IMTEX FORMING 2026 anchors the future of metal forming in India

By Staff Report January 21, 2026 3:11 pm IST

The Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) has kicked off the ninth edition of IMTEX FORMING 2026, reaffirming its position as Asia’s largest platform for metal forming and manufacturing technologies. Being held from 21 to 25 January 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, the five-day exhibition brings together global technology leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to showcase advancements shaping the future of manufacturing.

Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) is hosting IMTEX FORMING from 21 to 25 January 2026, featuring concurrent events like Tooltech, Digital Manufacturing, and Weldexpo, alongside several seminars and programmes. This edition hosts 714 exhibitors from 24 countries in 48,000 square meters at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. The inauguration highlighted the importance of innovation in manufacturing, with comments from industry leaders about technology validation and growth in the metal forming segment. IMTEX FORMING 2026 showcases advanced technologies and trends, supporting digital transformation and high productivity in manufacturing.

Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) is organizing the ninth edition of IMTEX FORMING from 21 to 25 January 2026. Tooltech, focusing on machine tool accessories, metrology solutions, CAD/CAM tools, tooling systems, and the latest trends in the tooling industry; Digital Manufacturing, showcasing real-time solutions in additive manufacturing and Industry 4.0; and Weldexpo, in association with the Indian Institute of Welding, showcasing the latest welding technologies, are held concurrently. Many parallel events, such as the International Seminar on Forming Technology, the i2 Academia Pavilion, the Jagruti-IMTMA Youth Programme, and the Manufacturing Technology Quiz Contest, will be held during the show. 

Moldex India and Fastenex India, organized by Messe Stuttgart, focusing on molding, fasteners, and fixing technologies, respectively, are co-located alongside IMTEX FORMING 2026.

Asia’s largest exhibition on metal forming and manufacturing technologies, featuring 714 exhibitors from 24 countries across 4 exhibition halls spanning 48,000 square meters, was inaugurated by Dr. S. Rajkumar, President of the Engine Component Division of Rane (Madras) Limited, and Tarun Mehta, Co-founder & CEO of Ather Energy, at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, on 21 January 2026. Jamshyd N. Godrej, Chairman, Exhibitions – IMTMA; Mohini Kelkar, President – IMTMA; and Vikram Salunke, Vice President – IMTMA, shared the dais.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. S. Rajkumar said that the exhibition was a platform for the machine tool industry to validate its technologies. He added that ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles will continue to run for at least two decades, as the GST rate reduction has boosted demand, encouraging the auto industry to increase its capacities.

Tarun Mehta said that key technologies depend on advanced manufacturing processes and new material capabilities. He stressed the importance of innovation in machine building and added that with sustained R&D, India can excel in manufacturing. 

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Jamshyd Godrej highlighted that the Government of India has accorded good recognition to the machine tool industry through various schemes that will help India’s economic growth.  He added that IMTEX and the exhibitions held at BIEC significantly encourage trade and commerce. 

Mohini Kelkar said, “In FY 2024-25, consumption in the metal forming segment stood at ₹9,139 crore, with production at ₹2,696 crore. She added that although metal forming currently accounts for 29% of the Indian machine tool market, the segment is expected to grow measurably in the coming years.”

IMTEX FORMING 2026 has expanded by around 20% compared to its previous edition. The five-day exhibition showcases the latest technologies and trends in metal forming, including presses, bending, welding and joining, high-speed laser machines, robotics and automation in sheet metal working, additive manufacturing, and more. Developments in forming machinery, near-net manufacturing, digital manufacturing, shop floor automation, and artificial intelligence are also being showcased. 

Overall, the five-day exhibition is a unique platform to further accelerate the adoption of digital transformation and high-productivity solutions in manufacturing. For more information on the exhibition, log on to www.imtex.in.