Intec and Z 2027: Manufacturing practice meets industrial transformation
Trade fair double act offers solutions to key industry challenges: high production costs, digital transformation and industrial structural change
From 2 to 5 March 2027, Leipzig will become the central meeting point for Central European production technology and industrial supply companies. For four days, the trade fairs Intec – with its focus on machine tools, manufacturing and automation technology – and Z – a strong partner in components, assemblies and digital services – will focus on efficient production processes. A number of market leaders such as Yamazaki Mazak, INDEX, Niles-Simmons, Paul Horn, United Machining have already signed up. Specialist visitors from the mechanical, plant and vehicle construction sector can therefore look forward to a high-calibre platform that directly links practical solutions with future topics such as the latest methods of additive manufacturing and innovative production technologies for hydrogen technology.
“With their focus on the Central and Eastern European market, Intec and Z 2027 are providing important impetus for the manufacturing and supply industry,” explains Markus Geisenberger, Managing Director of Leipziger Messe. “Market leaders and consumers come together directly here – whether it’s to set the agenda on technical issues, secure cross-border supply chains or open up new markets. In 2027, Leipzig is where personal exchange becomes concrete business.”
“In 2027, Intec is the most important industry meeting place for metalworking in Germany. Here, the specialist audience can not only experience innovative tool solutions, modern measuring technology and trendsetting production technologies live, but also exchange views directly with users, manufacturers and researchers in order to give new impetus to the industrial future,” adds Markus Heseding, Managing Director of associations VDMA Precision Tools as well as VDMA Measurement and Testing Technology. “That’s why we are working together with our member companies at Intec, for example at FORUM.interactiv and are actively contributing to the industry’s knowledge transfer.”
Practical knowledge for everyday manufacturing
In addition to the comprehensive exhibition, the specialist programme at Intec and Z addresses key developments in the sector.As a knowledge platform, FORUM.interactiv highlights proven approaches to improving efficiency and automation in day-to-day production. Industry and research experts discuss advancing digitalisation, modern manufacturing strategies and solutions for greater energy and material efficiency. The 5th of March will be about the professionals of tomorrow. At the Industry Careers Day, apprentices, students and aspiring engineers will have the opportunity to meet the exhibiting companies in person.
The Additive Manufacturing Technology Forum will also showcase ground-breaking developments. Throughout the exhibition, the focus will be on the further development of industrial 3D printing. In addition to looking at the innovative technology, the focus will be on seamless integration into the manufacturing industry.
Hydrogen: technology of the future – hy.tec focuses on practical applications
With hy.tec, the trade fair double act is addressing a key area of development in industrial transformation with a view to greater energy resilience. This special format, which was last successfully held in June 2026 at Fraunhofer IWU in Chemnitz, is now bringing its practical approach back to Leipzig: the focus is on scalable manufacturing and supply processes for key components such as electrolysers and fuel cells. Here, hy.tec specifically builds bridges to the mechanical engineering sector and the supply industry, whose expertise forms an important foundation for serial production.
Getting together: new Start-Ups Hub and international Welcome Lounge
The Intec-Z Start-Ups Hub is providing fresh impetus to the world of manufacturing for the first time. It provides a stand-alone platform for young businesses to introduce smart software solutions, innovative technologies and innovative processes. Companies have until 15 January 2027 to apply for the hub.
The International Welcome Lounge from the Saxony Economic Development Agency facilitates international networking and the establishment of new supply chains. “Intec and Z have always set the pace for the manufacturing technology and supply industries beyond Germany’s borders – particularly in our neighbouring European markets such as Poland and Czechia,” emphasises Project Director Ulrike Lange. “The newly designed International Welcome Lounge will further extend the range of services we offer our international guests.” Once there, trade visitors can find their bearings in the lounge, take part in guided tours and receive active support in establishing contacts.
The established CONTACT Business Meetings partnership exchange – organised by the Enterprise Europe Network (ENN) and the Leipzig Chamber of Industry and Commerce – also enables visitors to make specific preparations for their visit to the trade fair. A digital tool can be used to set binding dates in advance and optimally integrate them into the trade fair visit.
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