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AMB Partners in dialog: Outlook, New Beginnings and Solutions for Metalworking 2026
The trade fair podcast for AMB 2026 has launched! Every month you’ll get new perspectives around the trade fair and the world of metalworking. Host Benedikt Hoffmann talks with associations, exhibiting companies and the AMB team about the topics that move the industry – and what you can expect at AMB 2026.
In the first episode, Dr. Markus Heering (VDW), Dr. Dietrich Birk (VDMA) and Alfred Graf Zedwitz (VDMA Software and Digitalization) discuss the current situation and provide insights into which solutions are needed right now and how the metalworking industry is driving them forward. As one of the leading trade fairs for metalworking, AMB will put the future of the industry at center stage in September 2026 and bring together key decision-makers from the sector.
Metalworking in Transition: What’s Moving the Industry Now
The past years have led not only to economic challenges, but also to structural change, as Dr. Markus Heering emphasizes: “So we don't just have an economic issue, but a genuine structural one. Supply chains are currently changing, production sectors are changing right now.” Market uncertainties, transformation in the automotive industry and geopolitical factors are all having a tangible impact on the sector. High energy costs, bureaucratic burdens, and competitive pressure – for example, from new providers from China – are heightening the challenges. In addition, traditional customer sectors such as mechanical engineering and the automotive industry are under pressure, while new fields such as aviation and medical technology are growing, but still too small to compensate for the declines.
Nevertheless, the mechanical engineering sector is proving itself to be adaptable and forward-looking. Dr. Dietrich Birk highlighted: “Alongside this feeling of uncertainty, companies are also showing a great willingness to embrace challenges and to continue developing – technologically, but also in terms of efficiency.” Companies are not just reacting to difficulties, but are actively working on solutions.
Solutions for the Future – Topics for 2026
Especially in times of change, technological progress and new international markets offer opportunities – for instance, through cooperation with India or Mercosur. For Alfred Graf Zedwitz, impulses from both inside and outside are crucial: Markets are opening up, supply chains are becoming more stable and innovative customer sectors are emerging. According to Dr. Markus Heering, the key today above all lies in digitalization: “Digitalization is now a topic relevant to all companies, as it brings production advantages.” Dr. Dietrich Birk added: “Higher efficiency, stronger internationalization and innovative capabilities in connection with digitalization, plus greater resilience, for example in safeguarding supply chains – that’s what is in demand now.” Metalworking thrives on change and innovation – and the potential is immense.
The Role of AMB 2026: Impetus, Orientation and Networking
What role does AMB play in this situation? The trade fair is not just an industry meeting point, but as Dr. Dietrich Birk puts it, “the leading trade fair for mechanical engineering in Baden-Württemberg, with an influence that reaches far beyond.” Right now, the importance of networking and exchange is becoming especially clear. Alfred Graf Zedwitz notes: “AMB will provide the right impulses at the right time, as all the key decision-makers in metalworking come together there.” Above all, the trade fair provides orientation, presents new solutions and fosters partnerships that are more essential than ever right now. AMB offers guidance – presenting new solutions, showcasing innovative technologies, and promoting exchange between associations, companies and professionals, particularly at an international level.
AMB Trade Fair Podcast 2026
Listen to episode one of the AMB Trade Fair Podcast now and discover more episodes! Tune in here: AMB Messepodcast powerd by MM Maschinenmarkt
