Strengthening Indo–US Collaboration in Advanced Forming Technologies

For the US manufacturing community, IMTEX FORMING 2026 offers an opportunity to deepen engagement with Indian manufacturers, share proven forming technologies, and explore long-term collaboration, shares Doug Woods, President, Association of Manufacturing Technology, USA (AMT). He sees the exhibition as a strategic catalyst for enduring partnerships between the two countries.

According to Woods, India’s Manufacturing sector is growing faster than ever, with strong momentum in areas like Automotive and EVs, Aerospace, Defence, Space, Electronics, and Semiconductors. “Hence, IMTEX FORMING 2026 is perfectly timed as it offers a powerful platform to connect with India’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape,” he notes.

From a US perspective, many forming technology companies have built deep expertise through long-standing partnerships with global OEMs, developing advanced, AI-enabled manufacturing processes over the years. “IMTEX FORMING 2026 presents a great opportunity for these companies to engage directly with Indian manufacturers, share proven solutions, and support businesses looking to establish, expand, or modernize their manufacturing operations in India. I see the event as a key catalyst for technology-driven growth and for building lasting, meaningful partnerships,” he adds.

Shifts In USA’s Metal Forming and Sheet-Metal Technologies

Reflecting on developments in the US, Woods points out that the Metal Forming And Sheet-Metal industry is undergoing an exciting transformation driven by AI-powered automation, smart manufacturing, and digitally connected production systems. “Advanced presses, robotics, digital twins, and real-time process monitoring are helping manufacturers achieve greater precision, speed up production, and add flexibility to their operations,” he observes.

He also highlights that US companies are pushing the boundaries of high-precision forming, working with lightweight and high-strength materials, and integrating sustainability into their processes to meet evolving global demands.

US Participation at IMTEX FORMING

Commenting on US participation at IMTEX FORMING 2026, Woods notes that around a dozen AMT member companies are exhibiting either directly or through their Indian subsidiaries, with a similar number participating via dealership and channel partner networks. “From my perspective, this level of participation clearly highlights the strategic importance of India for US companies,” he says.

He explains that many US companies initially entered the Indian market through dealership and service partnerships. “Over time, some have progressed to setting up local manufacturing or assembly operations, while others are actively exploring deeper manufacturing collaborations,” Woods adds. As the Indian market continues to evolve, he expects “more companies to move toward long-term partnerships and joint R&D initiatives, reflecting a deeper and more sustained commitment to India’s manufacturing ecosystem.”

Supporting Indian Manufacturing

Woods believes international associations such as AMT can play a meaningful role in strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem. “By sharing global best practices and advanced technologies, and by connecting local manufacturers with OEMs and skill-development opportunities, international associations help foster collaboration and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge manufacturing processes,” he explains. According to him, this approach supports the creation of a more innovation-driven and technology-led manufacturing environment in India.

Trade Stats

While final 2025 trade figures are still being compiled, provisional data from November 2024 through October 2025 shows that US machine tool exports to India reached approximately US$ 65.6 million, spanning a wide range of advanced metal-working and precision equipment. During the same period, the US imported around US$ 21.5 million worth of machine tools from India, reflecting the growing competitiveness of Indian manufacturers in select segments. These numbers underscore the strengthening, two-way partnership between the US and Indian machine tool industries, built on technology exchange, manufacturing capability, and long-term collaboration.

Trade Trends Reflect a Strengthening Partnership

Touching upon trade trends, Woods points out that provisional data from November 2024 to October 2025 shows US machine tool exports to India at approximately US$ 65.6 million, covering a broad spectrum of advanced metalworking and precision equipment. During the same period, the US imported around US$ 21.5 million worth of machine tools from India. “These numbers reflect the growing competitiveness of Indian manufacturers in select segments and underscore a strengthening, two-way partnership between the US and Indian machine tool industries,” he notes.

Built on technology exchange, manufacturing capability, and long-term collaboration, this partnership aligns closely with the objectives of IMTEX FORMING 2026.

Image Source: AMT