At Fakuma 2026, ENGEL shared its outlook for the 2026/27 financial year. The company expects a revenue of around EUR 1.55 billion, approximately 10% more than last year.

ENGEL and WINTEC is presenting its customer-focused solutions at Fakuma 2026. (Source: ENGEL)

The business is performing ahead of plan, although it would be premature to speak of a broad recovery in the injection molding market.

“We are seeing an upturn, but not yet a broad turnaround,” said Stefan Engleder, CEO of the ENGEL Group. “The structural changes in our industry remain, and we are adapting to them. We believe engineering expertise has real economic value.”

Stefan Engleder, CEO of the ENGEL Group. (Source: ENGEL)

Strongest momentum in US: Investment in various sectors drives demand

Demand is rising most strongly in the US as customers are moving ahead with projects postponed in previous years. The expansion of domestic manufacturing is also creating both greenfield and brownfield opportunities:

• In technical molding, large, highly automated systems are needed for data center infrastructure, including housings and components for piping, cooling and electrical systems.

• Water infrastructure offers further opportunities, from drinking-water supply to wastewater and stormwater management.

• Manufacturers of household products for major retail chains are also expanding their North American operations.

• In automotive, new vehicle programs and delayed projects are supporting investment.

• Some US packaging suppliers are adding production capacity.

Europe: Moving forward investment decisions

Business intention in Europe has improved in recent months, with enquiries once again leading to initial orders.

Small and medium-sized companies in particular are replacing older machines and exploring production concepts that complement their existing equipment. Demand also remains resilient in applications for household products, construction, water infrastructure and logistics.

The picture varies considerably by industry:

• Medical applications remain at a high level.

• The European automotive market continues to lag. Financial pressure on suppliers and cost-cutting programs at vehicle manufacturers are holding back investment. At the same time, ENGEL sees global potential for in-mold coating of exterior automotive components as an alternative to conventional painting.

• In packaging, evolving requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation are making investment decisions harder to plan. Packaging processors are choosing all-electric systems to combine high output with lower energy use. The new e-motion 380 at Fakuma 2026 uses around 30% less energy than comparable hybrid or hydraulic solutions.

ENGEL is continuing to strengthen its European presence. Its manufacturing site in Kikinda, Serbia, is intended to reinforce the company’s European value chain.

Its partnership with French injection molding machine manufacturer Billion also gives customers a clear route for future investment: Billion will continue to service its installed machines, while ENGEL will be the recommended supplier for new ones.

Asia: India and Africa grow but China faces pressure

Capacity expansion, local manufacturing and infrastructure investment are supporting strong demand in India. Similar drivers are creating opportunities in Africa.

China presents a more challenging picture, particularly in automotive – lower vehicle demand, intense price competition, and capacity built up in recent years are weighing on investment decisions.

At the same time, ENGEL sees opportunities in applications linked to electronics, semiconductors and humanoid robotics. Focus of customers in these fields: solutions that reduce unit costs and material consumption, stabilize processes and offer a short payback period.

Two brand offerings for customers to find the right solution

“Our strength is not simply the range of solutions we offer,” said CEO Engleder. “We work with customers to find the one that best fits their application – and delivers the greatest value throughout its entire lifecycle.”

At Fakuma 2026, ENGEL will demonstrate how different production challenges call for different solutions.

inject AI is one of the highlights at ENGEL’s Fakuma 2026 booth. (Source: ENGEL)

The exhibits range from a largely standardized WINTEC t-win two-platen machine producing around 360 clothes hangers per hour to a tie-bar-less victory electric producing a large-format LSR seal without flash or subsequent trimming. ENGEL will also present inject AI and its applications for day-to-day production.

Together, ENGEL and WINTEC offer customers different routes to economical production – from proven, standardized machines to production cells designed for specific applications.