BIEMH 2026 CONCLUDES REAFFIRMING ITS ROLE AS A GLOBAL BENCHMARK FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

The overall assessment of the 33rd BIEMH by its organisers has been clearly positive and widely shared by all parties involved. The impressions gathered during the days of the fair match the reality seen across the exhibition halls: a very solid edition that once again positioned the event as one of the leading international gatherings for advanced manufacturing.

At the closing press conference held this morning in the BEC press room, the speakers included Xabier Basañez, Managing Director of BEC; Mª Carmen Gorostiza, Director of BIEMH; José Pérez Berdud, President of AFM Cluster; Xabier Ortueta, Managing Director of AFM Cluster; and José Ignacio Ortiz de Urbina, President of AIMHE.

The 33rd BIEMH stood out for the outstanding presence of manufacturers of advanced and digital manufacturing technologies across its six exhibition halls. Packed with innovations, featuring the latest machine tools from both domestic and international manufacturers, 3D printing equipment, components of all kinds, state-of-the-art cutting tools, and a wide range of solutions for digitalising, automating and robotising processes and services, the corridors of BEC were crowded throughout the five days of the event. Alongside this impressive display of machinery, components and production systems, this edition also offered a diverse programme of conferences.

During the course of the Machine-Tool Biennial, the BIEMH Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Awards, organised by AFM Cluster and BEC, were presented to IBARMIA, INTERMAHER, LANTEK, SICNOVA, SORALUCE and ZAYER.

The President of AFM Cluster, José Pérez Berdud, stated:
“BIEMH has once again demonstrated the strength of a sector that is decisive for industrial competitiveness: dynamic, innovative and technologically advanced.

Sixty-five years on, the Machine-Tool Biennial continues to be the great showcase of the talent and capabilities of our companies, and a key element in reinforcing the role of industry in the progress of our society.”

Meanwhile, José Ignacio Ortiz de Urbina, President of AIMHE, commented:
“The change of dates to March has proven to be a successful decision. By taking place at the beginning of the year, many customers have attended with projects for the new financial year, which we expect will translate into business operations in the coming months.

Once again, BIEMH has reaffirmed its position as the meeting point for manufacturers and importers, reflecting the close collaboration and complementarity that characterise the value chain of the advanced manufacturing ecosystem.”

Following Monday’s opening ceremony chaired by the Lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, and attended by Jordi García Brustenga, Secretary of State for Industry in the Spanish Government, and Mikel Torres, Deputy Lehendakari and Minister for Economy, Labour and Employment, the fair also welcomed visits from Mikel Jauregi, Basque Government Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability and President of BEC; Eider Mendoza, Provincial President of Gipuzkoa; Alberto Núñez Feijóo, President of the Popular Party of Spain; Aitor Esteban, President of the EBB and member of the PNV executive; Eneko Andueza, Secretary-General of the PSE-EE; Arnaldo Otegi, Secretary-General of EH Bildu; Andoitz Korta, Vice-Minister for Industrial Promotion in the Basque Government; Unai Andueza, Provincial Deputy for Economic Promotion and Strategic Projects; Ainara Basurko, Provincial Deputy for Economic Promotion in Bizkaia; and Saray Zárate, Provincial Deputy for Economic Development and Innovation in Álava.

The mayors of Barakaldo and Elgoibar, among others, also attended the event, along with representatives from the Basque Parliament, ADEGI, ELKARGI, the Chambers of Commerce and ICEX.