INDUSTRY NEWS
BI-MU celebrates 70-year history
The 35th edition of the BI-MU( 35. BI-MU) trade show will take place in Milan, Italy, from 13-16 October 2026. The international biennial exhibition is dedicated to the manufacturing industry of metal forming and metal cutting machine tools, robots, automation, digital and additive manufacturing, auxiliary and enabling technologies. ISMR is an international media partner.
The event is promoted by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE( the Italian machine tools, robots and automation systems manufacturers’ association) and organised by EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE. The 35. BI-MU will spotlight the latest digitalised and interconnected machines and technologies which have integrated Industry-4.0 solutions, automation systems and artificial intelligence( AI), capable of enabling the processes that are typical of the digital factory.
“ The exhibition will be set up in Halls 22 and 24 of the fieramilano Rho Exhibition Centre with the option of extending into Hall 13, which is just opposite the two halls currently in use,” the show organiser told ISMR.
This year is a special one for the 35th edition of BI-MU as it celebrates its 70-year history with the new slogan“ Where it all begins”, which is intended to emphasise the central role of machine tools enabling most manufacturing processes.
Seven technological focus areas at BI-MU will represent the beating heart of industrial innovation. These are:‘ RobotHeart – Robotics & Artificial Intelligence’;‘ AMItaly – Additive Technologies’;‘ BI-MU Digital – Digital Manufacturing & Adaptive Systems’;‘ Metrology and Testing – Control, Quality & Certification’;‘ Power4Machines – Mechatronics & Power Transmission’;‘ Heat and Surface Treatments’;‘ Tool Tech – Tools & Precision’ and‘ Revamping & Retrofitting’.
A series of thematic, cultural in-depth initiatives will also be held. New features will be panel and roundtable discussions dedicated to two sectors with interesting growth potential and particularly dynamic demand:‘ Aerospace & Defence’( 14 / 10 / 2026) and‘ Energy’( 15 / 10 / 2026). Competitive initiatives will include ROBOTGAMES and the Additive Future Lab. A new initiative will also be BI-MU FUTURTECH AWARDS, celebrating innovative solutions in manufacturing featured at the exhibition. The contest is open to exhibitors at 35. BI-MU. n
www. bimu. it / en /
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TRUMPF / Mate strategic tooling partnership
TRUMPF, an international high-tech company offering machine tools for sheetmetal fabrication, laser technology and solutions for the semiconductor industry, has signed an agreement to acquire Mate Precision Technologies, a global specialist in metal cutting and forming products and solutions. Mate will continue to operate independently in the market under its existing brand, with its management and international teams remaining in place.
The partnership with Mate significantly expands TRUMPF’ s punching and bending tool portfolio to support customers using a broad range of machines, including those from other manufacturers. Until now, TRUMPF has offered bending and punching tools compatible exclusively with its own machines to customers. The partnership also strengthens TRUMPF’ s market position in the United States, Canada and Mexico. At the same time, TRUMPF’ s extensive global footprint is expected to unlock new opportunities for Mate.
“ Together, we will serve customers across a wide range of industries, delivering a more complete sheet metal processing toolkit from a single source. The move also advances our customer-focused strategy of producing equipment in the regions where customers need it. This localisation enhances supply-chain strength, supports greater regional production and delivery, and complements Mate’ s U. S. production footprint, serving customers throughout North America,” TRUMPF told ISMR.
“ Mate’ s strengths and leadership are a natural complement and valuable addition to the TRUMPF team,” added TRUMPF Inc. President & CEO, Lutz Labisch.“ Mate manufactures tooling for nearly every major machine brand worldwide and shares our dedication to the success of machinetool customers. Mate’ s tooling expertise, U. S. manufacturing footprint and trusted customer relationships will help us to expand our support for sheet metal fabricators with an even greater range of solutions.”
For TRUMPF, the acquisition builds on more than five decades of manufacturing in the United States and deepens its commitment to keeping production close to its customers. Mate’ s Minnesota operations in the USA complement TRUMPF’ s
local production facilities in Farmington, Connecticut( USA), where the company has been manufacturing products for more than fifty years.
For sheet metal fabricators, the acquisition is expected to provide greater access to tooling expertise, application support and solutions for a wide range of production environments. Current Mate Precision Technologies’ President, Joe Schneider( a 32- year veteran of the company), will continue to lead the business as President & CEO.
Products, services, contracts and points of contact are expected to remain the same for Mate’ s customers, employees, suppliers and partners. Mate’ s tooling will continue to support a broad range of machine brands, while the combined tooling business intends to create new opportunities to serve sheetmetal fabricators through TRUMPF’ s broader international reach and existing tooling operations. n
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. trumpf. com
www. mate. com
14 | ismr. net | ISMR September 2026