Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Exhibition
November 19, 2025
By: Shu Yasumi, Editor-in-Chief of SEISANZAI Japan, Atsushi Mizuno, Staff Editor, SEISANZAI Japan
In recent years, similar to the consolidation trends seen in Japan, Europe’s machine tool sector has also undergone integration among major manufacturers. About one month before EMO opened, South Korea’s DN Solutions announced an agreement to acquire all shares of Germany’s Heller Group.
The two companies maintained separate booths at EMO, but Heller CEO Dr. Thorsten Schmidt stated at a press conference during the show: “We are a niche player in a sense, specializing in 4-axis and 5-axis machining centers. But as part of a larger team, we can now challenge new markets like Korea where we have no sales history.” He spoke with apparent enthusiasm.
UMS booth featured the ultra-precision machining center “MIKRON MILL P 500 VHP” and others
Another major consolidation example is United Machining Solutions (UMS), formed by United Grinding Group (UGG) acquiring GF Machining Solutions.
The UMS booth featured numerous machine tools, including eight new products from various brands, notably the ultra-precision machining center “MIKRON MILL P 500 VHP.” From STUDER, the company exhibited the compound cylindrical grinding machine “S23.” Despite its compact size, it features a B-axis wheel head accommodating up to three grinding wheels, delivering high machining accuracy.
Four companies from the Nidec Group exhibited, with Nidec Machine Tool and Nidec OKK sharing a joint booth. They displayed three models: the internal gear grinding machine “ZI25A,” 5-axis horizontal machining center “HX500,” and 5-axis vertical machining center “VB-X350.”
Haruhiko Niitani, President and CEO of both Nidec Machine Tool and Nidec OKK, stated: “We’re still developing our European presence, but it’s crucial for conquering the Indian market. Gear processing machines face intense competition from local manufacturers, so we’re engaging in joint research with German research institutions to advance technology development and brand recognition.”
Beyond sales expansion and technology collaboration, some Japanese manufacturers pursue acquisitions to gain expertise in European market regulations and certification systems, which can serve as entry barriers.
Sodick President and CEO Yuji Akutsu
Sodick acquired an Italian metal 3D printer manufacturer in May. President and CEO Yuji Akutsu explained: “We decided on the acquisition because they possess excellent technology applicable to diverse applications and have deep knowledge of European business.” The booth displayed products particularly well-received in the European market, including the die-sinking EDM “AL60G,” valued for its machine size and processing performance.
Peripheral equipment manufacturers are also making acquisitions. Daikin Industries made an Italian hydraulics manufacturer a subsidiary in July 2022 and a German chiller manufacturer in July this year. At EMO, they co-exhibited, displaying products from both companies alongside Daikin’s new products. Kiminori Yoshida, General Manager Oil Hydraulics, stated: “Both companies had expressed interest in adopting our inverter control technology.“
Facing the automotive sector slowdown, many exhibitors are targeting alternative markets, specifically aerospace, semiconductors, medical, and watches. DMG MORI Executive Officer Harald Neun analyzed: “Italy’s aerospace industry is growing. Norway is strong in energy, and Sweden in aerospace.”
GROB-Werke exhibited large 5-axis machining centers
Germany’s GROB-Werke, known for automotive applications, exhibited the large 5-axis machining center “G920F5” designed for aluminum workpieces like giga-castings, while noting expanding users in aerospace and die & mold sectors.
“Automation and IoT are our core technologies, and they’re needed across all industries,” said Kohei Matsumoto, Senior Sales Manager at GROB Japan . The booth also displayed a new automatic pallet changer (APC).
Germany’s EMAG exhibited the parallel twin-spindle lathe “MSC 5 DUO” as a reference display. The space-saving machine enables simultaneous processing with two spindles, emphasizing high productivity. A sales engineer explained: “We excel in high-class turning centers mainly for automotive, but developed this mid-class model for finishing suited to current market conditions.”
TSUGAMI’s CNC automatic lathe “P056WE”
TSUGAMI exhibited nine machine tools, three of which were new products. The CNC automatic lathe “P056WE” features independently controlled opposed gang slides. Proprietary mechanisms achieve excellent roundness even during high-speed machining.
A representative commented: “The automotive industry remains challenging, but we see movement in sectors like Swiss watches and jewelry.”
The next EMO will be held in Milan, Italy, from October 4–8, 2027.
DN Solutions President & CEO Won-jong Kim
We announced Heller Group’s acquisition in August. This wasn’t by chance or impulse—it resulted from thorough examination from every angle.
Three main reasons drove our decision: First, Heller is a world-class manufacturer in horizontal machining center technology. Second, they possess five factories worldwide with associated service networks. Third, they share our service-oriented philosophy. I’m convinced that machine tool manufacturers cannot grow without providing comprehensive service.
THK Chairman Akihiro Teramachi
At this show, we unveiled our new proprietary electric vehicle (EV) model “LSR-06.” It incorporates many of our advanced technologies, such as ball screws and splines integrated into the suspension. These contribute to vehicle height adjustment and posture control.
We newly equipped the suspension with sensors from our IoT platform “OMNIedge.” By acquiring vibration values and detecting operational status in real time, we can achieve predictive maintenance or fault detection. Real-time motion correction could also improve ride comfort.
We completed our first public road test in Austria before the show. Going forward, we can conduct verification in familiar locations like city centers. We aim to improve automotive components and become a valued partner to automakers.
November 17, 2025
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