Spotlight on precision: New trade fair "Make-to-Order Days" will première in Stuttgart in 2026
Make-to-Order Days (MTO Days), a new trade fair format for precision parts, contract manufacturing and machining, will make its début at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Center on 9 and 10 June 2026. A key industrial sector, which has been confronted with enormous pressure for innovation and adaptation for many years, will then have its own procurement fair for the first time.
The new buyers' trade fair is specifically aimed at decision-makers and buyers from future-oriented key industries – from traditional mechanical engineering and automotive technology through to defence, robotics and renewable energies. The focal point will be contract-based precision manufacturing whose importance for global value-added chains is growing continuously. "Technological changes, geopolitical challenges and the transformation of entire branches of industry are posing great challenges to many manufacturing companies. With Make-to-Order Days we are creating a platform which will react precisely to these changes – closely geared towards the needs of the industry and with a clear focus on the future," said Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart.
Clear message from the machining sector: backbone of industry as the focal point
According to the Machining Technology Cluster, the distinct positioning is paramount. "As an important economic factor, we are permanently striving towards innovative developments, new economic spheres, additional business areas and future-oriented technologies. In our capacity as the partner of the new buyers' trade fair MTO Days in Stuttgart, we are offering our members ideal conditions and opportunities in this respect," emphasized Ingo Hell, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Machining Technology Cluster.
The partner associations have also welcomed the new trade fair format. Werner Liebmann, Managing Director of the German Turned Parts Industry Association, emphasized: "Make-to-Order Days will give our industry an important platform. Contracted-based manufacturing is the backbone of a large number of key industries – and will attract the necessary attention and networking through this format."
"Messe Stuttgart has been a reliable partner for our Association for many years – and the conditions for Make-to-Order Days are ideal, especially in the strong industrial area of Baden-Württemberg with its superb infrastructure. Contracted-based manufacturing has always been an important area of activity for toolmakers since their day-to-day business includes all competencies and high-end precision. We are therefore impressed by the trade fair concept: MTO Days provides an opportunity to present the offered services on a professional platform. We are pleased to act as a partner and will support this strong format with full conviction." Ralf Dürrwächter, Managing Director of the Association of German Tool and Mold Makers
Value-added through synergies: three trade fairs to be held concurrently
One special advantage: Make-to-Order Days will be held concurrently with CastForge, International Trade Fair for Castings and Forgings with Processing, and The Battery Show Europe. This will produce valuable synergies for exhibitors and visitors alike. Especially in associated fields of technology in which precise manufacturing plays a key role, new points of contact and interdisciplinary discussion opportunities are being created.
Clear structures for maximum visibility
Make-to-Order Days offers exhibitors a unique and clearly structured stand concept which is aimed specifically at efficient business initiation. Thanks to detailed service specifications with information about application areas, production processes, materials, certifications and batch sizes, potential customers can identify suitable suppliers beforehand and ideally prepare their attendance at the trade fair leading to precisely the right connections for sustainable business in addition to the welcome random trade fair contacts. Another highlight is the stand construction concept with all-inclusive packages: a uniform, modern design ensures equality and discretion among all exhibitors. Along with organizational support, service and communication measures are also integrated. Exhibitors can therefore concentrate on everything that really matters – business initiation with the right partners.
Accompanying program with the emphasis on practice
In addition to the traditional product exhibition, the new trade fair format focuses on knowledge transfer and networking. A technical forum will examine key topics in the areas of digitalisation, precision and manufacturing trends in a practical manner. The networking area and separate meeting rooms will provide ideal conditions for personal discussions, confidential negotiations and business transactions.
Registration is now possible
Exhibitors can now register for Make-to-Order Days 2026. Registration is easy via the official event website (www-mto-days.de) of Messe Stuttgart. Interested parties can find there all important information relating to stand packages, participation opportunities and the accompanying programme. Booking early will not only secure a place at the première, but also the benefits of high visibility and reach of the new trade fair.
In 2025, exports of valves and taps reached €6.2 billion (+5.2% compared to 2024). exports of valv
AVR – Italian Valve and Tap Manufacturers Association – will be a key player at MCE – Mostra Convegno Expocomfort, held from March 24th to 27th in Milan. In 2025, after years of contraction, exports of valves and taps for civil use to Germany will return to positive territory, with a value of 153 million euros and a growth of 12% compared to 2024 and +20% compared to 2020. Saudi Arabia is the leading destination country in terms of revenue, followed by the United States and China; Concerns remain high about the impact of geopolitical instability on strategic markets such as the Middle East, an area which overall is worth 874.9 million euros for the civil valves and taps sector alone; Other concerns include rising energy costs, currency instability, tariff uncertainty, logistical difficulties, the lack of real free movement of goods, and an unclear European regulatory framework, often perceived as poorly aligned with industry needs. AVR, in the presence of 13 international associations belonging to the International Valves and Taps Alliance, proposes to create the first "World Forum dedicated to valves and taps". The Italian valve and faucet sector remains a leading international player. According to data from the Statistics Office of Anima Confindustria, released by AVR —the Italian Valve and Tap Manufacturers' Association, affiliated with Anima —during MCE–Mostra Convegno Expocomfort , exports of the valve and faucet sector (which includes valves for construction, industrial valves, sanitary taps, and fittings) will reach nearly €6.2 billion in 2025, up 5.2% from 2024, with an estimated total turnover of €9.55 billion. Exports of valves and faucets for residential use alone exceeded €3.2 billion (+6% from 2024). Considering only residential valves and faucets, Saudi Arabia is the leading destination country in 2025, followed by the United States and China. Among the countries, the German market , after years of contraction, is returning to positive territory, with exports of €153 million and a 12% growth compared to 2024 and a 20% growth compared to 2020, reaffirming its position as the reference market for Italian exports of residential valves and faucets. This trend could offer a significant contribution to the European sector and offset, at least in part, the impact of geopolitical instability on strategic markets such as the Middle East , an area worth €874.9 million to Italy overall. Furthermore, among the countries that recorded the most positive export performances in 2025, Norway also stands out, with a 59% increase. Besides geopolitical instability and its impact on strategic markets, what other concerns do industry entrepreneurs have? 2026 will also see rising energy costs, currency instability, tariff uncertainty, logistical challenges, the lack of true free movement of goods, and an unclear European regulatory framework, often perceived as poorly aligned with industry needs. In a complex scenario like this, it is crucial to strengthen dialogue and collaboration beyond national borders, creating concrete opportunities for discussion and cooperation between businesses, institutions, and trade associations. The goal is to jointly address sensitive issues for the sector (such as PFAS, nuclear power, and lead) and identify common solutions and best practices, recognized and adopted internationally. It is precisely in this direction that AVR is committed to creating the first Global Forum dedicated to valves and faucets . This meeting aims to leverage international experiences and offer shared tools to address the main challenges common to all businesses operating in countries around the world. "The Italian valves and taps sector confirms its position as an international benchmark, thanks to highly specialized manufacturing capabilities, a strong focus on innovation, and a consolidated presence in key foreign markets, " stated Sandro Bonomi, President of AVR . " The 2025 data confirm the sector's solidity, but at the same time highlight how complex and constantly evolving the global landscape remains. In this scenario, for a highly export-oriented sector like ours, it is essential to be able to rely on conditions that support the competitiveness of companies and enhance their presence on international markets. The discussions launched at MCE with the International Valves and Taps Alliance are moving precisely in this direction: strengthening dialogue between the sector's key stakeholders and sharing a common vision of the industrial, technical, and commercial challenges that lie ahead." AVR is the federated industrial association of ANIMA Confindustria, representing Italian companies in the valve and faucet industry, with over 80 member companies. In 2025, the sector, which includes building valves, industrial valves, sanitary faucets, and fittings, is projected to generate revenues of €9.55 billion, with exports accounting for nearly €6.2 billion, more than 60% of total revenues (estimate by the Anima Confindustria Research Office). The member associations of the International Valves and Taps Alliance: AVR – Italian Valve and Tap Manufacturers Association, AGRIVAL (Spain), BVAA (UK), CIPHE (UK), EVOLIS (France), FLUIDEX (Spain), IAPMO (USA), JVMA (Japan), POMSAD (Turkey), SAI, Valves and Fittings (Sweden), SPAP (Poland), URS (Switzerland), VDMA (Germany), VMA (USA). ANIMA Confindustria Meccanica Varia is the trade organization within Confindustria (Italian Confederation of Mechanical Engineering) that represents companies in the mechanical and related sectors, a sector that employs 221,700 people, generates a turnover of €56 billion and accounts for 60% of exports (data from the Anima Research Office). The main sectors represented by ANIMA are: construction and infrastructure; material handling and logistics; food production; energy production; industrial production; and safety and environment.
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