In the 1980s and 1990s, the main European trade fairs for the coil winding industry were the Hanover Fair and Productronica in Munich. At that time, many European manufacturers of production equipment participated actively. Since then, a significant number of these companies have disappeared, consolidated, or restructured, reflecting broader changes in their customer base.
Two major developments have reshaped the sector over the past decades. The first has been the relocation of production to Eastern Europe and Asia, particularly China. As a result, manufacturing of transformers, motors, consumer electronics, telecommunications components, power tools, and audio-video equipment has declined in Western Europe, while new industrial clusters have also emerged in regions such as North Africa.
The second development has been the broader trend toward electrification. While the gradual shift away from internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies continues, the growth trajectory of electric vehicles (EVs) has been more moderate than initially anticipated. At the same time, rapid technological progress in China and the increasing presence of Chinese automotive models in Europe are contributing to a more competitive and dynamic market environment.
It was in this context that I visited COILTECH in Augsburg this March. After more than forty years of attending industry exhibitions—primarily as an exhibitor, and more recently as a visitor since my retirement—I observed several notable developments. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical disruptions further exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. In response, the industry has continued to adapt, including through a stronger focus on specialized trade fairs. Events such as CWIEME Berlin and COILTECH have become key meeting points for exhibitors and visitors alike.
First, the event has grown significantly compared to earlier editions. Second, despite ongoing discussions about a potential slowdown in EV demand, the overall sentiment among participants appeared positive. Activity in electric motors and broader industrial applications remains robust, supported by continued innovation in components, materials, and production technologies.
Discussions with exhibitors and attendees, suggested a strong presence of R&D engineers, indicating sustained investment in development activities. Transformers were not the central focus of the exhibition. However, many suppliers of winding equipment and insulation materials at the show, also serve the transformer sector promoting new technologies and innovative materials developed for the automotive industry.
COILTECH presented a balanced mix of production equipment manufacturers and material suppliers. It was interesting to see the increasing presence of companies entering the Humanoid phenomenon, most of them exhibiting hands and a variety of limb actuators. The event was well organized, with a concentrated program of technical sessions delivered over two days. For professionals involved in coil winding and motor production, it represents one of the key European platforms for industry exchange and technology updates.
About the author Giampiero Pari
A retired industry professional with 40 years of global experience in coil winding machinery and automated production systems.
This article was originally published in the May 2026 issue of the Reliability Engineered Design magazine.
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