At VDMA Textile Machinery’s general meeting in Hanover, leaders confirmed continuity in chairmanship, set priorities for competitiveness and AI adoption, and published a 2026–2030 Executive Board as the sector prepares for ITMA 2027.
VDMA framed the sector’s situation around rising Asian competition, weaker European business conditions, a revised 2026 turnover forecast of -14% (nominal), and signs that order intake is stabilising.
The association plans to focus on lifecycle services, AI applications, and improving European competitiveness ahead of ITMA 2027 in Hanover.
Context: market pressures and indicators
The association identified a clear pattern: recent years have seen significant declines in order intake and turnover across the European textile machinery industry. VDMA revised its 2026 turnover forecast downward to -14 percent (nominal). Despite that drop, the association reported that order intake appears to be stabilising, suggesting the market may be moving toward a new baseline rather than continuing a steep decline.
Stated priorities and strategic focus
VDMA leadership outlined practical priorities for the coming years:
Organisation: the 2026–2030 Executive Board
The full Executive Board for the 2026–2030 term reflects a cross-section of machinery makers across Germany and nearby regions. Members are:
What this means for members and the run-up to ITMA 2027
The leadership message is continuity combined with an operational agenda: protect revenue through lifecycle services, adopt digital and AI tools where they yield measurable gains, and use industry events like ITMA 2027 to demonstrate Europe's technical strengths. Dr Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery, framed the new board as technically experienced and broadly positioned to tackle the sector's priorities.
Expect VDMA to push initiatives that tie equipment sales to aftersales services and digital tools. Suppliers and buyers planning for ITMA 2027 should look for demonstrations and offerings that address lifecycle economics, digital optimisation, and concrete productivity gains rather than abstract technology showcases.
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