“BIEMH is an excellent event, showcasing machines, components, cutting tools and other products that make up the advanced manufacturing technology ecosystem”, says Mikel Artola, Market Area Manager, AFM Cluster.
Spain has one of Europe’s most advanced machine tool clusters. How has the Spanish machine tool industry performed over the last few years amid global economic shifts?
Spain is the 10th machine tool manufacturer in the world and the 9th exporter, and is a key medium-
size player, well known due to its competitiveness and niche strategy success. In the middle of global uncertainty, 2025 was a positive year for metal cutting builders, though metal forming manufacturers
are suffering from the automotive industry’s lack of investment.
In order to strengthen our position, AFM Cluster has built a very powerful industrial environment of 8
associations and more than 800 advanced manufacturing companies. The high concentration of
companies and knowledge is a unique feature of our activity and we think that this strength, along
with our tradition of cooperation will be very valuable to face global challenges.
What are the major global manufacturing trends such as automation, nearshoring, sustainability… etc you believe will shape European and Asian industry in the next decade?
According to CECIMO’s data, in 2024 China accounted for 31.5% of total global machine tool consumption, followed by Europe (24.4%), the rest of Asia (20.5%) and North America (18%). Both China and the United States are going through ups and downs: the former has significantly reduced machine tool imports, although its strength as a manufacturing giant remains outstanding, while new trends could consolidate through nearshoring.
On the other hand, the United States, through its tariff policy, targets to develop a new industrial landscape that will probably modify supply channels and will require investments. Nevertheless we
are still performing well in the North American market.
In between, Europe is struggling to preserve its industrial legacy. World leadership in machine tool
production will be essential to achieve this objective, based on major changes driven by automation
capabilities and sustainability expertise.
India is emerging as a major manufacturing hub under Make in India and PLI schemes. How do you view India’s rise from a European perspective?
In the situation described above, India may also play a prominent role. With its vast territory and population, promising prospects in several sectors, and long-standing ties with machine tool manufacturers, we believe that industrial strength is a very healthy ingredient for the country’s
economy.
With the guidance of our colleagues at IMTMA, we can clearly see the solidity of the IMTEX exhibitions
they launch year after year, as well as the growing presence of many Indian machine tool manufacturers in the global arena.
What potential do you see for strengthening Spain–India industrial and technology partnerships, especially in machine tools, aerospace, automotive, and capital goods?
Not only potential but also actual flows are notable in the Spain–India relationship. AFM Cluster companies have been providing solutions and establishing cooperation frameworks with Indian factories for many years, and Spanish reliability and adaptability are highly valued by Indian customers.
Capital goods and solutions related to energy generation have historically been very relevant for AFM
Cluster companies in India, as large-scale and heavy-duty milling, boring and turning machines are particularly strong within our product range. We consider that these industries will also be very important in the future as the country’s growth continues. In addition, India is likely to become a key player in the automotive industry’s new positioning, while the strong growth prospects of the aerospace and defense sectors will clearly have an impact on India.
How has BIEMH positioned itself as a global platform for technology, investment, and industrial partnerships over the last few editions?
BIEMH captures the vibrant atmosphere of advanced manufacturing technologies in Spain, with the most relevant manufacturers and importers on site.
The event is positioned as the place to be for large-scale and heavy-duty machine tools, with a wide range of machines and components on display. In addition, we have been working thoroughly for many
years to adapt to new trends, offer a broad range of technologies (among which we include Additive Manufacturing, Automation and Robotics, Industrial Digitization and AI, etc.), and improve the visitor
experience.
The European machine tool landscape is undergoing transformation with digital manufacturing, AI, and smart factories. How are Spanish companies adapting?
Industrial progress cannot be understood without the contribution of machine tools and advanced manufacturing technologies. On one hand, precision, speed and automation are constant drivers of technological development in our sector. On the other hand, innovation culture is part of our identity:
creating better products, developing more sustainable solutions and exploring alternative approaches. AI, digital manufacturing and smart factories are essential for both the sector’s and the industry’s growth and development, and Spanish companies are adapting accordingly, investing heavily to maintain their technological edge.
As global supply chains reorganize, how can Spain and India collaborate to build resilient and future-ready manufacturing ecosystems?
As mentioned above, mutual interest and understanding already exist. In today’s environment, full of change and open to new alliances, Spanish companies are ready to explore new agreements. At the time of this interview, the European Union and India are discussing a new collaboration agreement that could strongly support further joint projects. In fact, our President Mr. Perez will participate on the 27th of January in the EU-India bilateral summit in Delhi. Mrs. Von der Leyen and President Modi will join this relevant meeting.
What message would you like to share with Indian manufacturers, government delegations, and business leaders attending BIEMH 2026?
All the ideas shared throughout this interview reflect our message. BIEMH is an excellent event, showcasing machines, components, cutting tools and other products that make up the advanced manufacturing technology ecosystem. Once again, it will be a highly relevant meeting point for sharing
ideas and developing cooperation agreements. It is also a unbeatable opportunity to pulse the dynamism of the Spanish industrial sectors and clients.
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