Sending a strong signal in difficult times
Numerous market leaders at GrindingHub 2026 despite the tough economy
The preparations for GrindingHub 2026 from May 05 to 08 are picking up speed: The recently published provisional list of exhibitors features 360 companies. “The participation of leading manufacturers from the grinding technology sector shows the industry’s clear commitment to GrindingHub as a place for exchange, innovation and international networking,” says Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of event organizer VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association). “It’s much more than just a trade fair – it’s the place to be for anyone who is interested in exchanging ideas and finding solutions for pressing production problems related to grinding technology. Keeping this dialog going is particularly important at the present time when the economy is struggling,” continues Dr. Heering.
Grinding technology industry here to stay despite difficult times
The persistently weak economy is reflected in the latest figures: However, incoming orders for grinding technology have at least stabilized after two years of decline. They rose by 4 percent in the first nine months of 2025 – driven by customers outside of Germany with an increase of 17 percent. The eurozone in particular (up 32 percent) is the driving force behind this trend. Germany, on the other hand, recorded a drop of 24 percent. At minus 14 percent, turnover is significantly below the previous year. Compared to the mechanical engineering sector as a whole, incoming orders are slightly better, but turnover is still down.
Despite these challenging conditions, leading companies see the value of GrindingHub as a strategic platform. Danobat-Overbeck GmbH was already part of the premiere of trade fair. Managing Director Fabian Moos highlights the importance of visibility and customer loyalty: “For Danobat, the GrindingHub is more than a platform to present technological progress. Since 2022, it has given us the chance to engage openly with customers, understand their real challenges, and use this feedback to guide the evolution of our solutions.” Dopa GmbH will participate in the trade fair for the first time in 2026. Jürgen Waidhas, Head of Sales Europe (Machines & Tools) at Dopa, sees the international focus as a key factor: “As a specialist for grinding tools and grinding machines, it was an obvious decision for us to participate in the world’s leading trade fair for grinding and surface technologies. We are very much looking forward to presenting our latest developments in the field of double-sided grinding machines to an audience of trade visitors from all over the world.”
Added value from events held in parallel
In 2026, other international trade fairs will be held at the Messe Stuttgart trade fair center in parallel with GrindingHub. In particular, the Surface Technology Germany trade fair, organized by Deutsche Messe AG Hannover, and the MedtecLIVE trade fair, organized by MedtecLIVE GmbH Nürnberg, will provide a great deal of relevant synergy with their respective topics of surface technology and medical technology.
This combination offers real added value for everyone involved, emphasizes Sebastian Schmid, Member of the Management Board of key partner Messe Stuttgart: “The simultaneous trade fairs grant our trade visitors a unique opportunity: they can discover a wide range of relevant topics in one place – efficiently, connected and inspiring. For exhibitors, this means significantly greater reach and access to key target industries. To make networking as easy as possible, one ticket provides access to all parallel trade fairs.”
Looking ahead to the next steps
Markus Heering from the VDW already has the next milestones for GrindingHub firmly in his sights: “With the publication of the provisional list of exhibitors, we are now starting the detailed planning. The final exhibitor lists and hall plans will be drawn up in spring 2026 so that everyone involved can start preparing optimally for the trade fair.” Registration is still open for any other interested companies. In addition, several special and joint stands will also offer exhibitors an attractive stage to present themselves in 2026: Registration for the Grinding Solution Park Science, the Grinding Solution Park Industry, the Startup Hub and the Swiss Joint Stand will be opened in the near future.
Further information can be found on the GrindingHub homepage at www.grindinghub.de.
Author: Tobias Beckmann, Coordinator, VDW
Image captions:
bild_GrindingHub_2025-11-17: Despite the tough economy, numerous market leaders will be out in force at GrindingHub 2026.
bild_Markus-Heering-VDW_2025-11-17: “The participation of leading manufacturers from the grinding technology sector shows the industry’s clear commitment to GrindingHub as a place for exchange, innovation and international networking,” says Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of event organizer VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association).
bild_Fabian-Moos-Danobat_2025-11-17: Fabian Moos, Managing Director of Danobat-Overbeck GmbH.
bild_Juergen-Waidhas-dopa_2025-11-17: Jürgen Waidhas, Head of Sales Europe (Machines & Tools) at Dopa GmbH.
bild_Sebastian-Schmid-Messe-Stuttgart_2025-11-17: Sebastian Schmid, Member of Management Board of Messe Stuttgart.
