Messe Stuttgart (ISTMA Global Partner) announces the Make-to-Order Days (MTO Days), a new trade fair format for precision parts, contract manufacturing, and machining. This landmark event will make its debut at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Center on 9 and 10 June 2026, marking a significant milestone: for the first time, a key industrial sector, long confronted with immense pressure for innovation and adaptation, will have its own dedicated procurement fair.
The new buyers' trade fair is specifically aimed at decision-makers and buyers from future-oriented key industries – from traditional mechanical engineering and automotive technology through to defence, robotics and renewable energies. The focal point will be contract-based precision manufacturing whose importance for global value-added chains is growing continuously. "Technological changes, geopolitical challenges and the transformation of entire branches of industry are posing great challenges to many manufacturing companies. With Make-to-Order Days we are creating a platform which will react precisely to these changes – closely geared towards the needs of the industry and with a clear focus on the future," said Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart.
Clear message from the machining sector: backbone of industry as the focal point
According to the Machining Technology Cluster, the distinct positioning is paramount. "As an important economic factor, we are permanently striving towards innovative developments, new economic spheres, additional business areas and future-oriented technologies. In our capacity as the partner of the new buyers' trade fair MTO Days in Stuttgart, we are offering our members ideal conditions and opportunities in this respect," emphasised Ingo Hell, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Machining Technology Cluster.
The partner associations have also welcomed the new trade fair format. Werner Liebmann, Managing Director of the German Turned Parts Industry Association, emphasised: "Make-to-Order Days will give our industry an important platform. Contracted-based manufacturing is the backbone of a large number of key industries – and will attract the necessary attention and networking through this format."
"Messe Stuttgart has been a reliable partner for our Association for many years – and the conditions for Make-to-Order Days are ideal, especially in the strong industrial area of Baden-Württemberg with its superb infrastructure. Contracted-based manufacturing has always been an important area of activity for toolmakers since their day-to-day business includes all competencies and high-end precision. We are therefore impressed by the trade fair concept: MTO Days provides an opportunity to present the offered services on a professional platform. We are pleased to act as a partner and will support this strong format with full conviction." Ralf Dürrwächter, Managing Director of the Association of German Tool and Mould Makers
Value-added through synergies: three trade fairs to be held concurrently
One special advantage: Make-to-Order Days will be held concurrently with CastForge, International Trade Fair for Castings and Forgings with Processing, and The Battery Show Europe. This will produce valuable synergies for exhibitors and visitors alike. Especially in associated fields of technology in which precise manufacturing plays a key role, new points of contact and interdisciplinary discussion opportunities are being created.
Clear structures for maximum visibility
Make-to-Order Days offers exhibitors a unique and clearly structured stand concept which is aimed specifically at efficient business initiation. Thanks to detailed service specifications with information about application areas, production processes, materials, certifications and batch sizes, potential customers can identify suitable suppliers beforehand and ideally prepare their attendance at the trade fair leading to precisely the right connections for sustainable business in addition to the welcome random trade fair contacts. Another highlight is the stand construction concept with all-inclusive packages: a uniform, modern design ensures equality and discretion among all exhibitors. Along with organisational support, service and communication measures are also integrated. Exhibitors can therefore concentrate on everything that really matters – business initiation with the right partners.
Accompanying programme with the emphasis on practice
In addition to the traditional product exhibition, the new trade fair format focuses on knowledge transfer and networking. A technical forum will examine key topics in the areas of digitalisation, precision and manufacturing trends in a practical manner. The networking area and separate meeting rooms will provide ideal conditions for personal discussions, confidential negotiations and business transactions.
Registration is now possible
Exhibitors can now register for Make-to-Order Days 2026. Registration is easy via the official event website (
www-mto-days.de) of Messe Stuttgart. Interested parties can find there all important information relating to stand packages, participation opportunities and the accompanying programme. Booking early will not only secure a place at the première, but also the benefits of high visibility and reach of the new trade fair.
