INDUSTRY NEWS
Bystronic to acquire Coherent business unit
Swiss sheet metal processing technology specialist, Bystronic, has entered into an agreement to acquire the“ Tools for Materials Processing” business unit of U. S.-based Coherent Inc.
“ This acquisition will help us to expand into additional attractive growth markets such as medical devices, semiconductors and general manufacturing. In addition, new laser applications( such as micro material processing, marking, labelling and drilling) will be added to the Bystronic portfolio,” the company told ISMR.
With this acquisition, Bystronic will also obtain the rights of the well-known Rofin brand and will integrate this business into a new“ Bystronic Rofin” business unit. Bystronic Rofin’ s laser technologies will enable the processing of a wide variety of materials( from metal, glass and ceramics to polymers and
Domenico Iacovelli, CEO of Bystronic.
organic materials). In addition to synergies generated in procurement, the acquisition will leverage expertise in research and development.
Domenico Iacovelli, CEO of Bystronic, explained:“ Through the acquisition of the‘ Tools for Materials Processing’ business unit, we are expanding into adjacent applications in attractive growth markets. This acquisition is an excellent technological and cultural fit for us, and I am excited to welcome the employees and customers of Bystronic Rofin.”
With approximately 400 employees, the“ Tools for Materials Processing” business unit makes annual sales of about US $ 100 million. Its headquarters are at Gilching( near Munich), Germany. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the coming months. The terms of the deal are confidential.
Bystronic offers advanced flat and tube laser cutting systems, press brakes, software and intelligent automation solutions supported by global services. Bystronic headquarters are in Switzerland with development and production facilities in Germany, Spain, Italy, China and the USA. n
www. bystronic. com
Building up to EuroBLECH 2026
The 28th edition of EuroBLECH 2026, organised by RX, will take place from 20-23 October 2026 at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds in Germany. Held every two years, EuroBLECH is the world’ s leading exhibition for sheet metal working technology. EuroBLECH 2024 welcomed 1,317 exhibitors and 38,946 trade visitors from 114 countries, occupying a gross exhibition space of 160,000sqm.
“ For the first time, we introduced at-event rebooking which enabled exhibitors to secure their stand space for 2026 while still at the 2024 show. As a result, a substantial portion of space has already been allocated across the nine halls of the Hanover Exhibition Grounds. The enthusiasm we saw from exhibitors rebooking at EuroBLECH 2024 was a strong signal of confidence in the event,” said Evelyn Warwick, Exhibition Director for EuroBLECH, on behalf of RX.“ While the broader market remains challenging, EuroBLECH remains the most important global platform for showcasing sheet metal innovation. With new features launching and continued demand for cuttingedge, sustainable, digitalised and AI-enabled solutions, the event is evolving alongside the industry itself,” she continued.
The event’ s theme,‘ For a Stronger Future – Smart & Sustainable Production’, reflects the industry’ s ongoing transformation as it pursues greater efficiency, flexibility and resilience. From AI-enabled workflows and robotics to laser innovations and circular manufacturing, the 2026 edition will spotlight the technologies, tools and strategies shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for sheet metal working worldwide.
New and enhanced features
New: Innovation Zone. A dedicated space that will spotlight emerging technologies, applied research and systemready concepts that are shaping the future of sheet metal working.
New: Job Shop & Subcontractors Market. A dedicated space for fabrication centres and subcontracting manufacturers to connect with visitors from OEMs and other manufacturing sectors to discover flexible, high-quality partners for outsourced production needs.
New: Automotive Guided Tours. Structured routes tailored to the automotive sector, helping automotive OEMs connect with relevant technologies and suppliers. These complement the returning Guided Tours, which support focused, high-value visitor journeys.
Returning: NextGen Technology Stage & EuroBLECH Awards. The NextGen Technology Stage will once again host expert-led sessions on automation, digitalisation, sustainability and AI. The EuroBLECH Awards will return with six categories celebrating standout achievements, with Award Trails guiding visitors to shortlisted exhibitors.
Revived: Visitor App. The app has now been upgraded to help visitors navigate the show, bookmark exhibitors and plan their days more effectively.
Returning: Careers Day. A dedicated day to connect students, apprentices and young professionals with hiring businesses. The initiative supports workforce development and provides insights into careers across sheet metal working industry.
“ With 81 % of visitors involved in purchasing decisions and a high proportion actively seeking new suppliers or partners, the exhibition continues to deliver measurable business value for participants,” RX told ISMR.
Companies wishing to exhibit can now explore stand options and packages, including the myEuroBLECH Easy Package and the First-Time Exhibitor Package for newcomers to the show. Email: euroblech @ rxglobal. com n
www. euroblech. com
ISMR November 2025 | ismr. net | 13