The Moulding Expo press trip took place in Poland and marked the resumption of international trade press conferences.
After trips to hotspots in the tool, model, and mold-making industry in Portugal and Slovenia, this year the focus was on the Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley. During company visits, Shapers Poland Ltd. and INTEMO S.A. provided insights into the Polish tool and mold making sector.
Piotr Wojciechowski, Managing Director of the Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley, reported:
"Our cluster consists of 170 members, including universities, business environment institutions, and 140 companies from toolmaking and plastics processing that offer high-quality molds and tools for industries such as automotive, medical, cosmetics, and household appliances."
With a joint booth, the Polish cluster will be represented at the Moulding Expo for the first time. Wojciechowski continued: "After our visit in 2023, we are looking forward to showcasing the quality and versatility of our cluster this year with five to six companies at our joint booth."
Stephan Berz is the new ISTMA Europe President.
Parallel to the Moulding Expo press trip, the ISTMA Europe Meeting took place. During this event, Stephan Berz was appointed as the new ISTMA Europe President and stated: "Toolmaking is an essential cog in the European industry. The current structural change requires adaptation – from customer profiles to procurement and production collaborations, as well as digitalization. After over 30 years in the industry, I want to use my experience and my global network to create positive impulses and help shape the future."
Significance of the Moulding Expo in the Current Economic Situation
A discussion round with the partner associations of the Moulding Expo and the ISTMA Europe Meeting provided insights into the current economic situation.
Bob Williamson, President of ISTMA World, summarized: "The global market for tools and molds is estimated at 260 billion USD, with projected growth to 500 billion USD by 2033. Current challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers and supply chain issues reflect global changes. Emerging markets in Asia pose increasing competition for the Western toolmaking industry, necessitating action towards innovations and automation. Additionally, regional networks will gain importance in the future."
The European tool, model, and mold making industry, along with its suppliers, is also facing significant challenges. The tool making sector, which is highly dependent on the model cycles of its customer industries, is feeling the current consumer and investment restraint acutely, posing a major challenge.
Markus Heseding, Managing Director of VDMA Precision Tools and VDMA Measurement and Testing Technology, emphasized the importance of the Moulding Expo in the current economic situation:
"The Moulding Expo is the perfect platform in the heart of Europe to connect relevant decision-makers along the value chains of metal and plastic in the tool and mold making industry, discuss future projects, and find innovative solutions. It offers a valuable international network and information that are particularly important in a challenging market environment."
It is essential to recognize that tool and mold making in the DACH region is cost-effective, explained Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Seul, President of the Association of German Tool and Mold Makers (VDWF): "The work of toolmakers is worth its price! Their tools and molds are not cheap, but rather provide crucial added value that cannot be offered by suppliers from low-wage countries."
The many SMEs in the industry provide valid production tools for the industry – process-safe, compliant with regulations, and without unexpected risks." Seul particularly emphasized the proximity to local clients: "In addition to high delivery speed and flexibility, the toolmakers from the German-speaking region also impress with their cultural and linguistic closeness. All advantages that can be experienced first-hand at the Moulding Expo in Stuttgart."
Highlights of the Moulding Expo 2025
Florian Niethammer, Head of Trade Fairs & Events at Messe Stuttgart, also shared important figures regarding the Moulding Expo 2025: "Planning for the Moulding Expo is in full swing and the momentum remains strong. In May, we expect over 200 companies from 16 countries. The international share of exhibiting companies is 36 percent. Following our successful press trip to Poland, we are particularly excited this year to welcome the toolmaking companies from the Tool Valley Cluster at the Moulding Expo in early May."
Exclusive matchmaking opportunities and a joint dinner concluded the press trip.
About the Moulding Expo
Whether hidden champion or large corporation: The Moulding Expo brings together the best that high-quality European tool, model, and mold making, along with its supplier companies, has to offer.
The focus of the international trade fair for tool, model, and mold making is on small and medium-sized tool, model, and mold making companies with their expertise and know-how for the implementation of customer-specific projects. In addition, the fair represents all relevant technology partners in the industry who meet the high demands of the sector for quality and precision: from standard components, materials, and hot runner systems to machining tools, clamping devices, and machine tools, as well as testing and measurement technology and software providers.
From May 6 to 9, 2025, the SawExpo, a trade fair for cutting and machining technology, will take place in parallel with the Moulding Expo. All parallel events: www.messe-stuttgart.de/events-tickets
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