The Spanish group’s participation was organised by AFM and backed by ICEX, and the companies Fagor Automation, GMTK, Danobat, Meco, MTE and Soraluce took part, occupying 800 net m2 of exhibition space. In addition to the direct participation of these companies, the following firms also took part, represented by their German distributors: Bost, Doimak, Gurutzpe, Gamor, Goratu, Ibarmia, Juaristi, Kondia and Zayer.

A total of 1,343 companies from 29 different countries showcased their products at this year’s fair. The percentage of foreign companies has risen from 20% to 25%, profiting from the country’s current economic recovery. The financial figures for the German machine tool industry for the first half of the year have been better than expected. According to data supplied by VDW, there has been a sharp increase in demand. Over the first six months of 2010, orders have increased by 58% in comparison with the same period last year. Domestic orders have grown by 51% and international orders by 61%. The order portfolio has risen again, marking 6.9 months in June. Although all the ratios are growing again, the production forecast for 2010 has dropped by 12%. Foreign demand has been the driving force throughout these six months, particularly from the BRIC countries and South Korea and Japan, which have made considerable investment again.

The associate exhibitors at the fair commented positively on the event. Right from the first day, the number of visitors was indeed high and the general atmosphere was optimistic. The associates are sure that this time the German fair is set to boost recovery of the demand. In 2009 Germany was the top destination for Spanish machine tool experts, representing 24% of foreign sales.

The next AMB fair will be held in Stuttgart from 18 - 22 September 2012.