Stuttgart, May 8, 2026 – Around 11,000 visitors, 462 exhibitors, and four days of the trade fair filled with technology, networking, and business opportunities: GrindingHub 2026 successfully concluded today in Stuttgart. “With this stable result, the international trade fair for grinding technology has demonstrated the importance of specialized industry get-togethers for gaining insight, fostering personal connections, and generating new ideas,” summarized Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the organizer VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association).
International trade fair attracts high-quality visitors
Visitors traveled to Stuttgart from 59 countries. Switzerland, Italy, France, Austria, and Turkey were particularly well represented. With 38 per cent of visitors coming from abroad, GrindingHub once again underscored its position as a key international meeting place for the grinding technology community. The caliber of visitors was also impressive. 82 per cent of respondents said they were involved in purchasing and procurement decisions. 37 per cent of them plan to invest within the next six months. “This sends an important signal to the industry,” Heering commented. “Companies are making targeted investments in productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. And this is precisely what GrindingHub offers.”
The trade fair’s significance remains strong
As was the case with the two previous events, visitors gave GrindingHub positive ratings in the visitor survey. Many exhibitors share this view. The 462 companies from 28 countries showcased solutions, products, and technologies in Stuttgart covering the entire grinding process chain – from grinding machines and grinding tools to automation, measurement technology, and software, as well as digitalization, process peripherals, and services. The high level of exhibitor participation had already sent a strong signal in the run-up to the event: GrindingHub 2026 was fully booked on the exhibitor side and occupied three exhibition halls. Once again, it offered companies – from international market leaders to young tech startups – excellent opportunities to meet existing customers, establish new contacts, and launch specific projects. Felipe Levin, Managing Director of Geibel & Holz GmbH, confirms this: “For us, GrindingHub is more than just a trade fair – it is a central platform and an important forum for direct, industry-specific dialog with prospective customers and clients, as well as with partners and suppliers. This really shows just how much innovation and dynamism there is in our industry.”
GrindingHub Americas attracts significant interest from exhibitors
The strong turnout of exhibitors and the high caliber of international visitors demonstrate that GrindingHub has established itself as a platform for grinding technology. This concept is now gaining prominence beyond Europe as well. Under the slogan “Where precision meets progress”, GrindingHub Americas marks the first trade fair in the United States dedicated exclusively to grinding technology and related processes. The premiere will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio from May 18 to 20, 2027. “The response to our information session on GrindingHub Americas was exceptionally positive,” notes Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart. “The packed hall and the strong interest shown by the exhibiting companies demonstrate that the GrindingHub concept is also in high demand in the North American market. This reinforces our commitment to our strategy and makes us very confident about GrindingHub Americas 2027.”
Practical relevance as key to GrindingHub’s success
The fact that the GrindingHub concept in Stuttgart is proving successful and, at the same time, opening up international opportunities is also due to its consistent focus on practical application. This was exactly what was evident in the supporting program in 2026. A particular highlight of the trade fair was the newly launched Grinding Solution Forum. It focused on specific industrial challenges and practical solutions. The forum addressed key issues facing the industry, including process stability, quality, automation, data, digitalization, AI, cost-effectiveness, and the future prospects of grinding technology. The Grinder of the Year 2026 competition for up-and-coming talent also gave talented newcomers the opportunity to showcase their skills. The winner, Fabio Schoppet of K.-H. Müller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH, received a 3,000 € education voucher. In addition, the joint booths – Grinding Solution Park Industry, Grinding Solution Park Science, Grinding Pavilion Switzerland, and the Startup Hub – brought together industry, research, young companies, and international partners in one compact space. With all formats, it became clear just how strongly efficiency, networking, and digital applications are shaping the further development of grinding technology. This was also complemented by the launch of the AI-powered chatbot Hubi. It helped visitors find exhibitors, technologies, and applications, thereby making it easier for them to plan their visit.
The grinding technology community looks to the future
“With its third event, GrindingHub has further solidified its position as the leading international trade fair for grinding technology,” summarizes Dr. Heering. “It brings together manufacturers, users, researchers, startups, and international partners – thereby fostering exactly the kind of exchange the industry needs for its continued development.” Christoph Blättler of Swissmem, the Swiss tech industry association and the driving force behind GrindingHub, agrees. “For all manufacturers and users of grinding technology, GrindingHub is undoubtedly the ‘place to be.'” Anyone who hasn’t been here yet should definitely come next time.” The next opportunity to do so will be at GrindingHub from May 16 to 19, 2028.
Downloads
