ISTMA EUROPE MEETING 2025 IN BERLIN: OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO COMBINE COOPERATION AND FORESIGHT

On November 3 and 4, the European toolmaking industry gathered in Berlin for the ISTMA Europe Meeting. Around 120 participants from 18 national associations accepted the invitation of the Association of German Tool and Mold Makers (VDWF), which acted as host and organizer. Member associations of ISTMA Europe and their companies were not the only ones to attend; actors from research and the most important customer industries were also present. At the heart of the event was the desire to network, the future outlook and the question of how Europe can position itself more strongly in global competition.

The venue for the event was the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK — a place that represents high-tech innovation not only symbolically, but in a very real and concrete way. The reports from ISTMA and the presentations of the individual national associations of toolmakers given on Monday, the first day of the event, were followed by a two-hour guided tour of the institute. Participants were given exclusive insights into cutting-edge research projects on precision technologies, automation and digitization. In the process, a lively exchange provided great inputs from all sides on how such innovations could be transferred to industrial production and where new business areas could be opened up with the toolmakers' know-how—for example, in optical applications or in fluid management. "The event saw three worlds come together: research, users and customers," says Stephan Berz, President of ISTMA Europe and brand ambassador of the VDWF. "Each of these groups was able to contribute and take something with them. That was very valuable."

Berz provided additional insights with the presentation of the Automotive Tooling Forecast—a market study of the automotive industry, as the largest customer of tool technology in Europe. The study provides a structured overview of upcoming vehicle projects up to 2028 and the resulting tool requirements for 2026. The study, which was presented at the event for the first time, will be published twice a year and is intended to provide tool makers with actionable market data "as real added value," according to Berz.

The second day of the event focused on the lectures with panel discussions: Customer representatives from the automotive industry, logistics and white goods sectors contributed their views on tool and mold making. They described their requirements, their challenges, and what they expect from the industry in the future. "This view from the outside was very helpful," emphasizes Stephan Berz. "The question was raised of how we as toolmakers create added value, make it visible and consistently communicate it in our customer industries."

For VDWF President Prof. Thomas Seul, it was an event of unexpected insights: "I have discovered real 'shooting stars' —perspectives I hadn't thought about before, which then suddenly flashed up and brought an 'aha!' moment." His conclusion: "Technologically speaking, Europe has a strong tool and mold making industry. But project management and strategic positioning clearly need to catch up."

During the "Berlin Backstage" program, networking also dominated the time in between the conference agenda—for example, during a visit to a classic car exhibition, an evening tour of the city on the Spree river, a visit to the Bundestag, a meal together or a nightcap on the TV tower. "We created an atmosphere in which people could meet and talk. This gave rise to real trust—the basis of any cooperation," says Prof. Thomas Seul. "This became quite clear during the shared bus journeys: It got quite messy—in the best sense of the word. Everyone talked with and to each other—regardless of their origin, language or job title. That's when I thought to myself: This is where European tooling is growing together."

Another central theme of the event—whether on stage or in personal interactions—was competition with China. But rather than a sweeping atmosphere of negativity, quite a different notion dominated. The key message: Europe should not make the mistake of condemning China for its rise and falling into inactive sulking. Rather, it is important to examine the success factors in a constructive manner — and to draw our own conclusions from them. "You don't punish the winning team in football — you analyze how they won. Then next time it will be you on the winning podium," says Stephan Berz succinctly.

This is precisely why many European toolmakers are looking forward to the upcoming ISTMA World Conference 2026 in Shanghai with great interest. The event will not only be a global industry gathering, but also an important opportunity to better understand the Chinese market first-hand. "Anyone who is willing to learn will surely be able to gain important ideas for their own future there," says Berz, further promoting the event.

The ISTMA Europe Meeting 2025 has shown quite clearly that while the challenges are great, European tool and mold makers are ready to face them together. What counts is the will to cooperate between companies — across Europe — the will to develop and to look beyond one's own horizon. Stephan Berz summarizes: "ISTMA has taken a new path: Our central task now is to create a platform for mutual trust. Berlin was the right place at the right time. The spark is now there — now it's time to start the fire. On that note: let's make some noise!"

Additional image material is available here.