IMTEX FORMING 2026: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF INDIA’S METAL FORMING INDUSTRY

IMTEX FORMING has confirmed its position as the most significant platform for metal forming technologies in India. Along with showcasing advanced machines and solutions, the exhibition brings together exhibitors, industry associations, and international participants to engage with the Indian manufacturing market. Their perspectives show how the event continues to evolve in scale, relevance, and impact, reflecting the changing priorities of global and domestic manufacturing.

Organized by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), the five-day event promises not just machines on display, but a celebration of manufacturing ingenuity, technology evolution, and industry collaboration.

From January 21–25, 2026, IMTEX FORMING 2026 will span four exhibition halls at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), covering approximately 48,000 sq mt of gross exhibition space, and host 714 exhibitors, including partner associations from 24 countries. Dedicated country pavilions from Germany, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan will further underscore the show’s global stature, with exhibitors showcasing their latest technological advancements and reinforcing IMTEX FORMING’s position as a truly international platform for showcasing metal forming technologies.

Reflecting on the significance of the exhibition, Mohini Kelkar, President, IMTMA, notes that metal forming currently accounts for 29 percent of the Indian machine tool market, and the segment is poised for strong growth. “IMTEX FORMING 2026 mirrors this momentum, showcasing technologies that will empower Indian manufacturing to scale new heights in quality, capability, and competitiveness,” she adds.

Presenting an insight into the Indian machine tool industry’s evolution and the event’s contribution to it, Jibak Dasgupta, Director General & CEO, Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association and BIEC, remarks that the industry is entering a defining phase of its evolution, driven by rising domestic demand. Industry stakeholders increasingly recognize that long-term competitiveness is built not only on scale, but also on control over core technologies. “This shift—from scale to capability—marks a significant maturation of the ecosystem. I am sure that IMTEX FORMING 2026 is set to play a vital role in this journey by serving as a catalyst that connects ideas with execution and ambition with opportunities,” he adds.

Showcasing Metal Forming Excellence

IMTEX FORMING 2026 will showcase the full spectrum of metal forming innovations. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge presses, press brakes, bending and shearing machines, stamping technologies, CNC punch presses, and laser and waterjet cutting systems.

The exhibition will also spotlight next-generation processes such as hot stamping, hydroforming, flow forming, and electromagnetic forming, alongside heavy-duty forging, extrusion, casting, and pressure die casting technologies that continue to play a critical role in large-scale manufacturing.

The digital heartbeat of IMTEX FORMING 2026 will be evident through AI-driven forming solutions, fiber laser machines, servo presses, precision levellers, production monitoring systems, and additive and hybrid manufacturing technologies. Automation and robotics will feature prominently, demonstrating how productivity, precision, and sustainability are being redefined across metal forming operations.

Why IMTEX FORMING Continues to Matter

For exhibitors, IMTEX FORMING remains far more than an exhibition for displaying their offering—it is a platform for validation, engagement, and long-term strategy.

Having participated in almost every edition since 2000, IMTEX has consistently enabled AMADA to strengthen customer relationships, engage with emerging fabricators, and align its offerings with evolving market needs. At IMTEX 2026, the company will present a wider portfolio with the participation of its group companies—Amada Weld Tech, Amada Press Systems, and H&F.

“IMTEX FORMING is the largest sheet metal machinery related exhibition in India. It gives us a strong platform to connect with our existing customers, engage with new players entering sheet metal fabrication, and better understand the market as we plan our expansion,” says Edwin Sequeira, President, AMADA (India) Pvt Ltd.

For Durma India, IMTEX FORMING 2026 represents visibility backed by substance. According to Niraj Seth, Director & CEO, the exhibition is a stage to demonstrate reliability, engineering depth, and long-term commitment to the Indian market.

“Rather than positioning IMTEX as merely a launch-oriented event, we see it as a stage to validate our technologies in front of experienced manufacturers who assess machines based on performance, build quality, and long-term stability,” he notes.

For ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd, participation at IMTEX has evolved from showcasing individual products to presenting comprehensive solutions that reflect engineering depth and technological advancement.

“The platform has enabled us to demonstrate not only our presses and related equipment, but also our growing capabilities in automation, new technologies, and integrated manufacturing solutions that address emerging industry needs,” says Yogesh Saxena, Chief Executive, ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd.

For Radcam Technologies, IMTEX remains a vital platform for face-to-face engagement. “Meeting prospects who share the same growth vision is a key reason we  participate in IMTEX,” says Shiddhalingesh (Siddhu) Jolad, Managing Director, Radcam Technologies.

Having participated consistently over the past six years, Radcam has steadily built positive brand awareness through the exhibition. “IMTEX has always been good for us—the quality and quantity of visitors are consistently top-notch,” he adds.

From the perspective of Sahajanand Laser Technology Ltd (SLTL), IMTEX FORMING is a legacy platform. Maulik Patel, Executive Director, notes that SLTL has been associated with the show since the 1990s, and has been consistently leveraging the stage to introduce new technologies.

He adds that rising customer expectations for faster deliveries, better quality, lower costs, and global standards have placed increasing pressure on the sheet metal fabrication industry—an evolution reflected clearly at IMTEX FORMING 2026 through the convergence of forming, laser cutting, automation, digital intelligence, and Industry 4.0.

For S&T Machinery Pvt Ltd (STM), IMTEX FORMING has always been much more than an exhibition. “It is the most important platform reflecting the strength and maturity of the Indian machine tool industry. Every edition brings together manufacturers, technology providers, users, and innovators, showcasing how the Indian manufacturing industry continues to grow,” says D Shanmugasundaram, Managing Director, STM.

International Associations at IMTEX FORMING 2026

IMTEX FORMING 2026 continues to attract strong participation from international machine tool associations, underlining India’s importance as a manufacturing destination.

Amid an increasingly unstable global political and economic environment, Taiwan’s machinery industry is actively seeking to deepen its presence in India. IMTEX FORMING 2026 provides an important platform for Taiwanese and Indian companies to strengthen collaboration in advanced forming technologies and automation.

“IMTEX Forming 2026 offers an important opportunity for Taiwanese manufacturers to engage more closely with the Indian market and explore long-term collaboration,” says Tommy Hsu, President, TAMI.

Ten Taiwanese companies are exhibiting at the Taiwan Pavilion in Hall 5, with several others participating through local branches or authorized agencies.

For the Italian machine tool industry, India represents one of the most promising export destinations. Riccardo Rosa, President, UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, describes IMTEX FORMING as the “first and primary marketing tool” for Italian companies in distant markets, enabling collaboration and deeper engagement.

Italy’s leadership in sheet metal forming machinery is well established, with the country ranking second globally in production. Around 20 Italian companies are participating at IMTEX FORMING 2026, keen to expand their footprint in India.

The Japan Forming Machinery Association (JFMA) also views IMTEX FORMING 2026 as a strategic opportunity.

“IMTEX FORMING 2026 provides an important opportunity for Japanese companies to understand India’s current market situation and future demand,” says Yuki Nagata, Department Manager, JFMA, adding that 20 to 25 JFMA-affiliated companies will participate, with several already operating local subsidiaries in India.

Concurrent Events and Knowledge Platforms

Enhancing the exhibition experience is a set of powerful concurrent and co-located events. Tooltech will focus on tooling systems, machine tool accessories, metrology, and CAD/CAM solutions. Digital Manufacturing will highlight Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing, while WeldExpo, organized in collaboration with IIW-India (The Indian Institute of Welding), will spotlight advancements in welding technologies.

ISFT 2026

Running concurrently with IMTEX FORMING 2026, the 9^th International Seminar on Forming Technology (ISFT 2026) will take place on January 22–23, 2026, at BIEC. Positioned as one of the most influential knowledge platforms in the manufacturing calendar, ISFT 2026 is expected to attract over 250 delegates from India and abroad.

With participation from sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defence, and die & mold, ISFT serves as a critical convergence point for manufacturing leaders, researchers, and solution experts. The two-day seminar will feature keynote sessions, technical presentations, and a high-level panel discussion addressing advanced materials, digitalization, automation, sustainability, and smart manufacturing.

Highlighting India’s Manufacturing Ambition

With an expected 50,000 visitors from diverse industries, IMTEX FORMING 2026 promises to be more than an exhibition. It once again aims to serve as an ideal platform to showcase India’s manufacturing strength and enable stakeholders to seize new opportunities.

Poonam Pednekar Chief Copy Editor Magic Wand Media Inc poonam.pednekar@magicwandmedia.in