Blechexpo/Schweisstec is a leading trade fair for sheet metal working and joining technology. It takes place once every two years, bringing international exhibitors and expert visitors together in Stuttgart to present the most up-to-date technologies, innovative solutions and industry-specific trends. The trade fair will take place at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre from the 21st through the 24th of October, 2025
Blechexpo deals with all aspects of thermal and mechanical sheet metal working, system peripherals including controllers and software, and solutions for handling and quality assurance. The layout of the exhibition halls ensures a concise overview and an efficient trade fair visit.
Once again this year, the clear-cut thematic structure will bring together suppliers and users with extensive international coverage in a focused and efficient manner. «And that’s not all» affirms Georg Knauer, project manager at trade fair organisers P. E. Schall. «Submissions for the best-Award 2025 have begun and the jury has been selected. We’ll see lots of happy winners here at the end of the first day of the trade fair on the 21st of October, 2025. And on the second day of the fair, the 22nd of October, the “best CONGRESS” will bring together experts to discuss the use of AI in sheet metal working,» says Georg Knauer, looking ahead. Not least of all, careers will be featured as a major topic at Blechexpo/Schweisstec to promote the next generation of qualified personnel.
Jury Looking Forward to Competition Amongst the Best with “best Award 2025”
The “best Award” is returning for a new round with five competition categories. The “best of the best” compete against each other for the award and showcase outstanding innovations created by their development teams. The jury is looking forward to exciting submissions. «The best Award 2025 provides an excellent opportunity for the presentation of outstanding technical solutions that inspire a broad-based expert audience. It offers an incentive to bring out the best,» says jury member Dr.-Ing. Heinz Wöllmer, technology planner at the Siemens equipment manufacturing facility in Amberg, Germany, with confidence. Erich Utz as well, also from the Siemens equipment manufacturing facility, will contribute his extensive experience in the steel industry and the field of structural engineering to the jury. «Interesting ideas can be shared with a large audience, thus serving as an incentive for companies and employees to develop innovative solutions and maximise their benefits».
As a technical editor in the areas of business and technology, Dipl.-Ing. Annedore Bose-Munde contributes her expertise in the fields of machinery and systems manufacturing, forming technology and sheet metal processing to the work of the jury: «The best Award 2025 will honour outstanding industry innovations and expertise that exemplify sustainable sheet metal working. Blechexpo and Schweisstec, as well as related media coverage, provide an international expert platform for exhibitors, which showcases these offerings». Frauke Finus’ extensive experience as senior editor of blechnet and editor of MM Maschinenmarkt at the Vogel Communications Group will also be a valuable asset to the jury. «Awards are a symbolic expression for the promotion of innovation. Distinctions such as the best Award at Blechexpo/Schweisstec 2025 highlight the year’s most innovative products, solutions and technologies. This, in addition to numerous other factors, motivates companies to continuously work on new developments and unveil their innovations. Everyone enjoys being praised!»
The “best Award” will launch a new round in the five competition categories of sheet metal, pipe and profile processing, pressing and forming technologies, stamping technologies, cutting, joining and fastening technologies, as well as steel and metal services and surface finishing technologies. The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony held at the end of the first day of the trade fair. You can apply directly on the website completely for free.
World-Class Supplementary Programme on All Trade Fair Days
In recent weeks, the exhibitors have begun reserving their locations in the Stuttgart exhibition halls. «It’ll be full again» assures project manager Georg Knauer. «Traditionally, Blechexpo/Schweisstec is a genuine industry celebration. The best players from all over the world come together at the event. With high levels of internationalism amounting to roughly 45%, the trade fair is a meeting place for everyone who’s anyone in the fields of sheet metal working and joining technology». In addition to the exhibition, Blechexpo/Schweisstec’s supplementary programme is also the subject of much discussion: together with Stahl-Kommunikation (www.stahl-kommunikation.de), the “best CONGRESS” will bring together internationally renowned experts to discuss the topic of “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Sheet Metal Working and Joining Technology” in a practical manner on the 22nd of October, 2025. Congress participants will be able to get acquainted with pioneering AI technology applications and their potential in manufacturing, exchange ideas about best practices and prepare for future industry challenges in a practical way.
Career Friday: an opportunity for students and entry-level professionals
Pupils, students and entry-level professionals will be able to visit international exhibitors at their booths and participate in guided tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday the 24th of October, 2025. The initiative provides an impressive platform for linking up young professionals and companies with the support of exhibitors, media partners and associations.
«Our goal is to inspire young people to pursue a career in the sheet metal working industry and to introduce them to the sector’s great diversity and exciting prospects», says Bettina Schall, Managing Director of Schall trade fair promoters. «Career Friday offers pupils, students and career starters the unique opportunity of making direct contact with industry experts, asking specific questions, familiarising themselves with a great variety of technologies and exploring possible career paths».
An opportunity to get to know the industry
Career Friday is also a valuable opportunity for the industry. It allows people to inspire young talent for its professions. Well-known companies have already confirmed their participation, including Bruderer AG, as its trainer Roman Stocker emphasises: «We’ll be actively involved because precision and technology are our passion – and we’re happy to pass them on directly to tomorrow’s specialists at Blechexpo/Schweisstec. We’re opening up exciting prospects for talented young people with world-class training in the field of metal and sheet metal processing. Our modern training workshop not only offers solid basic training, but rather inspiring, innovative learning content as well. As a leading supplier of high-performance stamping technology, we impart valuable know-how and cutting-edge technologies so that up-and-coming talent can play an active role in shaping the future of sheet metal production».
Activities and get-to-know sessions
The metal and sheet metal processing industry offers attractive career opportunities – from technical design to production and quality assurance. Work-study programmes, apprenticeships and internships open up numerous entry opportunities. The industry also contributes to important social tasks, because metals and metal products are essential for infrastructure, machinery manufacturing, transport and energy. With sustainable approaches and international projects, it’s ideal for future-oriented career starters.
On Career Friday, exhibiting companies will offer active insights into their corporate culture, as well as the values and innovative technologies which mould their routine daily work. For example, aspiring professionals can experience how automation and AI are used to create modern working environments. At the same time, employers will demonstrate how they’re creating attractive career opportunities through flexible working models, development perspectives and sustainability – inspiring insights into the future world of work and a unique experience for tomorrow’s professionals.
