Global manufacturing giants flock to SIMTOS 2026

By Staff Report September 30, 2025 4:31 pm IST

SIMTOS 2026, Korea’s largest exhibition for manufacturing technology, recorded 5,272 booth applications within just 25 days of the early bird application period, marking the shortest time and highest early bird application volume in SIMTOS history. This represents 87.8% of the total booth target.

Amidst a complex global economic landscape marked by supply chain restructuring, prolonged high interest rates, and international tariff disputes, the SIMTOS 2026 exhibition is emerging as a powerful beacon for international manufacturers seeking entry and growth in the revitalised South Korean market. The event, scheduled for April 13–17 at KINTEX Halls 1 and 2, signifies more than just numbers; it reflects the revitalisation of the domestic market and rising expectations for economic recovery. Building on the strong success of SIMTOS 2024, which attracted 1,300 exhibitors from 35 countries and over 100,000 visitors from 68 countries, the biennial showcase has already secured the commitment of global technology leaders, underscoring its pivotal role as a strategic gateway to the Korean industrial sector.

The rapid commitment from industry giants signals high expectations for SIMTOS 2026. Even before the early bird application deadline on May 31, leading firms such as FANUC, Yamazaki Mazak, TRUMPF, Bystronic, AMADA, GF Machining Solutions, and GROB have confirmed their participation. Major Korean heavyweights, including DN Solutions, SMEC, HK, WIA, and Hwacheon, have also locked in their presence, showcasing a robust domestic commitment. Furthermore, global interest is evidenced by the planned formation of national pavilions from key industrial economies, including the U.S., Germany, China, Japan, Italy, Taiwan, and India, all leveraging SIMTOS 2026 to support their companies’ global market strategies and foster cross-border business relationships.

SIMTOS is evolving past the traditional exhibition model, positioning itself as a strategic industrial platform that delivers real business results. The Secretariat notes that the event has transitioned into a platform where global suppliers and buyers are matched through a smart, curated process. A key driver of this evolution is the specialised pre-show “MM4U (MatchMaking for You)” program, which moves beyond basic consultation. MM4U conducts thorough analysis of exhibitor and buyer profiles—including products, procurement needs, and overall compatibility—to deliver highly customised, high-potential introductions. For 2026, the MM4U program will see an early rollout to maximise collaborative opportunities. This all-in-one approach gives SIMTOS a unique competitive edge by allowing participating companies to streamline critical business functions, from partner discovery and brand promotion to on-site order acquisition, all within a single event.

The 2026 show will be organised into six specialised pavilions to ensure efficient targeting of specific technologies: Metal Cutting & Die/Mould, Materials, Components & Control, Tooling & Measurement, Cutting & Welding, Press & Forming, and the highly anticipated M.A.D.E. in SIMTOS (Manufacturing Automation & Robot Digital Transformation Exhibition). The M.A.D.E. pavilion is specifically designed to highlight the latest trends and innovations in smart factories, industrial robotics, and automation, effectively showcasing the future direction of the manufacturing industry. Under the ambitious theme, “AI Autonomous Manufacturing Meets Talent,” SIMTOS 2026 is set to be a dynamic hub for innovation, commerce, and human capital development, featuring a lineup of dynamic side events, including the MatchMaking4U program, the Global Digital Manufacturing Innovation Conference, the Digital Manufacturing Technology Zone, and a Career Connect Program. For international firms with their sights set on the lucrative Korean market, this event represents both a strategic entry point and a growing opportunity, with broader participation from various countries and sectors expected MatchMaking4U, the Global Digital Manufacturing Innovation Conference, the Digital Manufacturing Technology Zone, and the Career Connect Program.