MTO Days 2026 Attracts Quality Buyers and Industry Decision-Makers

Stuttgart, Germany – The premiere of the Make-to-Order Days (MTO Days) — a leading buyers’ fair for precision parts, contract manufacturing, and machining — at Messe Stuttgart has concluded on a positive note. The exhibition space was completely booked out, the halls were well attended on both days, and feedback from exhibiting companies and visitors was favorable. Trade visitors from Germany and across Europe used the new specialized trade show to gather targeted information on contract-based precision manufacturing, machining, and contract production, and to establish new business contacts.

“The strong response from the industry to the first edition of the Make-to-Order Days confirms our concept. We wanted to create a focused platform for contract-based precision manufacturing — with clear structures, short distances, and plenty of room for concrete business deals. That is exactly what we achieved,” said Roland Bleinroth, CEO, Messe Stuttgart.

Exhibition Space Fully Booked — High Quality of Contacts

All available stand spaces were already allocated for the premiere. 184 exhibiting companies presented their focused range of services in Stuttgart for contract-based parts manufacturing — spanning turning, milling, and grinding technology. Exhibiting companies highlighted the targeted conversations with decision-makers and procurement professionals from key industries such as mechanical engineering, automotive technology, defence, robotics, medical technology, and renewable energies. The clearly structured stand and service concept of the MTO Days facilitated preparation for trade show visits and ensured well-matched contacts.

Clear Metrics Underscore Market Demand

In total, the premiere of the Make-to-Order Days attracted around 1,400 trade visitors. They rated the event with a strong average score of 1.9 (on a German grading scale where 1 is excellent) and affirmed the new trade show’s high relevance for their future procurement decisions. Particularly noteworthy were the quality of visitors and their strong intention to return and recommend the event to others. Around 23 percent of trade visitors worked in purchasing and procurement, 27 percent came from senior management, and 22 percent from sales and distribution. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of respondents expected the significance of the Make-to-Order Days to continue growing in the coming years.

Synergies with Concurrent Events Leveraged

Visitors benefited from the simultaneously held trade shows ‘CastForge — International Trade Show for Cast and Forged Parts with Machining’ and ‘The Battery Show Europe’. The close alignment with CastForge in particular enabled numerous professional and business connection points.

Expert Forum and Networking as Added Value

A central element of the MTO Days was the Networking Area, which offered ample opportunities for confidential conversations, project coordination, and concrete negotiations away from the exhibition stands. On the MTO Stage, experts shed light on current developments in digitalization, automation, precision, and new business models in contract manufacturing. The presentations and panel discussions underscored the industry’s desire for exchange and guidance.

Outlook: Follow-Up Edition Confirmed

The next edition of the Make-to-Order Days is scheduled for June 20–21, 2028, at the Messe Stuttgart fairgrounds — once again running in parallel with the CastForge trade show. This ensures that the successful synergies between cast and forged parts manufacturing and contract-based precision manufacturing will remain a central feature of the event concept going forward.

Image Source: Messe Stuttgart