SIMTOS 2026, made a strong global impression with its “SIMTOS 2026 Global Roadshow @ EMO”, held alongside EMO 2025, the world’s leading machine tool exhibition. Held on September 24 at the Hannover Messe Convention Center (CC), the roadshow served as a vital platform to promote the competitiveness of Korea’s manufacturing sector and the unique global value of SIMTOS 2026.
The event garnered strong interest from the German manufacturing community, along with industry and media representatives from countries including Taiwan, the Czech Republic, the United States, South Africa, Hungary, India, Japan, Turkiye, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. It also brought together key officials from the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW)—organizer of EMO 2025—and the Korea Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (KOMMA)—organizer of SIMTOS 2026. Distinguished attendees such as Consul General Sang-Soo Lee of the Republic of Korea in Hamburg and Eun-Ah Park, Head of KOTRA Hamburg, underscored Korea’s growing influence and leadership in the global manufacturing arena.
The roadshow brought together more than 40 participants, including industry experts, buyers, dealers, and media representatives from 12 countries, underscoring the international stature of SIMTOS. The program opened with congratulatory remarks from Sang-Soo Lee, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Hamburg, followed by a welcome address from Jae-Hoon Park, Vice Chairman of KOMMA. In his remarks, Mr. Park highlighted Korea’s growing reputation for digital innovation in manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of industry government collaboration in driving high-value industrial transformation, continuous technological advancement, and talent development. He stressed that SIMTOS 2026 is more than an exhibition, but a unique platform where innovation and global business opportunities converge.
True to its slogan, “SIMTOS – Gateway to the Korean Market,” the roadshow showcased Korea’s manufacturing competitiveness, growth potential, and strong government policy support, while also reinforcing the core values of SIMTOS 2026. Attendees were introduced to a range of signature programs that set SIMTOS apart: the customized online matchmaking platform (MM4U), the Global Digital Manufacturing Innovation Conference, Career Connect (Job Fair), the Women Engineers’ Network, national pavilions, and more. Together, these initiatives underscored both the future vision of Korean manufacturing and the distinct role SIMTOS plays in shaping it.
Interest remained high even after the SIMTOS 2026 presentation, with participants actively engaging in questions and discussion. One key topic was how SIMTOS manages to sustain its scale despite the global trend of shrinking trade shows. In response, KOMMA pointed to strong industry participation, consistent government support, and ongoing international networking as the driving forces behind its success.
Attendees also inquired about the Career Connect program. KOMMA explained that Career Connect serves as a talent industry platform: it not only promotes the excellence of the Korean machine tool and manufacturing sectors to attract job seekers but also provides them with tangible career opportunities. These exchanges highlighted SIMTOS’s role not merely as an exhibition, but as a platform shaping the future vision of the manufacturing industry.
Looking ahead, KOMMA, the organizer of SIMTOS 2026, stated: “Building on the global interest confirmed through this roadshow, we will continue preparations to maximize satisfaction for both exhibitors and visitors, while contributing to the growth and advancement of Korea’s manufacturing industry. SIMTOS 2026 will stand as a global hub for delivering real business outcomes and driving innovative exchanges in the manufacturing sector.”
