GrindingHub 2024 Preview Unveils the Future of Grinding Technology

Martin Göbel, Head – Trade Fairs and Events, VDW

Frankfurt am Main, Germany – Which highlights are definitely a must-see for visitors to GrindingHub 2024? The answer came from 14 exhibitors at an exclusive preview on March 21. They showcased their newest products and innovations to around 30 international trade journalists—around eight weeks before the major exhibition for the grinding technology sector opens its doors in Stuttgart from May 14-17. “We are delighted that so many international companies, from start-ups to global players, have seized this opportunity to engage with potential visitors ahead of time and share their highlights,” says Martin Göbel, Head – Trade Fairs and Events, VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association)—the GrindingHub host.

He was joined at the event by Adelbert Haas GmbH (Germany), Amiad Machining Fluid Filtration (Israel), Anca Europe GmbH (Australia/Germany), CemeCon AG (Germany), DMG Mori (Japan/Germany), Erwin Junker Maschinenfabrik GmbH (Germany), Fives Group (France), Meister Abrasives AG & Alfons Schmeier GmbH & Co. KG (Switzerland), Mitsubishi Electric BV (Japan/Germany), Pureon AG (Switzerland), STA Separatoren-Technik & Anlagenbau GmbH (Germany), Spanflug Technologies GmbH (Germany), and United Grinding Group Management AG (Switzerland), plus umati, the joint connectivity initiative by VDW and VDMA, and the ‘Grinder of the Year’ competition for young talent.

GrindingHub has positioned itself as an international innovation platform for grinding technology. Peter Breuer from the Manufacturing Technology Institute (MTI) at RWTH Aachen University provided an example of where this initiative is heading with his keynote, ‘Digital assistance systems in grinding technology’. For an application-oriented institute like the MTI, it is particularly important to bridge the gap between science and practice and thus take the step from the ivory tower of research to industrial production. Many potential cooperation partners are represented at GrindingHub.

Strong figures as a factor in success
“The trade fair has developed well since its debut,” reports Göbel. Even though the official deadline for registration has now passed, interest in exhibiting at GrindingHub 2024 remains high. The number of exhibitors rose again in March, reaching 487. Exhibitors hail from 31 countries, with the largest contingents coming from Germany, Switzerland, China, Italy, and Japan. Together, they cover 40 sectors, thereby representing the entire grinding process chain.

GrindingHub is a catalyst for growth in economically uncertain times
“Economically, grinding technology performed exceptionally well last year, with order books packed,” reports Göbel. VDW estimates that production in Germany surged in 2023 by 15 percent to € 1.1 billion compared to the previous year, outpacing the overall machine tool industry growth of just 9 percent. This was driven by exports, which saw a 15 percent rise. Imports grew by 11 percent, and consumption by 13 percent. Germany is the world’s second-largest market for grinding technology. Consequently, around half of the exhibitors at GrindingHub come from abroad to showcase their business in this attractive setting. “The fact that the outlook for this year is not quite as optimistic makes this all the more important,” believes Göbel. Incoming orders have been slowing since the start of 2023 and fell by a fifth by the end of the year. “The sector needs stimulus for a recovery. GrindingHub can provide it,” he concludes.

Image Source: German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW)