IMTEX FORMING 2026, organised by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), concluded its ninth edition at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on a strong note, having taken place from 21 to 25 January 2026. The five-day exhibition once again reinforced its position as a premier global platform for metal forming and manufacturing technologies.
This year’s edition witnessed participation from around 24 countries, with foreign exhibitors accounting for approximately 25% of the total exhibitor base. Major international country pavilions from Germany, Italy, Taiwan, and Japan underscored the event’s growing global relevance. IMTEX FORMING 2026 attracted over 50,000 visitors, including industry leaders, technology buyers, and manufacturing professionals from across India and overseas.
Held concurrently with IMTEX FORMING were Tooltech, focusing on machine tool accessories, metrology solutions, CAD/CAM tools and tooling systems; Digital Manufacturing, showcasing real-time solutions in additive manufacturing and Industry 4.0; and Weldexpo, organised in association with the Indian Institute of Welding, highlighting the latest welding technologies. In addition, Moldex India and Fastenex India, organised by Messe Stuttgart and focusing on moulding, fasteners and fixing technologies respectively, were co-located alongside the exhibition.
The event also featured several parallel knowledge-driven initiatives, including the International Seminar on Forming Technology, i2 Academia Pavilion, Jagruti–IMTMA Youth Programme, and the Manufacturing Technology Quiz Contest, further strengthening industry–academia engagement and youth participation.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. S. Rajkumar highlighted that IMTEX serves as a critical platform for the machine tool industry to validate and demonstrate emerging technologies. He noted that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are expected to remain relevant for at least the next two decades, adding that the recent GST rate reduction has boosted demand and encouraged capacity expansion in the automotive sector.
Emphasising the role of innovation, Mr Tarun Mehta stated that key technologies rely heavily on advanced manufacturing processes and new material capabilities. He stressed the need for sustained R&D in machine building, asserting that India has the potential to excel globally in manufacturing with continued innovation.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr Jamshyd Godrej acknowledged the Government of India’s recognition of the machine tool industry through various policy initiatives, noting that exhibitions such as IMTEX significantly contribute to trade and commerce. Highlighting industry growth trends, Ms Mohini Kelkar shared that in FY 2024–25, consumption in the metal forming segment stood at ₹9,139 crore, with production at ₹2,696 crore. While metal forming currently accounts for 29% of the Indian machine tool market, she indicated that the segment is poised for measurable growth in the coming years.
Compared to its previous edition, IMTEX FORMING 2026 expanded by nearly 20%, showcasing cutting-edge developments across presses, bending, welding and joining technologies, high-speed laser machines, robotics and automation in sheet metal working, additive manufacturing, and digital manufacturing solutions. Advancements in near-net manufacturing, shopfloor automation, and the application of artificial intelligence further highlighted the industry’s shift towards smarter, more integrated manufacturing ecosystems.
Quotes from the Exhibitors
“IMTEX India 2026 is a key platform for us to connect with the manufacturing ecosystem and demonstrate our advanced non-contact inspection capabilities. At the show, QVI India showcased our latest M-Series machine, a top-of-the-line, camera-based inspection system featuring high-end optics and intuitive software. Our solutions deliver exceptional accuracy, enhance productivity, and remain highly energy-efficient, making them ideal for industries ranging from automotive and electronics to medical and semiconductor manufacturing. With strong customer response at IMTEX and steady growth in India, we are confident of achieving 15–20% year-on-year growth over the next three to five years while expanding our presence across the country.” – Shreyansh B Hippargi, Managing Director, QVI
“IMTEX is a very important platform for ENCY Software as we build our long-term presence in India. For IMTEX 26, our focus was on strengthening our local team, connecting with CNC machine manufacturers and robot integrators, and demonstrating how our CAM solutions make manufacturing faster and easier. Our priority has always been speed; faster programming, faster toolpath calculation, and shorter production cycles, without compromising accuracy or safety. With increasing AI integration, we see CAM software becoming more intuitive and accessible for both the shop floor and CAM offices, and India will play a key role in this growth journey.” – Andrei Khararsidi, CEO, ENCY Software
“Since our inception in 2012, Phoenix has focused on mastering cutting technologies—plasma, laser, and waterjet—to offer complete and reliable solutions. At IMTEX India 2026, we showcased our advanced waterjet cutting machine, capable of cutting up to 250 mm thickness, with installations achieving up to 400 mm—the highest capacity available in the market. This cold-cutting technology enables high-precision cutting of both metals and non-metals without heat distortion, making it ideal for aerospace and medical applications. Over the next five years, our goal is to further enhance efficiency, introduce smarter features, and compete with leading European and American machines while delivering the best value to the market.” – Deepak Parsana, Managing Director, Phoenix CNC India
“IMTEX 2026 is an important platform for Hexagon to showcase how we are connecting the physical and digital worlds to make manufacturing more efficient, productive, and sustainable. This year at IMTEX, we are presenting a comprehensive portfolio of portable and stationary measurement solutions and are also launching a new product designed to address the specific needs of Indian manufacturers. Sustainability is a key focus for us, and by enabling higher productivity and automation, we help customers reduce energy consumption while improving overall manufacturing performance.” – Manoj Sharma, Hexagon
“IMTEX India 2026 is an important platform for us to showcase our complete range of machine protection and motion solutions, including drag chains, telescopic covers, wipers, and conveyor systems. With a legacy dating back to 1953 in Germany and nearly two decades in India, our focus has always been on quality and reliability—we do not compromise on performance. While we operate globally, our current priority is strengthening our presence in India and expanding manufacturing and export capabilities from India to South Asian markets, in line with sustainable and green energy initiatives.” – Rabindranath C, KabelSchlepp
“This year AMADA celebrates 25 years in India and IMTEX 2026 was an important platform for us to showcase our latest sheet metal solutions for cutting, bending, and welding. This year, we presented advanced laser cutting and intelligent bending systems that reduce dependency on skilled operators through automated, AI-like setup, addressing a key challenge in Indian manufacturing. With a strong focus on energy efficiency, green manufacturing, and customer success, we see India becoming a major global manufacturing hub, supporting not only domestic growth but also markets across Asia and Africa in the years ahead.” Yoshiki Hayashi, Director, AMADA
“IMTEX is an important platform for us to showcase the evolution of S&T Engineers over the last 30 years. This year, we presented a strong portfolio of laser cutting, tube cutting, laser welding, and press brake solutions, including the launch of our new 30 kW laser system. Energy efficiency and strict operating standards are central to our approach, and while our current focus is on the domestic market, we have ambitious growth plans across metal forming, metal cutting, and injection molding. IMTEX allows us to consistently introduce new technologies and engage closely with the manufacturing community.” Shanmugasundaram D., Managing Director, S&T Group
“IMTEX Forming is a very important platform for us, as India is one of our fastest-growing and most strategic markets globally. With a legacy of over 100 years, we showcased a comprehensive range of technologies this year, including 3D and 2D laser cutting, welding, punching, and advanced automation solutions integrated with India-built machines. Sustainability is central to our approach, both in how we manufacture our machines using green energy and in how we help our customers reduce energy consumption and achieve more sustainable production.”Mareike Sautter, Head of Country Management, TRUMPF
