BIEMH 2026 Opens Under ‘Carpe BIEMH’ Motto

Barakaldo, Spain – BIEMH–International Machine Tool Biennial opened its 33rd edition with a formal ceremony presided over by Imanol Pradales, Lehendakari (President) of the Basque Government. The event is being held from March 2, 2026, through Friday at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre. This year’s edition brings together 1,503 exhibiting companies from 34 countries and showcases more than 3,350 innovative products.

During his speech, Lehendakari highlighted the Basque Government’s commitment to transforming and preparing the industrial and technological fabric of the Basque Country, with the aim of generating greater economic activity and quality employment. He also referred to this year’s edition motto: “We can experience this moment in two ways: by worrying about threats and pulling the handbrake; or, as we have always done, by taking advantage of all the opportunities the world offers us,” he emphasized.

The opening ceremony also featured speeches by Mikel Jauregi, Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability and President, BEC; Amaia del Campo, Mayor, Barakaldo; José Pérez Berdud, President, AFM Cluster—representative of the advanced manufacture in Spain; José Ignacio Ortiz de Urbina, President, AIMHE; Jordi García Brustenga, Secretary of State for Industry; and Ainara Basurko, Provincial Deputy for Economic Promotion and Vice-President, BEC.

The opening ceremony also brought together prominent authorities and institutional representatives, including Mikel Torres, Second Vice-President and Minister for the Economy, Labour and Employment; Ana Otadui, President of the General Assembly of Bizkaia; Saray Zárate, Deputy for Economic Development and Sustainability of the Provincial Council of Álava; Carlos García Buendía, Deputy Government Delegate in Bizkaia; Joseba Intxaurraga, BEC Councillor; Mª Carmen Gorostiza, Event Manager, BIEMH; Xabier Ortueta, Director General, AFM Cluster; and Xabier Basañez, Director General, BEC. After the speeches, the delegation took an inaugural tour, visiting companies throughout the six exhibition halls occupied by the event.

With the slogan ‘CARPE BIEMH’, BIEMH 2026 invites exhibiting companies, visitors, and organizations to seize the moment, once again highlighting its ability to offer a truly spectacular live industrial and technological show that never fails to surprise, edition after edition. BIEMH 2026 is organized by AFM, Machine Tool Manufacturers; AIMHE, Machine Tools Importers and Bilbao Exhibition Centre, with the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and SPRI – Basque Government as institutional partners.

Image Source: Bilbao Exhibition Centre