinding and now also for internal cylindrical grinding. The full integration of electro-erosive dressing technology eliminates the need to manually dismantle and reset the grinding wheel for the dressing process. Christoph Plüss, CTO of United Machining Solutions Management AG, based in Bern, Switzerland, describes the electrical erosion process as follows, "In the WireDress process, metal-bonded diamond or CBN grinding wheels are dressed, profiled and sharpened in the machine using a wire. The dressing process can be carried out at the full working speed of the grinding wheel. This massively reduces non-productive time. Especially when grinding high-alloy, hardened steels, carbides and ceramics, where metal-bonded grinding wheels are used, WireDress offers enormous advantages and provides productivity increases of up to 70 percent for certain materials when this technology is used." The newly founded United Machining Solutions Group has now expanded its portfolio to include 15 brands in 2025 (including Studer). The group is one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world with a total turnover of over 1.5 billion US dollars and, as usual, will be represented at GrindingHub and ready to engage in face-to-face discussions with its team of specialists. ">After hardening, internal gears can be machined using various processes – depending on the required quality level – such as honing, profile grinding, generating grinding, hard skiving or hard broaching. Each process has specific strengths and limitations: Hard skiving is highly cost-effective, but reaches its limits when very high precision is required. Profile grinding offers maximum precision, but is slow and cost-intensive – and therefore only has limited appeal for high-volume production, for example in the e-mobility or commercial vehicle sectors.Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH from Kempten has closed precisely this gap with SkiveFinishing. The process combines the kinematics of power skiving with a dressing-free, electroplated tool and thus enables a significantly higher quality than hard skiving – with shorter process times and lower costs than profile grinding. This combines the best of both worlds: Excellent precision and economically robust process control. "SkiveFinishing combines the flexibility of skiving with the advantages of CBN hard finishing," explains Haider Arroum, Division and Site Manager Tools. "Optimal roughness values and economical processes can be achieved through the targeted selection of CBN grain sizes."Significant efficiency gains are now also achieved with twist-free generating grinding. With the further development of this process, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik is raising both the economic efficiency and the quality of hard finishing to a new level. The machining times when using dressable grinding worms have been reduced almost to the level of conventional processes – even with asymmetrical gears. At the same time, optimized shift methods allow the integration of fine grinding or polishing in a single operation. The technology is suitable for a wide range of applications: From transmission components for e-mobility to special and heavy-duty transmissions. "In combination with the high rigidity of our machines – which our customers repeatedly praise – we offer measurable added value in terms of efficiency and precision and therefore a clear competitive advantage," emphasizes Fabian Stadelmann, Technology Development Manager. ">Hybrid technologies are among the major levers that can allow a company to position itself at the forefront of the technology and also boost profitability. The innovations described here impressively demonstrate where the future of grinding technology lies. Combined with other megatrends such as automation and artificial intelligence, this opens up countless opportunities to stay ahead of the global competition. As a roadmap towards future innovations, the third edition of GrindingHub will offer unique opportunities in this regard.

Consolidated industry and expert dialogue – this is how ITM 2026 is being built

Poznań is becoming the epicenter of industrial innovation long before the planned start of ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE 2026 (26-29 May). Nearly a hundred leading companies from Poland and abroad secured their space several months before the fair. This confirms the unwavering position of the fair as a key business platform and a place where trends are born – from production automation, through modern metal processing technologies, to the groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence in industry.The division of ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE into thematic exhibitions – AUTOMA, MACH-TOOL, SURFEX and WELDING – allows companies to better identify with a specific industry, and makes it easier for guests to access the technologies they are interested in while visiting the trade fair exhibition. Where trends are born…The concept of thematic zones will once again gain the support of key partners who, as in the last edition of the fair, will take care of these unique spaces. These include: Schmalz (Collaborative Robot Zone), Troax (Safety Zone), Balluff (Demobus Zone) and Pneumat (Pneumat Game Zone). There will also be a DBR77 Zone with innovations for factories of the future.– Early reservations for exhibition space are a signal to us that the industry is eagerly awaiting the fair. Market leaders know that ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE is not just a hardware showcase, but above all, a place where trends for the coming years are born, – says Anna Lemańska-Kramer, deputy director of the ITM trade fair. In 2026, the topic of artificial intelligence in industry will be strongly emphasized – we expect it to be an absolute hit of the programme. We are also continuing the success of the European Science Fair, which will bring together research institutes, universities, technology startups and businesses in one inspiring space, – she adds.Active presence and partnership – the ITM team at the heart of the industryThe ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE trade fair team, in anticipation of the May 2026 edition, is actively collaborating with leading organizations and industry publications, fully implementing the slogan: 'Our team is where the heart of industry beats.' – By attending key events and conferences, we absorb knowledge, seek inspiration, and promote the ITM trade fair as a place for exchanging experiences across various industries. Above all, however, such events are an opportunity for in-depth conversations with people involved in the industry. This expert voice is extremely important to us. We really appreciate and care about these relationships because we believe that it is people who build the success of events, – says Anna Lemańska-Kramer. From occupational health and safety, through painting technologies, to foundry, enamels and steelThe ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE exhibition is famous for its scale and the consolidation of offers from many industrial sectors in one place and at one time. That is why in recent months the ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE team participated in important, thematically diverse industry events organized by the trade fair partners. Such meetings included the 2nd National Occupational Health and Safety Conference (27-28 November 2025, Stryków) addressed to the logistics, warehousing, production and transport industries. Topics such as technical hazards at work, safe space in the hall and training techniques are just part of the extensive programme. The conference was organized by the industry magazines 'Logistyka i Magazynowanie.' 'Production Manager' and media partner of the ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE trade fair – Maintenance Services.Although the FOCAST Exhibition accompanying the ITM trade fair takes place every two years, contact with the foundry industry is a very important element of the Poznań trade fair's strategy. Grupa MTP, the organizer of ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE, was the Silver Sponsor of the National Foundry Day – a key meeting of the industry, combined with a technical conference entitled 'Foundry of Tomorrow – Sustainable Development, Innovation, Digital Future.' The event (12/12/2025, Krakow) was a platform for discussion about digitalisation, automation and technological innovations in the sector, inspiring participants to implement changes that increase compliance with environmental requirements.One of the exhibitors that has already declared its participation in the upcoming ITM trade fair is ECOLINE. – It's not only an industry leader, a manufacturer of powder coating systems, but also a partner initiating meetings filled with specialized knowledge. This is the Modern Painting Technology Forum 2025, regularly organized by ECOLINE, in which our team has the opportunity to participate, explains Anna Lemańska-Kramer. Last autumn, this event (15-17 October 2025, Pabianice) focused on sustainable development and the concept of Painting 5.0, combining autonomous systems, digital transformation and eco-friendly production. ECOLINE will be an exhibitor at the SURFEX Exhibition, which will also feature the Association of the Polish Enamel Industry. A few months before the fair, SPPE organized the SPPE Enamel Congress (Legnica, 1-3 October 2025), which was a platform for discussion about the prospects and innovative applications of enamel under the slogan 'Enamel: past or future?' The result of intensive cooperation with industry associations was also the participation of the ITM trade fair team during the Stainless Steel Days Conference (27-28 October 2025, Warsaw), organized by the Stainless Steel Association. The discussions focused on the development directions of the Polish industry, business forecasts and managerial challenges.Best practices in maintenance, automation, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency, as well as optimization of intralogistics and warehousing processes, were discussed at more than a dozen technical conferences held this fall by Axon Media Group. – It has been a long-time partner of ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE, thanks to which we are close to the industry in various parts of Poland. These numerous trips and conversations with participants confirm our belief that our guests at the fair expect expert knowledge, and we will certainly have lots of it during the next edition of ITM. We are working intensively on the programme. Of course, the extremely valuable core of the fair remains the diverse exhibition and exhibitors' offerings, – says Anna Lemańska-Kramer.  ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE will be held on 26-29.05.2026 on the fairgrounds of MTP Poznań Expo. The exhibition of the Modernlog and Subcontracting fairs will be available simultaneously.