We are pleased to receive a guest blog from TIMGlobal, sharing their perspective on TechniShow 2026:
75 Years of Benelux Manufacturing Innovation Showcased
TIMGlobal attended TechniShow 2026, the leading trade fair for the manufacturing industry in the Benelux region, held from March 10 to 13 at the Royal Jaarbeurs Exhibition Center in Utrecht. Celebrating its 75th edition, this year’s event highlighted the ongoing transformation in the manufacturing sector, with a strong focus on digitalization, supply chain collaboration, talent development, and strategic agility.
During the exhibition, TIMGlobal representatives visited several prominent industrial companies, including Hexagon, Clevr, TopSolid, Mark3D, Spinner, Limas, Tezmaksan Robot Technology, and MVD. Each showcased new technologies and products that reflect the latest advances in automation, machining, robotics, and digital manufacturing. Details from these meetings will be included in future TIMGlobal issues.
Industry Milestone Edition
For the first time, TechniShow is fully integrated with ESEF Maakindustrie, giving visitors a unique opportunity to discover the entire production chain in one place.
“This publication shows where the manufacturing industry stands right now – not in vague visions of the future, but in operational solutions, strategic direction, and tangible innovations that can be directly applied at work,” said Ricardo Vivas van Leeuwen, Cluster Manager for Manufacturing & Logistics at Jaarbeurs.
The Factory of the Future Takes Center Stage
A key highlight of TechniShow 2026 was the FPT Factory of the Future, an initiative where 22 technology companies came together to demonstrate a fully functional manufacturing environment. The setup demonstrated how connected machines, robotics, automation, and AI are coming together into an integrated ecosystem. “The Factory of the Future is no longer a vision, but a reality. Everything needed for predictable manufacturing already exists. The challenge is integration – and that’s exactly what we’re showing here,” explains Ires Veerman, NEVAT’s Industrial Manager.
Innovation and Inclusion Leads the WayInnovation was celebrated with the TechniShow Innovation Award 2026, recognizing forward-thinking companies that are developing smart, sustainable, and efficient manufacturing. This year’s finalists – Gühring, RoboJob, and Voortman Steel Machinery – were selected from an extensive pool of entrants for their significant contribution to industrial development.
Complementing the technology focus, the program also introduced Women in the Making, a new initiative that includes a keynote address and panel discussion on leadership, diversity, and visibility within the manufacturing industry. “The power of innovation is also about who is at the table. With Women in the Making, we give diversity and leadership a formal place within TechniShow,” added Vivas van Leeuwen.
Defense Conspicuity and Strategic Agility
The last day of the event turned to the defense industry. Mart de Kruif, retired Lieutenant General and former Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army, delivered a keynote speech on geopolitics, leadership under pressure, and strategic decision-making. A panel discussion followed, examining the defense chain and the role of Dutch manufacturing companies.
“Safety, technology, and security of supply are increasingly interconnected. This is a strategic area for many manufacturing companies,” says Vivas van Leeuwen.
With a powerful combination of innovation, collaboration, and forward-looking discussions, TechniShow 2026 has reaffirmed its position as an important platform for the manufacturing sector in the Netherlands and beyond. TIMGlobal is excited to be a part of this historic event and looks forward to sharing more details about this event in its future publications.
