Growth, internationality and innovative strength

Publié le 18/11/2025

The trade fair for casting and forging components and their processing opens its fourth edition with record attendance.

The CastForge success story continues: when the doors open for its fourth edition at Messe Stuttgart from June 9 to 11, 2026, the industry can look forward to a top-class event. Already eight months before the event begins, this trade fair is almost fully booked. Around 500 exhibitors from over 30 countries will present their solutions along the entire value chain, from raw part production to machining and the finished component.

CastForge strongly reaffirms its position as the central European platform for casting and forging components and their processing. The significant increase in exhibitor numbers, the high level of internationality, and the expanded supporting program underscore the fair's focus: more expertise, more networking, more future-proofing. "CastForge has long been an integral part of the international trade fair calendar," emphasized Sebastian Schmid, member of the management of Messe Stuttgart. "This event combines the operational capabilities of the supplier industry with the requirements of modern procurement processes, thus creating a perfect marketplace for innovation and quality."

Focus, Specialization, Success
The CastForge concept is compelling with its clear positioning: the focus is on cast and forged components and their processing. More than a multi-sector overview, it is a targeted meeting point for decision-makers, buyers, and developers in the most relevant end-use sectors. This specialization is appreciated by both established and new exhibitors. Christoph Gollan, Head of Sales for the D-A-CH region and Head of Marketing at Karl Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG, gets straight to the point: "CastForge is now the central point of contact for the open-work forging and casting technology industry. In 2018, it was still a small local event; today, it is an international platform for the metalworking and foundry industry. CastForge is the beating heart of our marketing strategy. Here, we meet our customers, competitors, and industry supporters live and in person, at an easily accessible location in the heart of Germany."

Numerous international companies, including Hasçelik Türkiye (Turkey), Thoni Alutec Sp. z o.o. (Poland) and ULMA Forged Solutions (Spain) will be focusing on Stuttgart in 2026, many of which will present significantly expanded exhibition space and a broader product offering.

"We believe CastForge 2026 will be a valuable platform to strengthen our relationships within the European manufacturing ecosystem and initiate new collaborations. The fair's focus on the entire process chain - from casting and forging to final processing—perfectly reflects Hasçelik's holistic manufacturing approach and our commitment to quality and innovation," said Cem FaydasÄ±çok, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Hasçelik. The Turkish company has expanded its production capacity with the commissioning of a new steelmaking plant and will be participating in CastForge for the first time to engage with industry professionals from around the world. Hasçelik produces specialty steels for numerous industries, including automotive, mechanical engineering, consumer goods, fastening systems, and hydraulics.

The Polish company Thoni Alutec Sp. z o.o. is also aware of the importance of trade fairs like CastForge for a company's marketing strategy and market development: "Trade fairs are an important showcase for us and an integral part of our marketing strategy. They reflect economic trends - we experience strong years and weaker ones. Especially in our industry, personal interaction, especially with new customers, remains essential. At our CastForge stand, we regularly welcome large corporate groups from the mechanical engineering, robotics, energy, railways, medical technology, defense, and many other sectors. Here, we meet decision-makers with whom we implement new projects, from the planning stage to the finished product," said owner Ludwig Thoni. The company has been a regular exhibitor since the first edition of CastForge.

Aitzol Aramburu, Export Area Manager for ULMA Forged Solutions, is firmly convinced of the fair's great potential. The company will exhibit at CastForge for the first time in 2026: "As a specialized trade fair for forged and cast products, CastForge offers ideal conditions to further increase ULMA Forged Solutions' visibility. We use this platform to acquire potential new customers, strengthen existing relationships, and engage in technical discussions with other market players. After enjoying the fair as a visitor in 2024, we expect particularly high participation and strong interest in forging companies in 2026."

Supporting program 2026: ideas for the future of production
The supporting program of CastForge 2026 is focused on current developments and future topics in the sector. The specialized stage within the exhibition hall will offer a series of specialized lectures, roundtables, and practical examples that will offer valuable insights into technological trends and market strategies. The event will be complemented by workshops, best practice sessions, and networking formats designed to provide numerous opportunities for knowledge exchange and the development of new collaborations. The combination of trade fair, knowledge transfer, and specialized discussion makes CastForge an important driving platform for the development of the European casting and forging industry.

Strong partners from the industry and associations
One of CastForge's key success factors is its close collaboration with associations, institutions, and specialized organizations. Numerous partners will continue to support the trade fair in 2026. Together, they will develop technical content and discussion formats that meet the industry's current challenges - from the efficient use of raw materials and energy to sustainability, digitalization, and the security of skilled labor supply.

Assofond (Italian Foundry Association) has made a particularly significant statement, with 16 member companies representing the trade fair. "The current economic landscape is complex: every day presents a new challenge for the Italian foundry industry, marked by the highest energy and raw material costs in the world, the instability of global markets, and growing international competitive pressure, also due to new EU regulations such as CBAM and ETS2. Our companies continue to react with great resilience, adapting their production models and striving for efficiency. However, mounting obstacles seriously threaten the survival of our sector. In this context, initiatives like CastForge, which promote dialogue, visibility, and new opportunities along the entire value chain, are more important than ever. This is why Assofond wholeheartedly supports CastForge," explained Fabio Zanardi, President of Assofond.

The international network continues to grow
In just a few years, CastForge has established itself as a fixture at international trade fairs. An increasing number of companies from Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia are taking the opportunity to showcase their manufacturing expertise in Stuttgart. At the same time, the number of trade visitors from key sectors such as mechanical engineering, plant construction, drive technology, as well as manufacturers of pumps, hydraulic systems, and industrial vehicles is growing.

The combination of strong internationality, technical focus, and quality networking makes CastForge one of the leading B2B platforms for the European metalworking supplier industry.

CastForge
CastForge, an international trade fair specializing in castings, forgings, and machining, brings together manufacturers, processors, and industrial buyers. From June 9 to 11, 2026, this trade fair in Stuttgart will showcase the full spectrum of expertise: from design and production to the component ready for assembly. In parallel, the exhibition center will host other industry events, including Make-to-Order Days, a trade fair for buyers of precision parts, made-to-order manufacturing, and machining, and The Battery Show Europe, which will help generate further synergies for exhibitors and visitors.

Pour plus d’informations: CastForge 2026

Autres articles susceptibles de vous intéresser

Ucimu: orders index in the third quarter of 2026 rise (+10.5%) foreign orders (+24.7%); domestic ord

In the third quarter of 2026, the machine tool orders index compiled by the UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE Study & Business Culture Centre recorded a 10.5% increase compared to the July-September 2025 period . In absolute value, the index stood at 58.9 (base 100 in 2021). In particular, orders collected across borders grew by +24.7% compared to the third quarter of 2025, for an absolute value of 108.6. Order intake in Italy, however, decreased by 7.1% compared to the same period of the previous year. The absolute value of the index stood at 14.3. Riccardo Rosa , President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, stated: " Domestic demand remains weak despite the numerous ongoing negotiations. The uncertainty of the international context and the increase in energy costs are clearly impacting the activity of Italian manufacturing operators, who are postponing investments pending greater clarity. We are therefore confident ," added President Riccardo Rosa , " that Italian demand will be able to regain momentum, also supported by the hyper-depreciation measure which, in version 5.0, allows for better planning of investments, which can be spread out until September 2028. " Italian manufacturers' activity on foreign markets, however, has been decidedly dynamic. In addition to the United States, where demand remains particularly strong, Germany is also beginning to show signs of recovery: certainly good news for the Italian industry in the sector. According to data processed by the UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE Study & Business Culture Centre, in the first half of 2026 (latest available data), the main outlet markets for Italian supply in the sector were the United States (329 million euros +12.6%) and Germany (137 million euros, +7.6%), followed by France, Poland, and Spain. “In particular, the aerospace and defense sectors, as well as the energy sector, are driving orders, regardless of the country of reference,” concluded Riccardo Rosa . These are the latest sector data presented by the president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, Riccardo Rosa , on the occasion of the inauguration of 35.BI-MU, the international sector event taking place at fieramilano Rho from 12 to 16 October . Speakers at the meeting chaired by Rosa included Valentino Valentini , Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy; Giovanni Bozzetti, President of Fondazione Fiera Milano; Simona Greco , Hosted Exhibitions Director of Fiera Milano; and Luca Durante , Head of the Capital Goods Office at ICE-Agenzia. The second part of the event featured an interview with Gian Piero Cutillo, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, and Roberto Vavassori , Executive Director of Brembo and President of ANFIA, conducted by Paolo Bricco, Special Correspondent, Il Sole 24 Ore. The event features over 400 companies , spread across a total area of 40,000 square meters in pavilions 22 and 24. The spotlight will be on machine tools, robotics, automation, additive manufacturing, digital manufacturing, artificial intelligence, measurement and quality control systems, components, and enabling technologies for the smart factory. The event, promoted by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE and organized by EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE, significantly enhances the thematic cultural dimension. Over 50 events are planned , including conferences, workshops, and round tables. New features this year include two special forums dedicated to the Aerospace & Defense and Energy sectors, strategic sectors that will be analyzed through the direct testimony of production and operations directors of some of the main international players and the CEOs of several Italian SMEs. In terms of training, the VLF4EU (Virtual Learning Factory for EU) International Conference is particularly relevant, focusing on an innovative training system based on the Digital Twin of the factory. The conference will feature around thirty researchers from Denmark, France, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Italy. The relationship between young people and the world of work will be explored in depth at the meeting " Value, Future, Impact. Work According to the New Generation ," organized by ANIPLA with the patronage of the UCIMU Foundation. These conferences are part of the Skills Area 's calendar of meetings. Located in Pavilion 24, the Skills Area will host initiatives promoted by UCIMU Academy and the UCIMU Foundation . Among these, ROBOTGAMES , the automation and robotics competition for secondary school students, now in its second edition, will once again be held.

13/10/2026 En savoir plus

Mechanical exports exceed 20 billion euros in the first half of the year

The figures presented at Anima Export Days 2026: +2.8% compared to the same period last year. Exports are growing in the USA, China, and Germany. Exports of the mechanical engineering sector represented by Anima Confindustria reached €20.4 billion in the first half of 2026, up 2.8% compared to the same period in 2025. The data, processed by Anima's Statistics Office based on Istat data, were presented during the Brescia leg of Anima Export Days , the initiative dedicated to the internationalization of the Italian mechanical engineering sector. Running from September 28th to October 1st, the event is bringing together companies in the sector with selected international buyers. Now in its sixth edition, the Export Days are a collaboration between Anima Confindustria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), with the aim of fostering new trade relations and supporting the strengthening of Italian companies' presence in foreign markets . This year, the B2B meetings involve operators from over 20 countries and are taking place in four locations : Borgosesia, Turin, Brescia, and Bassano del Grappa. The initiative comes at a time when geopolitical tensions and uncertainties over trade policies continue to impact international trade. Against this backdrop, data for the first half of 2026 paint a resilient picture for the mechanical engineering sector, represented by Anima. Exports from Anima's sectors totaled €20.4 billion , up 2.8% from €19.8 billion in the same period in 2025. The trend confirms the sector's strong international vocation , albeit with varying trends. The main export components include valves and faucets , gas turbines, hydraulic pumps, and air conditioning systems. Other sectors are showing positive results, while others are experiencing a decline. Geographically, the United States remains the leading destination market for exports in the animal and animal sectors, with €2.38 billion in the first six months of 2026, up 2.4% compared to the same period of the previous year. Germany follows, with €1.99 billion (+4.8%), and France, with €1.81 billion (+2.9%). Alongside the more established European markets, some particularly significant trends are emerging in non-EU areas, starting with China, the Middle East, and North Africa. Despite a general decline towards the Gulf countries (-3.7%), exports to Saudi Arabia grew by 14.6% (665.1 million euros) , supported by the sectors related to process plants, energy, infrastructure and cooling. In China , exports of the Anima sectors grew by 22.3% and reached almost 720 million euros . The aeraulic systems sector was the main driver of this increase. Steam turbines and air compressors also recorded good growth in China. Algeria's growth was even more significant, rising 146.7% from €173.3 million to €427.6 million. This result was primarily driven by technologies such as gas turbines (which account for approximately 47% of total exports to the country), valves and taps, as well as pressure products and equipment. These flows are often tied to individual orders and therefore not necessarily characterized by continuous trends, but the data highlights the ability of Italian companies to seize opportunities even in rapidly developing markets. "The 2.8% growth in exports in the first half of the year confirms the ability of Italian mechanical engineering to maintain a competitive position on international markets, even in a period characterized by geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty. The United States remains the primary destination market, while the results in China and Algeria demonstrate the ability of companies to seize opportunities in different markets. This is a sign of resilience that must be accompanied by greater diversification and a strengthened international presence. In this regard, the Export Days represent a concrete tool for creating new relationships and business opportunities," stated Pietro Almici, president of Anima Confindustria . On the import front, in the first six months of the year, the Anima sectors recorded a 1.2% increase, for a total value of 9.73 billion euros; this figure completes the current trade picture and confirms the centrality now assumed by international markets beyond the European one. It is in this context that Anima is renewing its Export Days , transforming market analysis into a concrete opportunity for supply and demand to meet.

05/10/2026 En savoir plus

Steel exports: the top ten hubs are worth €6.9 billion.

In the first half of 2026, exports from the main steel districts grew by 1.9%. Imports decreased by 9.2%. The Italian steel industry is holding up on foreign markets, but at very different rates across regions. In the first half of 2026, exports in value of steel products, pipes and other products from the first transformation of steel from the top ten Italian steel hubs reached almost 6.9 billion euros , compared to 6.7 billion in the same period of 2025, marking a growth of 1.9% . The data for the top ten hubs is more dynamic than the overall export trend: overall, they fell by 0.1% in value in the half-year, compared to a 0.2% increase in volume . This slight decrease, explains the siderweb Research Office, is due to lower sales prices. The rankings confirm Brescia at the top. Udine maintains second place, and Cremona third. However, the rankings show significant changes: Milan gains two spots, Reggio Emilia gains one, while Bergamo loses two and Lecco loses one . Brescia strengthens its leadership. Milan climbs. The Brescia hub remains Italy's leading steel hub in terms of export value, recording growth of 7.1% . This increase allows Brescia to widen its lead over Udine: the gap between the top two hubs increases from 74.7 to 96.5 million euros . Udine maintains second place with a 5.3% increase in exports. However, Cremona recorded the strongest growth among the top ten hubs, consolidating its third place: +12.6%. Mantua , fourth in the ranking, saw a 5.8% drop in exports. Milan saw significant growth, rising two places with a 4.5% increase. Vicenza retained its sixth position, with export values essentially unchanged compared to the first half of 2025. The most negative figure in the ranking is that of Bergamo , which recorded a 19.5% contraction in exports and dropped two positions. On the other hand, Reggio Emilia recorded one of the most significant increases, with an 11.1% increase, and rose one position. Terni grew by 7.8% and maintained its eighth place. Lecco rounded out the top 10, with exports down 3%. Taranto , home to the Acciaierie d'Italia steelmaking hub, is also outside the top 20 in the first half of 2026. Exports fell by 86.5%. In 2025, the value had fallen by 40.3% compared to the previous year, stopping at 42 million euros (362 million in 2022). Imports: €500 million less from the top ten hubs The picture is changing for foreign purchases. In the first half of 2026, imports from the top ten steel hubs decreased by 9.2%, from 5.8 to 5.3 billion euros : approximately 500 million euros less in a year. At the national level, the contraction is even more marked: imports of steel products, pipes, and other products from the first steel transformation decreased by 13% in value and 15.9% in quantity. The different dynamics between European and non-EU suppliers is particularly significant. Imports from non-EU countries decreased by 22.5%, equal to approximately 1.6 million tonnes, while those from EU countries decreased by 2.1%. In the context outlined by the analysis by the siderweb Research Office, the reduction in non-EU purchases is also linked to the full implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) .

02/10/2026 En savoir plus

Growth, internationality and innovative strength

Autres articles susceptibles de vous intéresser

Ucimu: orders index in the third quarter of 2026 rise (+10.5%) foreign orders (+24.7%); domestic ord

Mechanical exports exceed 20 billion euros in the first half of the year

Steel exports: the top ten hubs are worth €6.9 billion.

Dati Legali

Sede Legale

Registro Imprese

Contatti