SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026 concluded successfully after three days of intensive networking, technical discussions and strong international participation in Stuttgart. The event reinforced its position as one of Europe’s key trade fairs for the surface technology industry despite ongoing economic uncertainty across manufacturing sectors.
More than 4,600 visitors from 46 countries attended the exhibition. Around 30% of attendees travelled from outside Germany. Over 210 exhibitors participated in the event, with many reporting positive business outcomes and valuable industry connections.
The trade fair was organised by Deutsche Messe AG and once again highlighted the importance of surface technology within modern industrial production chains. Industry representatives noted that direct interaction between suppliers, manufacturers and technology specialists remained essential.
Ramtin Randjbar-Moshtaghin, Project Manager of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY at Deutsche Messe AG, expressed satisfaction with the event’s performance. He stated that exhibitor feedback reflected the success of the exhibition and underlined the importance of personal exchange within the industry.
Strong visitor attendance was recorded throughout all three days. The STG.ExpertForum also remained consistently well attended. Discussions focused on current market developments, production technologies and innovation strategies.
International participation remained stable compared with the previous edition. After Germany, the highest numbers of visitors came from Switzerland, Turkey, Italy, Austria and France. Organisers considered this a positive sign for the exhibition’s international standing.
Trade visitors were strongly represented. High-quality technical discussions were reported by exhibitors across multiple industry segments. Many companies described the event as commercially productive despite wider economic challenges.
One of the major attractions was the joint stand organised by the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO). Around 60 companies participated in the shared exhibition area, presenting technologies linked to electroplating and industrial surface treatment.
Christoph Matheis, Managing Director of the German Surface Technology Association, explained that expectations ahead of the exhibition had been cautious because of geopolitical and economic pressures. However, visitor engagement exceeded forecasts from the opening day onwards.
According to exhibitors at the ZVO stand, numerous international contacts were established during the event. Technical discussions were also held regarding future industrial collaborations and development projects. Positive market sentiment was widely observed throughout the exhibition halls.
A small concern was noted regarding the limited number of coating companies exhibiting at the event. Nevertheless, substantial visitor interest in coating technologies was reported. The ZVO indicated that support would be provided to facilitate future business contacts in this area.
The joint stand dedicated to the Surface Technology Process Chain also attracted considerable attention. Exhibitors reported productive conversations with industry experts from Germany and international markets. Several participants stated that these discussions were expected to generate future business opportunities.
Herbert Käszmann, organiser of the WOTech joint stand, explained that the exhibition had once again confirmed its international significance within the surface technology sector. The event was viewed as an important platform for business development and technical exchange.
Industry confidence was also reflected in comments from exhibitors focusing on innovation and digitalisation. Nico Kahlich, authorised signatory at DiTEC GmbH, described the exhibition as highly dynamic and optimistic.
He noted that the industry continued investing in Germany and Europe despite difficult economic conditions. Innovation and artificial intelligence were identified as key drivers supporting future competitiveness. Solutions addressing labour shortages were also being actively developed.
The STG.ExpertForum emerged as another major highlight of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026. A total of 48 presentations were delivered during the event. Strong visitor demand for technical information was recorded from the opening session to the final presentation.
Traditional subjects such as cleaning systems, pre-treatment methods and coating equipment attracted strong audiences. At the same time, modern topics generated considerable interest. Artificial intelligence, digitalisation and alternative physical coating technologies featured prominently in forum discussions.
Industry professionals viewed these developments as increasingly important for future manufacturing efficiency and sustainability. Many presentations focused on practical implementation strategies and process optimisation.
Innovation was further recognised during the presentation of the Stuttgart Innovation Award, “DIE OBERFLÄCHE”, organised by Fraunhofer IPA. Several advanced industrial solutions were honoured during the ceremony.
First prize was awarded to the LAMA project, developed jointly by SLCR Lasertechnik GmbH and Dörken Coatings GmbH & Co. KG. The innovation attracted significant attention for its technical capabilities.
Second prize was presented to BIA Kunststoff- und Galvanotechnik GmbH & Co. KG for its Remap concept. The system enables decorative electroplating on recycled plastics while producing high-gloss Class A surfaces for the first time.
Third prize went to Enayati Oberflächentechnik GmbH for its AgTherm high-temperature silver coating technology. The coating system significantly broadens the application range of silver within power electronics at continuous temperatures above 200°C.
Overall, SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026 demonstrated resilience within the industrial coatings and surface engineering sectors. Despite economic pressures, strong engagement from exhibitors and visitors highlighted continued confidence in technological progress and long-term market development.
The next edition of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY is scheduled to take place in Stuttgart from 20 to 22 June 2028.
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