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.
Bi-mu: a 70-year history
The 35th edition of the fair will take place from 13 to 16 October 2026 at FIERAMILANO RHO.From 13 to 16 October 2026, fieramilano Rho will host the 35th edition of BI-MU, the leading Italian event dedicated to the manufacturing industry of metal cutting and metal forming machine tools, robots, automation, digital and additive manufacturing, auxiliary and enabling technologies.Promoted by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the association of Italian machine tool, robot and automation manufacturers, and organized by EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE, BI-MU is the only international trade show in Italy, the first to open up to the world of connectivity for industry and, this year too, updates its offering to meet market needs, presenting a special edition with which it celebrates a 70-year history.In this sense, 35.BI-MU has chosen "Where it all begins" as its slogan, underscoring the central role of machine tools, which enable much of manufacturing, and the long, unwavering tradition of this exhibition event.The organization of the exhibition has undergone no interruptions in its 70 years of activity, making BI-MU the reference event for manufacturing industry operators who, in the exhibition pavilions, observe the production technology offerings to plan their investments. 35.BI-MU is also a sustainable event, managed and organized according to the principles of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, certified ICIM ISO 20121.The protagonists of the exhibition will be the latest-generation, digitalized and interconnected machines and technologies that have integrated 4.0 solutions and automation systems capable of enabling typical digital factory processes.In addition, 35.BI-MU will focus on 7 technological themes: RobotHeart, dedicated to robotics, automation, components, systems, and artificial intelligence, sponsored by SIRI; AMItaly, dedicated to the entire additive manufacturing supply chain (machines, materials, and post-processing software), sponsored by AITA; BI-MU Digital, digital solutions for the smart factory, with advanced software, connectivity and data security technologies, sensors, and self-adaptive systems; Metrology and Testing, which offers measuring instruments, testing machines, and artificial vision; Power4Machines, dedicated to components for mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic transmission, sponsored by FEDERTEC; Heat and surface treatments, plants and systems to improve material performance, and, new to this edition, Tool Tech, dedicated to advanced tools for efficient, high-precision production.The exhibition offering will be rounded out by an overview of Revamping & Retrofitting, presenting a selection of machines and systems appropriately regenerated and enhanced to meet the needs of the second-life market, complementary to the "new" market.Alongside the exhibition offering, there will be in-depth cultural exploration, as per tradition, through a rich program of meetings, curated by organizers and exhibitors, hosted in the BI-MUpiù arena.Added to this is the Education & Job project, created with the aim of bringing together, even during the event, the world of schools and businesses that have a strong need for motivated young people prepared to work in the factories of the future. 35.BI-MU will offer a special program of initiatives dedicated to students; The flagship initiative will be the second edition of ROBOTGAMES, the robotics and automation competition for high school students.New for the 35th edition is the BI-MU FUTURTECH Awards 2026: an award that celebrates the most innovative solutions in manufacturing. Open to all exhibitors, the competition recognizes excellence in mechanical technology, digitalization, and sustainability. A jury of experts will select the winners through technical evaluations and visits to the stands.Finally, the organizers have already launched the program of events leading up to the event: the "Machine Tool and Mechanics Convention" at the Alfa Romeo Museum and the "Speed, Innovation, Value: the event that accelerates your additive business" conference hosted at the Mille Miglia Museum in Brescia, which were held in June.Updated information and details on participation are available at bimu.it. To celebrate this important milestone together with the companies, the organizers of 35.BI-MU have developed, among other things, a specific discount policy that is already available online.