MECSPE returns to Bologna March 5-7: more than 2,000 companies meet to discuss digital and ecological transition

Now in its 23rd edition, the leading exhibition for the manufacturing industry offers a rich program of events and conferences to encourage meetings between different stakeholders and support companies in adopting sustainable and efficient solutions

Milan, Feb. 20, 2025 – The 23rd edition of MECSPE, the main exhibition dedicated to innovations for the manufacturing industry organized by Senaf, a reference point for the sector and a meeting event between production technologies and industrial supply chains, is approaching.

From March 5th to 7th, 2073 exhibiting companies will gather in the 92,000 square meters of exhibition space in the halls of BolognaFiere , with 13 thematic salons, 16 special initiatives and a full program of events and meetings dedicated to digital and ecological transition.

This year, thanks to last year’s approval of the Transition 5.0 Plan by MIMIT, which with its 6.3 billion euros is an important lever for innovation and energy efficiency for the 2024-2025 biennium, the topic of ecological transition takes on a key role. As Italian industry faces challenges related to decarbonization goals and the compliance of European sustainability directives, it is increasingly important to understand how the integration of advanced technologies-from artificial intelligence to collaborative robotics-can support companies in improving production efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Indeed, innovation must also be geared toward sustainability, not just economic growth.

The issues of transition and progress, which are increasingly relevant for Italian companies, will be explored in depth at the opening event of the fair during which data from the new Osservatorio MECSPE on the Italian manufacturing industry will be presented, in the presence of representatives of MIMIT – Ministry of Enterprises and Made In Italy -,industry excellences and other key stakeholders.

Watchword: industrial sustainability

The exhibition will offer a various program to promote sustainable practices in the manufacturing sector. The Sustainability Aim Track, an evolution of the previous EcoFriendly Track, will provide visibility to exhibitors who have adopted eco-friendly production strategies, recognizing best practices implemented in industrial processes to address multiple global challenges and meet market demands. Another key event will be the Aluminum Energy Summit. Organized as part of METEF 2025, the leader international expo for the aluminum supply chain held in conjunction with MECSPE, it will provide an important platform for experts and companies to discuss decarbonization strategies and opportunities for improving energy efficiency in the aluminum industry.

Confirming MECSPE’s commitment to a more sustainable industry is its partnership with CONFIMI Industria Meccanica. The association, which mainly represents SMEs in the mechanical and mechatronics sector, supports companies in the ecological transition through technological innovation initiatives , training and collaborative network development. Its commitment to promoting more sustainable and competitive production models results in tangible support for Italian companies on their path to growth, with a focus on internationalization and the adoption of low environmental impact solutions.

The exhibition program will focus on the topic of sustainability, not only as an environmental goal, but as a lever for competitiveness and innovation in the manufacturing industry, through multiple initiatives. These will include, for example, Elettronica Italia, a demonstration area dedicated to innovations in the EMS sector and cutting-edge machinery but with a focus on sustainability in terms of implementing eco-friendly practices, such as the use of recyclable materials and energy-efficient processes, which contribute to a more responsible manufacturing process. Other important areas will be the Piazza TMP, designed to highlight the key role of the plastics industry in the transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly production, and the Competence Center area, an opportunity for manufacturing companies to connect with national poles of excellence to receive support in implementing innovative projects, staff training and 5.0 transition processes.

New enabling technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Twin, will also be the starring in this 23rd edition, with a space dedicated to solutions to make manufacturing more efficient, flexible and competitive. These two complementary technologies are transforming industrial processes, enabling companies to optimize production, reduce waste and improve sustainability through advanced data analytics and machine learning. Their integration creates a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement, making processes more responsive and intelligent.

This topic will be explored at the AI Forum with the conference „From AI to the Factory: Simplifying Processes with Real-World Examples,” a time for experts, businesses and stakeholders to discuss tangible applications of these technologies in the manufacturing industry.

Among this edition’s special initiatives, Mecspe is hosting the 5th edition of the Start Up Factory, an area dedicated to high-tech B2B startups operating in strategic areas such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented/Virtual Reality and ESG. Last but not least, the ASCOMUT Village will feature a new project “Champions of Synergies,” a collection of stories of businesses collaborating in key areas such as digital integration, co-creation, technological experimentation, knowledge sharing and sustainability. This space offers a real overview of how companies in the industry can develop integrated solutions to improve efficiency and competitiveness, always with a sharp eye on environmental impact.

In a context in which sustainable innovation is a key element for the future of manufacturing, MECSPE confirms its role as a driver for change, providing companies with an ecosystem of skills, technologies and networking opportunities to foster growth and industry transformation from an ESG perspective.

The next edition of MECSPE will be held March 5–7, 2025, in conjunction with METEF.

Facts and figures of MECSPE BOLOGNA 2024

66,906 trade professional visitors, 92,000 square meters of exhibition space, 2,000 companies, 2,000 square meters of MECSPE LAB – Spazio Innovazione, 18 special initiatives and 72 conferences.

MECSPE Exhibitions

Machines and Tools – Machine tools, Equipment, Tools and Design Software; Sheet Metal Working Machines – Bending, Stamping, Cutting, Assembly, Welding, Materials and Software; Digital Factory – Industrial Informatics, IoT, Industrial Sensing, Cloud-manufacturing, Automatic Identification Technologies, Applications, Devices, Instrumentation and Intelligent Components for Process Interpretation and Interconnection; Logistics – Packaging, Packaging, Handling, Material handling, Lean manufacturing, Warehouse management software, Supply chain management, Security Systems, PPE, Third party; Mechanical Subcontracting – Precision Machining, Metal Carpentry, Mechanical Constructions, Fasteners, Foundries, Minuteries, Wire Processing, Third Party Industrial Processing, Micromachining; Elettronica Italia – Cem (contract electronics manufacturer), Wiring harnesses, Ems (electronics manufacturing service), Pcb (printed circuit board manufacturers), Engineering and design studios; Eurostampi, plastics , rubber and composites – Plastics, rubber and composites processing, Machinery and equipment, Auxiliary equipment, Innovative materials, Molding, Extrusion, Packaging, Blowing, Molds, Models, Normalized mold components, Design, Simulation and design software, Micromachining; Additive Manufacturing – 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping, Rapid Manufacturing, Systems and services for reverse engineering, Additive Technology, Materials, Services, Hardware: 3D printers and scanners, accessories, Simulation and design software; Treatments and Finishes – Surface treatment equipment, Furnaces, Electroplating, Chemical and electronic processes, Washing, Metallization, Enameling, Galvanizing, Products and accessories for treatments, Heat Treatments, Painting; Nonferrous Materials and Alloys – Nonferrous materials processing (Aluminum, Titanium, Magnesium, Light alloys), Die castings, Foundries, Contract industrial processing, Technologies, Design, Engineering; Automation and Robotics-Automation and Robotics, Assembly, Assembly and Handling; Control and Quality-Certification and Quality Control, Metrology, Measuring Instruments, Laboratory Testing, Calibration, Analytical Equipment, Vision; Power Drive-Mechanical Power Transmission Parts, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Mechatronics, Motion Control, Maintenance, Compressed Air.

For further information visit www.mecspe.com

For further information

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