Expectations met: Successful conclusion of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY
SurfaceTechnology GERMANY closed its doors after having successfully welcomed more than 4,600 visitors from 46 nations, meaning that 30% of the visitors came from abroad. The exhibitors, of which there were more than 210, reached a consistently positive verdict: intensive discussions, a high proportion of first-class contacts, and a well-attended STG.ExpertForum on all three days fulfilled the expectations that had been set. Surface technology represents an integral part of the production chain.
12 May 2026Share
"We are very satisfied with how the event went and this is also reflected in the feedback from our exhibitors. Over the three days of the event, it once again became clear that the opportunity for mutual exchange is indispensable and makes for a successful trade fair," says a delighted Ramtin Randjbar-Moshtaghin, Project Manager of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY at Deutsche Messe AG. Dr. Martin Riester, spokesperson for surface technology in the VDMA backs this up: "The true value of a strong network is particularly evident in economically challenging times. SurfaceTechnology GERMANY has impressively demonstrated that the innovative spirit of our industry is unbroken despite the difficult conditions. Together, we are making surface technology fit for the future!"
As expected, the proportion of trade visitors is high, something that is also reflected in the quality of the discussions. After Germany, the countries from whom most visitors came were Switzerland, Turkey, Italy, Austria, and France. Ramtin Randjbar-Moshtaghin adds: "Fortunately, we have been able to keep the proportion of international visitors at a similar level to the previous event.
High quality of contacts and discussions
One of the traditional crowd-pullers at SurfaceTechnology GERMANY is the joint stand of the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO). With its 60 companies, the joint stand once again provided an impressive presentation of electroplating technology. "In view of the current economic and geopolitical situation, our expectations for SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026 had been cautious – but they were exceeded: The visitor response was excellent right from the start, without any tailing off in the famously good visitor quality. The exhibitors at the ZVO joint stand reported many interesting technical discussions and international contacts – as a door opener for future joint projects. The mood at the trade fair was consistently positive, which gives hope for an economic upturn in the near future. The only downside: only a few coating companies were exhibiting, although there were numerous inquiries about this discipline. The ZVO will arrange contacts here," summarizes Christoph Matheis, Managing Director of the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO).
"The participants at the joint stand for Surface Technology Process Chain also draw a positive conclusion. On all three days of the trade fair, promising discussions were held with experts from Germany and abroad, which, according to the exhibitors, can be expected to lead to orders in the coming years. According to the exhibitors, SurfaceTechnology GERMANY in Stuttgart has once again verified its position of importance among the international trade fairs," reports Herbert Käszmann, organizer of the joint WOTech stand.
"SurfaceTechnology GERMANY garnered a strong response. Three days with an incredible number of dialogs, new contacts and a palpable spirit of optimism. For me, this shows one thing above all: the industry does not want to give up on Germany and Europe as a business location, but intends to maintain its position through innovation and AI. And the most important solutions are now being created precisely where there is a shortage of skilled workers," explains Nico Kahlich, authorized signatory at DiTEC GmbH.
Great demand for information in the STG.ExpertForum
The economic situation in Germany combined with global uncertainties gave rise to fears that SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026 might not live up to its billing – but the opposite proved to be the case. The total of 48 presentations at the STG.ExpertForum met with a high level of interest and attracted a large number of visitors from the first to the last presentation. Classic topics such as cleaning and pre-treatment or new processes, systems, and devices for coating were just as well received as the current focus on using AI in surface technology, digitalization, or alternative coating processes involving physical coating types.
Another highlight of the forum was the presentation of the Stuttgart Innovation Award, "DIE OBERFLÄCHE", by the Fraunhofer IPA. First prize went to LAMA, developed jointly by SLCR Lasertechnik GmbH and Dörken Coatings GmbH & Co. KG. The jury awarded second prize to BIA Kunststoff- und Galvanotechnik GmbH & Co. KG for its Remap concept. This allows Class A high-gloss surfaces to be made from recycled plastics with decorative electroplating for the first time. Enayati Oberflächentechnik GmbH was awarded third prize for its AgTherm high-temperature silver coating system, which significantly expands the range of applications for silver in power electronics at continuous temperatures above 200 °C.
The next edition of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY is set to take place in Stuttgart from June 20 to 22 , 2028.
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