The Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) has commenced the ninth edition of IMTEX FORMING, being held from 21 to 25 January 2026. The exhibition has brought together key stakeholders from the forming and manufacturing ecosystem, showcasing advancements across machine tools, tooling, and digital manufacturing technologies.
Asia’s largest exhibition on metal forming and manufacturing technologies, featuring 714 exhibitors from 24 countries across 4 exhibition halls spanning 48,000 square metres, was inaugurated by Dr. S. Rajkumar, President – Engine Component Division, Rane (Madras) Limited and Mr. Tarun Mehta, Co-founder & CEO, Ather Energy, at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru on 21 January 2026. Mr. Jamshyd N. Godrej, Chairman, Exhibitions – IMTMA, Ms. Mohini Kelkar, President – IMTMA, and Mr. Vikram Salunke, Vice President – IMTMA, shared the dais.
Running concurrently with IMTEX FORMING are Tooltech, featuring machine tool accessories, metrology solutions, CAD/CAM tools, tooling systems, and emerging trends in the tooling industry; Digital Manufacturing, presenting real-time solutions in additive manufacturing and Industry 4.0; and Weldexpo, organised in association with the Indian Institute of Welding, highlighting the latest developments in welding technologies.
Alongside the exhibitions, several parallel programmes are being conducted, including the International Seminar on Forming Technology, the i2 Academia Pavilion, the Jagruti–IMTMA Youth Programme, and the Manufacturing Technology Quiz Contest, fostering knowledge exchange, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and encouraging youth participation in manufacturing.
Moldex India and Fastenex India, organised by Messe Stuttgart, focusing on moulding, fasteners, and fixing technologies respectively, are co-located alongside IMTEX FORMING 2026.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. S. Rajkumar, in his address, said that the exhibition was a platform for the machine tool industry to validate its technologies. He added that ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles will continue to run for at least two decades, as the GST rate reduction has boosted demand, encouraging the auto industry to increase its capacities.
Mr Tarun Mehta, in his address, said that key technologies depend on advanced manufacturing processes and new material capabilities. He stressed the importance of innovation in machine building and added that with sustained R&D, India can excel in manufacturing.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Mr Jamshyd Godrej said that the Government of India has accorded good recognition to the machine tool industry through various schemes that will help India’s economic growth. He added that IMTEX and the exhibitions held at BIEC significantly encourage trade and commerce.
Emphasising the growth of machine tools and metal forming, Ms. Mohini Kelkar said that in FY 2024-25, consumption in the metal forming segment stood at ₹9,139 crore, with production at ₹2,696 crore. She added that although metal forming currently accounts for 29% of the Indian machine tool market, the segment is expected to grow measurably in the coming years.
IMTEX FORMING 2026 has expanded by around 20% compared to its previous edition. The five-day exhibition showcases the latest technologies and trends in metal forming, including presses, bending, welding and joining, high-speed laser machines, robotics and automation in sheet metal working, additive manufacturing, and more. Developments in forming machinery, near-net manufacturing, digital manufacturing, shopfloor automation, and artificial intelligence are also being showcased.
Overall, the five-day exhibition is a unique platform to further accelerate the adoption of digital transformation and high-productivity solutions in manufacturing. For more information on the exhibition, log on to www.imtex.in
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