Gearing up for
GrindingHub 2026 two months before the start of the international trade fair in Stuttgart, a recent digital preview provided a compact insight into trends, innovations and the event’s international focus with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies. It also shined a spotlight on the forthcoming debut of
GrindingHub Americas 2027 next year.
With over 430 exhibitors from 28 countries,
GrindingHub taking place from 5 to 8 May, is once again sending out a powerful message to the industry — despite falling production and export figures, grinding technology remains highly innovative, and
GrindingHub is positioning itself as the number one platform for the industry.
The economic conditions remain challenging, as recent statistics show. German production of grinding, honing, lapping and polishing machines reached 626 million euros in the first three-quarters of 2025 — down 15% on the same period of the previous year. The downturn was particularly pronounced in exports, which fell by 25% to 456 million euros. In contrast, domestic sales developed positively, growing to a volume of 170 million euros between January and September 2025 — a 33% increase. Incoming orders tapered off toward the end of 2025, with the annual balance closing with a 5% deficit.
The domestic market in particular was significantly weaker, whereas exports remained largely stable. Dr Markus Heering, executive director of VDW and organiser of GrindingHub, said: “The numbers clearly show that the industry is navigating a challenging time. Yet, we are also seeing strong innovation momentum across many companies. In times like these, the sector needs guidance, avenues for information sharing, and tangible business opportunities — which is exactly what
GrindingHub is about.”
‘Sneak peek’ at new innovationsMore than 430 exhibitors — from start-ups to global giants — have already confirmed their participation at
GrindingHub and the preview was a chance for the companies to provide a ‘sneak peek’ at what they have in store for the show. Across three halls at Messe Stuttgart, exhibitors from Germany, China, Switzerland and Italy in particular will present their innovations from every stage of the valued chain — from grinding machines and abrasives, process peripherals and software solutions, to measuring and testing technology.
Dr Heering said: “
GrindingHub is so much more than just a product show. It is the international stage for grinding technology and a place where partnerships are forged, investments are prepared and future technologies are set in motion.”
The fact that Switzerland is one of the most strongly represented countries among the exhibitors highlights the importance of grinding technology for its industry at home. Christoph Blättler from Swissmem, the association for the Swiss technology industry, said: “Grinding machines make up around a fifth of Swiss machine tool exports. This underscores the critical role of such technology for our member companies. The Grinding Pavilion Switzerland gives smaller companies in particular an efficient way to shine at the trade fair.”
In addition to discussing this year’s event, Sebastian Esswein, member of the executive board of Messe Stuttgart, also provided an outlook on the international expansion of
GrindingHub during the preview. The very first
GrindingHub Americas will be held at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 18-20 May, 2027.
Mr Esswein concluded: “With next year’s
GrindingHub Americas, we are setting up the first and only specialist trade fair in North America dedicated exclusively to grinding technology. The great thing about Cincinnati is its prime location at the heart of key production clusters, particularly for the automotive and aerospace industries — keeping us close to the market and allowing us to create a new platform tailored precisely to the needs of the industry.”