The fifth edition of Moulding Expo 2025, held from 6 to 9 May 2025, showcased an industry navigating significant transformation while demonstrating strong unity and confidence in its future. Despite challenging market conditions, the trade fair drew over 200 exhibitors and stood out for the high technical expertise and engagement of its visitors, reaffirming its position as a key platform for the tooling, mould-making, and model-building sectors.
Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart, said that Moulding Expo is facing up to the upheaval in the market: “Moulding Expo sent a clear positive signal to the industry. The number of visitors was in line with our expectations and we have continuously increased the quality of the visitors over the course of the last events: 86 per cent of visitors in 2025 had responsibility for decisions in their company and the proportion of managing directors also rose significantly. Although Moulding Expo is very important as a meeting point for the industry, we also recognise that there is demand for an adapted event concept.”
It is also obvious to the professional and promotional supporters and partners of Moulding Expo that the event must change. Stephan Berz, President of ISTMA Europe (International Special Tooling and Machining Association), drew some conclusions about the trade fair: “Moulding Expo is the most important trade fair as it is the only one which comprehensively covers the European tool construction sector – pure tool construction with relevant peripherals. Especially for customers, i.e. those who purchase tools, there is a need for more visibility and clear reasons to come to Stuttgart. We, as an industry, must therefore jointly accept responsibility: through trade associations and networks, and with the support of ISTMA. Parallel events such as Control send a strong signal and the central location in Stuttgart offers ideal conditions.”
Markus Heseding, Managing Director of the VDMA Precision Tools Association and the VDMA Measuring and Testing Technology Association, is looking to the future with confidence: “We were delighted with the simultaneous course of Moulding Expo and Control on the trade fair grounds. This unique constellation enables measuring technology manufacturers to present their latest developments and innovations to a wider range of visitors. For many visitors this was added motivation to come to Stuttgart. Especially in an extremely challenging economic environment, the industry is fortunate to have an active partner like Messe Stuttgart by its side. The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) wholeheartedly supports the involvement of Moulding Expo.”
Before and during the trade fair, discussions were held with exhibitors in order to talk about refining the concept and possibly restructuring the event. Florian Niethammer, Head of Trade Fairs & Events at Messe Stuttgart, provided an initial outlook: “What unites our partners, the market and us as the organiser is the conviction that the industry deserves and needs its own visibility. We want to make the trade fair even more efficient and much less complicated for exhibitors with minimal expense. As far as we are concerned, this means focusing on the greatest possible benefits for everyone. We are striving to achieve an all-round carefree trade fair which is tailored precisely to the needs of the market.”
The Association of German Tool and Mould Makers (VDWF) is full of enthusiasm according to Prof. Thomas Seul, President of this organisation: “The mood at Moulding Expo 2025 was extremely positive. We are all looking ahead. Moulding Expo is definitively in good hands in Stuttgart. The processing industry is domiciled here in southwest Germany and companies from Europe and all over the world meet here. The VDWF is pleased to help in making Moulding Expo more simple, more direct and more tangible in terms of its organisation and structure.”
The German Association for Pattern and Mould Making (BVMF) supports the reformation of the industry meeting point which is undeniably a very important platform for the market: “Moulding Expo 2025 reflected the current state of the industry – in a phase of restraint it clearly showed the importance of real discussions and thinking ahead together. There is a need for Moulding Expo as a platform, especially in economically challenging times,” said Helmut Brandl, Chairman of the BVMF Marketing Committee.
SawExpo held for the first time concurrently with Moulding Expo
SawExpo was staged for the first time concurrently with Moulding Expo. SawExpo features suppliers of cutting-edge sawing technology, one of the most innovative steel processing sectors both in mechanical engineering and for the related tools. The thematically suitable programme relating to cutting and machining technology provided value-added to visitors at both events.
Medal of Honour presented to ISTMA President Bob Williamson
The Tool Construction and Mould Making Medal of Honour has been presented since the first edition of Moulding Expo. This award honours pioneers and visionaries who have sent out ground-breaking signals for the industry. Bob Williamson, President of the International Special Tooling and Machining Association (ISTMA), was presented with the award this year on 7 May.
This year’s award winner has acquired an international reputation over many years in the tool, pattern and mould making industry. The jury honoured him in particular, for his commitment to the industry worldwide far beyond his job description. In his capacity as President, he has represented the interests of the members of the ISTMA at a national and international level far beyond what is expected. In doing so, he has contributed to the visibility and recognition of the otherwise often underestimated industry in many countries and markets.
Accompanying programme: Trends and inspirations
The Future Forum for Tool, Pattern and Mould Making has been a discussion platform during the trade fair since the first Moulding Expo and has become an integral part of the accompanying programme. Industry experts provided valuable inspirations and insights into future developments. The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) was responsible for the programme along with the Association of German Tool and Mould Makers (VDWF). The BME Buyers’ Day provided the industry with the principles for clever purchasing decisions. Organised by the Federal Association for Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics (BME), the programme included practical talks on current developments and the latest innovations in the industry – with topics such as benchmarking, cost cutting and global sourcing.
The next Moulding Expo will be held again in Stuttgart in two years’ time in spring 2027.
You can find all the information about the event online at: www.moulding-expo.de
About Moulding Expo
Whether a hidden champion or a large group, Moulding Expo attracts the best European tool, pattern and mould making companies along with their suppliers. The international trade fair for tool, pattern and mould making focuses on small and medium-sized companies in this industry who implement customer-specific projects with the aid of their technical knowledge and experience. Moulding Expo also features all the relevant technology partners in the industry who satisfy the high industry demands for quality and accuracy: from standard components, materials, hot runner systems, processing tools, clamping devices and machine tools through to testing and measurement technology and software suppliers.
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